New Softail Standard Gets Neo-Retro Treatment

Applied Challenge

Age is a just number, but when it comes to a showroom-fresh machine, the stakes are a bit higher. Julian von Oheimb of One Way Machine is no stranger to challenge. More familiar with older bikes, he applied a neo-retro treatment to this brand-new Softail Standard. With uncompromising vision, he transformed a stock bike into a stylish Art Deco-inspired bobber.

Photos courtesy of Clave Rodriguez.

Critical Passion

One Way Machine is a well-established custom shop located in Staufenberg, Germany. They have a lengthy award portfolio that dates back almost twenty years. Of note are their four recent AMD World Championships for entries in the Modified Harley-Davidson Class. Oheimb's passion runs deep. With a childhood spent working on vintage American machines, he credits his father for imparting critical values and skills.

Flying Eagle

Art Deco was a widespread design movement that started in the 1920s. Embracing modernity and technology, it shaped much of America's visual landscape, influencing everything from the first skyscrapers to coffee cups. Enthusiasts might best recognize the style from the 1930s VL series, with its swooping fenders, 'Flying Diamond' gas tank decals, and the Motor Company's first use of an eagle motif.

Regular Freedom

Oheimb reflected on the build process and its pitfalls. He stated, “With the modern technology and the power of the M8 engine, it’s not as easy as you would think to build an old-school bike.” The project was initiated by a long-term client who granted him artistic freedom. Oheimb noted that it took a lot of consideration to get the look right.

Vintage Assembly

The first order of business was to lower the Softail at both ends and fit spoke rims wrapped in Bates Baja tires. Oheimb then turned his attention to the rear wheel. The belt drive was replaced with a chain, and a stainless steel rear sprocket was machined to resemble a vintage drum brake hub. Behind it sits a proprietary 'drive-side' brake assembly with a Beringer caliper.

Curious Interpretation

A tenant of Art Deco design was the illusion of motion and speed in static objects. Echoing that aesthetic, Oheimb hand-hammered a new gas tank out of steel with a unique stepped skirt at the bottom. Not only does the new tank flow into the leather seat better, but it also invites a streamlined interpretation while presenting a curious machine-like quality.

Vintage Combination

To 'age' the modern Milwaukee-Eight engine, Oheimb installed finned rocker boxes, cam cover, and derby cover from Rough Crafts. The primary cover comes from a Fat Bob and the forward controls were supplied by Thunderbike. The vintage-looking Stealth Air Cleaner is from S&S Cycle. The race-inspired exhaust is a combination of Vance & Hines headers welded to a Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde muffler.

Design Key

The gas tank received a winged figurine cap—a trademark of all One Way Machine builds. Painted black with white highlights, the Softail keeps true to Oheimb's minimalist preferences. Successfully blending a vintage look with modern machinery is difficult to achieve. Key to success with this neo-retro Softail Standard was employing a design approach that embraced technology while celebrating style.

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