Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool

This new build from Thunderbike adds a bit more heritage to a Softail Breakout.

By Brett Foote - June 11, 2021
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool
Modern Classic Makes Softail Breaktout Look Old But Cool

New and Old

In the automotive world, restomods are all the rage, taking the best modern tech and combining it with vintage style for the perfect combination. But in the world of cruisers, such a thing isn't really needed, as heritage style is still quite common in the motorcycle world. Regardless, Thunderbike's custom Softail Breakout dubbed "Modern Classic" does a nice job of blending a few additional vintage styling cues into the thoroughly modern bike.

Photos: Thunderbike

Shiny Stuff

Chrome is perhaps the most timeless mod one can make to a cruiser, and there's plenty of that present on Modern Classic. That includes Thunderbike's own air cleaner, the Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde exhaust, triple clamps, fork, headlight cap, flat risers, handlebars, and all the assorted fittings, to name just a few.

Photos: Thunderbike

Timeless Style

All of that shiny polished stuff makes the perfect complement for a killer custom paint job from Ingo Kruse, which consists of a red and black two-tone hue with gold accents. It's a classy and timeless combination that certainly won't go out of style any time soon, just like a good Harley cruiser.

Photos: Thunderbike

Performance Upgrade

Aside from the exhaust and air cleaner upgrade, Modern Classic's Milwaukee-Eight powerplant has received a bit of a boost from DON Performance Mapping, which gave the big V-twin a tune to extract more power for the road.

Photos: Thunderbike

Wide Open

Thunderbike then completed a swingarm conversion on the Softail, which makes room for the shorty headers and pulley brake. Spoke series wheels are on clear display as a result, including at the rear, where you'll find a relocated license plate and short steel fender.

Photos: Thunderbike

Slammed Stance

While the wheels retain their stock sizing at 18 and 20 inches front and rear, the rear is a bit wider at 260mm. Thunderbike's Slamtail - a hydraulically lowerable chassis with a converted shock absorber - is also installed, which gives the bike a slammed look when it's not flying down the road. 

Photos: Thunderbike

Good to Great

Add it all up, and you've got one seriously impressive build, which is what we've come to expect from Germany-based Thunderbike. Bikes like the Softail Breakout are already timeless, but despite their modern characteristics, they still look great with a little infusion of classic styling elements.

Photos: Thunderbike

>>Join the conversation on this custom Softail Breakout right here in HDForums.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.

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