Swiss Motocross-Inspired 2019 Fat Bob Gets Bavarian Grafts

Good Reason

With the explicit purpose of carving alpine roads, this 2019 FXFB defines function over form. Part Harley-Davidson and part BMW, it was built by Danny Schneider, owner of Hard Nine Choppers in Bern, Switzerland. The former Freestyle Motocross (FMX) rider has good reason for his unconventional approach and succinctly stated, “I’m constantly looking for the best setup.”

Photos courtesy of Ultimate Motorcycling.

Shattered Career

Schneider's concern is well-warranted. He explained, “In the Alps, there are no rails on the side of the road. If you flip your bike there, you are dead.” Familiar with disaster, Schneider's professional FMX career came to an abrupt halt in the early-2000s. A bad landing left him with a shattered ankle and life-threatening internal injuries resulting in a four-month hospital stay.

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Monster Energy

Undaunted by the setback, Schneider opened Hard Nine Choppers in 2002. He has since earned a reputation for building traditionally inspired customs. With his riding days far from over, he was recently approached by Monster Energy. He elaborated, “I got to Monster after my FMX career, and now I’m doing more riding projects for them in places where no one else can ride.”

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Performance Riding

It took Schneider about two months to make the modifications to his Bavarian-infused Fat Bob. Supplying ample power, the 114 Milwaukee-Eight was kept stock. For maximum handling, an Öhlins inverted frontend was fitted, along with a set of Brembo brakes. Mid-controls from The Speed Merchant provides a more familiar riding position, and Continental ContiSportAttack tires round out the performance riding package.

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Stiff Ride

Tucked behind a Fab28 Industries exhaust is a BMW S 1000 RR's swingarm and wheel. Hooked to a chain final-drive, the setup is all about riding hard. Schneider explained, “I have set this bike up like this because of my riding style. The swingarm is so stiff, it’s like riding a GP bike. It is so very different from the FXR I used to ride, but it’s amazing to ride.”

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Tons of Turns

Accentuating the oddball build, is a set of mismatched Rebuffini Cycles levers. Out front is a Street Rod headlight cowl. For negotiating Switzerland's mountain roads, a Renthal Motocross handlebar is bolted to a set of Kraus Motor Co. risers. A Saddlemen Step Up seat keeps Schneider located when riding what he described as “the best streets and alpine passes with tons of turns.”

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Free Form

Starting from scratch after his accident, Schneider taught himself the basics. He reflected, “I can now do everything in-house from welding to wiring, which means I don’t have to rely on anyone else.” Like his former FMX career, his build process is free form. “I never really have an entire concept in my head when I start a bike, and I can't draw up a concept either.”

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Success Recipe

The 2019 FXFB might look a bit odd, but it is purpose-built and most importantly, it performs. While this mountain-carver is a personal ride, it represents a growing trend of function over form in motorcycle builds. Combining the best Harley-Davidson has to offer with cutting edge German race bike technology might not look too appealing, but it certainly is a recipe for success.

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