‘El Patron’ Is an Old Fashioned Chicano-Style Softail Heritage

Going Back

Chicano-style motorcycles have been around for quite a few years now, though they're not quite as common as they used to be. Instead, this low-riding, gold-heavy theme has somewhat fallen by the wayside as more and more enthusiasts gravitate toward more modern styles, which is unfortunate for those who like this unique look. However, Thunderbike recently gave us a bit of a throwback in the form of this Softail Heritage build that it calls "El Patron."

Photos: Thunderbike

Gold Theme

The Germany-based builder has been on a bit of a gold kick lately, and to cap off a year full of that treatment, it decided to do something a bit different. Needless to say, that effort paid off big time, because El Patron is the perfect embodiment of Chicano-styled motorcycles that we just don't see a lot of anymore. 

Photos: Thunderbike

Goldilocks of Builds

In its attempt to create the "Goldilocks" of motorcycle builds, Thunderbike was careful not to go too far with this treatment, which can be easy to do. Rather, it simply added a slew of gold accents and a low-slung stance, coupled with a laundry list of upgrades - many of which stem from its own catalog. 

Photos: Thunderbike

Old and New

Of course, a Chicano style bike needs to have a giant front wheel, and that's the case here, as that particular piece measures in at 23 inches in diameter. On the flip side, it's a classic five-spoke design rather than some newfangled type of roller, adding to a look that also features old Shovel panniers, as well as an elongated exhaust with classic fish tails at the end. 

Photos: Thunderbike

Gold Everything

To ensure authenticity, Thunderbike modified its existing Chicano fender style to accommodate a new license plate frame design, and also added its Strut Stripe indicators. To cap it all off, there are gold accents adorning the headlight trim ring, ignition cover, air filter cover, tappet cover, rocker cover, axle cover, fork screws, primary cover, and running boards

Photos: Thunderbike

Paying Tribute

A nice shade dubbed Bordeaux provides the perfect contrast to all that gold, along with various black accents to boot. Throw in a custom leather seat from Spirit Leather, and it's safe to say that Thunderbike did a great job paying tribute to this iconic look. 

Photos: Thunderbike

Masterful Job

While it certainly isn't often we come across Chicano builds these days, El Patron does a great job of modernizing that look somewhat without going too far overboard - and needless to say, that wasn't an easy task for anyone to accomplish. 

Photos: Thunderbike

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