Softail Heritage Goes Old School With Carbureted Powerplant

Dare to be Different

Harley-Davidson's Heritage model has been around for quite some time, and as one might imagine from its name, is a retro-styled bike with a look that has stood the test of time. The Heritage has also become an incredibly popular model to modify, with countless shops and individuals cranking out cool custom examples over the years. However, few dare to be so different that they stand out quite like this one, which was dreamed up by the folks at Bundnerbike.

Photos: Bundnerbike

Massive Departure

Nicknamed "Storyteller," this Softail Heritage build started out with a stock 2009 model that looks absolutely nothing like what rolled out of Harley's factory years ago. Gone are many of the styling details that have become synonymous with the Heritage, including its windshield and multiple front lights, as well as its beefy fenders.

Photos: Bundnerbike

Major Upgrades

Far slimmer and lighter than the original, this Softail Heritage now features no front fender and a super small rear piece, along with a custom tank from Bundnerbike itself. The longer seat was also replaced with a shorty unit to make this bike a ride for one, while the whole thing rolls on a set of new wheels with beefy rubber out back.

Photos: Bundnerbike

Unique Changes

As for the powerplant, it's a stock unit that hasn't been upgraded in any major way, save for one - it utilizes a carburetor rather than newfangled fuel injection system, which is a pretty interesting modification. It expends fumes via a custom exhaust that's angled up and over the rear wheel for a cool look, too.

Photos: Bundnerbike

Mix and Match

Bundnerbike reached into its own parts bin for a variety of other goodies as well, including the side-mounted license plate holder and handlebars, while it leaned on Harley for a few other bits, such as the footpegs and grips.

Photos: Bundnerbike

Matching Paint

As for the paint, well, it's just as unique as the bike it covers - the distressed copper-like hue looks more like patina and surface rust than an actual paint job, which gives it a cool, old, barn find sort of effect. The look also matches the bike's intended style perfectly, we'd say.

Photos: Bundnerbike

True Standout

If nothing else, Storyteller is an impressively unique build that stands out from the crowd in more ways than one, which is rare in today's world of cookie-cutter builds. Compare it to the original, and most would likely never even know that these bikes are the same thing - a feat that isn't exactly easy to pull off.

Photos: Bundnerbike

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