In his first time Decades of custom bike building like One-way machine, Julian von Oheimb worked exclusively on older Harley-Davidsons. Then, about a year ago, a customer asked him to apply his signature to a modern Milwaukee Eight-Power Softail. Julian required—and even when the foundation demanded a new approach, he took it out of the park.
Julian is clearly embracing the modern machine now, because his only classical rule has disappeared from all but others. He just built his third contemporary custom Harley, this time based on the 2021 zero-mile model Harley-Davidson Softmail Standard.
Julian told us: “With modern technology and the power of the M8 engine, building an old bike is not as easy as you think. But he was unnecessarily modest. At a glance, this newer machine is almost indistinguishable from his typical vintage builds.
The order came from a regular customer who wanted a new OWM build to park next to three he already owned. Aside from specifying that the sponsor’s bike must be new, he only has a few requirements. So Julian has the freedom to rein in the concept his way—that’s how he likes it.
This softail drips with OWM’s signature style. But it’s not just obvious things — true to form, Julian has made a lot of small but big changes.
It starts with Harley’s flawless stance. Julian lowered the suspension at both ends, then wrapped the front fork in hand-made armor to enhance the visuals. TTS Motorcycle GmbH fitted a new set of wheels, using 21F/18R rims from HD Wheels and covering them with Bates rubber.
An insignificant amount of thought went into the rear brake setup. First, Julian converted the Harley from belt to chain drive, with a stainless steel rear sprocket machined to resemble a classic drum brake hub. It is secured by a special locking nut, from the German parts company In Max We Trust.
Next, he installed OWM-drive side brakes, which have been modified to accommodate the newer Softail. It’s a low center of gravity setting to engage the brake disc ‘behind’ the sprocket. The front uses a more traditional single-sided arrangement, and both ends are sporty Beringer calipers, with custom discs from Zodiac.
Softail’s slim new fuel tank is another standout. Julian forged it out of steel, smoothly combining flowing lines with a few well-fitting angles. It is adorned with a pair of OWM badges and a gas cap made from an old hood ornament.
The tank’s top curve flows gracefully into the custom leather solo seats. The bike uses a custom-made saddle on the Thunderbike mounting kit, upholstered by Spirit Leather. The stamped OWM logo adds another neat touch.
The rear fender started out as an available part, but it has been heavily modified. It sits on a pair of custom mounts and is flanked by a pair of small Kellermann combo LEDs. The OWM license plate frame is located lower.
Julian also modified the OEM Harley side covers, but opted to leave a front fender for this build. (Original fender mounting points are still active, just in case.)
Up front is a CNC machined headlight grille, with a rear-mounted OWM handlebar. The handlebar booster is from our good friend Winston Yeh at Rough handicrafts in Taiwan, a regular OWM donor. They are designed to be combined with Softail Standard’s original digital speedo.
The “sinfully expensive” switches are from Rebuffini. However, Julian is happy to recommend them, because they are currently the only unit on the market that works with Harley’s CAN bus system. Kellermann small turn signal lights keep the road ahead legal.
Other changes include a front foot controller from Thunderbike, limited to a Rough Crafts latch and a hydraulic clutch from Rebuffini. Julian swapped the main cover for one from Fat Bob and added a Rough Crafts derby cover, orange cap, and rocker box. The muscular air intake is from S&S Cycle in the US.
For the exhaust system, Julian took an existing system from Vance & Hines, cut out the silencer and soldered a Jekill & Hyde part instead. “This time around, a ‘legal’ release was on the client’s wish list,” he said. “But he still wanted a unique piece that not any other Harley rider could have. OK, and I guess it worked out just as well.”
Like most OWM builds, this Softail’s color scheme is unsaturated and menacing. BK-Lack GmbH lays the base coat while Chikos Pinstriping handles the details. Most hard parts are black, with Schwartz Optical Tuning polishing a select few pieces of metal to add a bit of contrast.
Julian’s clients are said to be extremely pleased with the results — and why shouldn’t he be? This sleek cruiser has all the characteristics of a top-of-the-line OWM custom, with the benefit of modern power delivery and components.
It also won’t be the last modern Harley that Julian plans to build. He has six projects in the works — a mix of old and new. It was clear that the age of the motorcycle he was working on was not a number.
One-way machine | Instagram | Photo of Clave Rodriguez
