I’m with what the others have commented on @Sandi T . But to be fair to the guy he has turned your original roadster into a touring bike with luggage and screen for highway cruising, rather than how you had the bike.
The old paint was chipping around the tank and there was some rust appearing on the rear fender (originally a 1930 Ford Model A wheel-cover), so it was time for a refresh. I thought I'd make a change to the colour this year, and I was in a 70's mood so I went for this. It took 13 coats of paint. First was a black base coat followed by 3 layers of heavy gold flakes, then 4 coats of cherry candy before the graphics were added and finished with 5 coats of lacquer (each coat hand sanded). What do you guys think?
I'm not a fan of the seat or fairing, either, Dougie. I was aiming more for the '80's Low Rider look and keeping the bike fairly sleek (for a Harley!) and simple. To answer your number plate question, you can keep your plate when you trade a bike but most of the time people just leave it on the traded bike and get a new one for the new bike. I'm not positive but I don't think it makes a whit of difference in the licensing costs. I probably should check into that as perhaps it has changed.What has changed--in Arizona anyway--is that there are now a number of different styles of plates available for motorcycles. Most have a fundraising aspect to them. Here's an example and this is one I've contemplated paying extra for. I also thought this one might look good my Mustang. The plate is available in regular or small sizes.
That front "foot rest" is used by lots of Dyna stunt riders, @Helmut Visor. And it became a style for the West Coast Club Bike look...I guess to look badass even if you've never done a stunt in your life. The bags were made by Viking and were definitely nice ones and high quality--but I'd not really want them on that bike. I wasn't a fan of the exhaust, either, and I definitely didn't like the air cleaner and cover. I was glad to see he left on the grips and pegs that I put on along with the black trim rings on the gauges.
That tube behind the fairing that @Dougie D asked about is a music system! I have to admit that I've never seen one of those on this type / style of bike. Doesn't mean they're not out there but I've seen a LOT of club style Harleys and this was a first.
Yes, I have to say I agree that the bike doesn't appeal to me and from my perspective has become, as you put it, @Johno, something of an "ugly duckling". Actually he didn't take off the aftermarket mirrors that I put on the bike. But he changed how they're mounted and they are now on the underside of the bars. It's hard to see in this photo but this is where the mirrors are now. They sort of get lost with the hand guards and everything else. In looking at this photo, I can't quite figure out how they're functional. But when I saw them on the bike while I was looking for parts that I'd put on it, I did notice them and it seemed they'd work ok.
Aw, come on, @Helmut Visor, I had that seat custom made and ordered the distressed brown band to complement the color of the wheels, the graphics on my air cleaner and the pinstriping around the outside edges of the fender and windscreen graphics and the tank badging. Oh, and a couple of motorcycle jackets I have that are brown or a brown/black combo. There's always method to my madness. Other than the seat I'm in full agreement with you. There's not a single modification on the bike that I think is better than what I'd done to it. But of course, I chose what I did to the bike so that totally makes sense. I was really curious about what you guys would think and appreciate your feedback. It does make me feel a bit better and a little less "crotchety" that my first thought when I saw my former bike was "Bleeechh!!!"
You are certainly right, @Wessa. Form follows function plus the bike is now his and I'm sure he loves it and has put as much thought into his mods as I did (well, maybe that's going a little too far). But yes, he now has a very versatile bike on which he can bomb around town, zip up and down Mt. Lemmon, or do some touring and highway cruising. You are ever the gentleman, Steve, looking for the positive.
Love it, @LEZ90! Wow! And what a job it sounds like it was. But well worth it in my opinion. I think that heavy metal flake suits the retro '70's style of the bike very well. And I love how the flake colors in the paint pick up the bronze / gold in the grips, pegs, headlight nacelle, and other bits. Very nice! Thanks for sharing the photos. I'll bet it's even more spectacular in person in the sunshine!
Had a good run today with a couple of mates, but about 5 miles from home a pheasant ran out in front of me ,I thought I had just missed it but after looking in my mirror it was unfortunately a goner, hate when that happens
@Sandi T I agree with everyone else about your former bike - it looked much, much nicer when you owned it; I prefer a sleeker look. @LEZ90 that paint job is amazing, beautiful work!