El Diablo

The Devil comes in many guises – but with this Thunderbike Build, the Devil has only one face: in the form of the latest Harley-Davidson Heritage Model. For a Chicano conversion in this class, the Softail Heritage models are the perfect conversion base: a frame with clearly defined proportions and a classic Harley-Davidson line. A design that is reminiscent of the historic models, but offers modern driving comfort. The tight, yet comfortable chassis and agile engine of the new Softail generation provide the necessary driving pleasure and make every rider smile.

The Chicano Style found its origin in the 40’s in New Mexico and goes back to the Mexican-American way of life. Chicano refers to a Mexican worker who immigrated to the USA to find work in the fields. This newly immigrated culture formed the Lowrider scene, which is also known today from well-known music videos. “Bajito y suavecito – Low and Slow” is the motto that shapes the designs of the vehicles: The vehicle is brought to the ground as low as possible and driven as slowly as possible so that onlookers can admire the conversion. The so-called Caballeros are supposed to remind of a knight promenading on his decorated horse. A further characteristic is the elaborate paint job, which should reflect the nature of the vehicle and the owner.

The elongated front and rear fenders were specially made in the Thunderbike forge to fit the Thunderbike Digger wheels in the right shape and deliver the low look. In order to immerse the rear wheel as deep as possible into the fender, the rear swingarm was “swept”. Also with the 23″ front wheel a lot of effort was needed to get the tire as deep as possible into the fender. Of course the El Diablo has a Thunderbike Air Ride front and rear, which means it can be easily lifted up by 8cm at the push of a button.

Before we start with a project like this in our custom workshop, the liberation follows! Here you can see the complete Making Of documentation in pictures.