Building of the Bike
Business Magazine, Features, Bike Tour
The Manufacturers' Association proudly presents the "American Manufacturing Tribute Bike," featuring 21 member companies that manufacture parts directly or indirectly for American motorcycle icon Harley-Davidson. This special order, chromed-out, decked-out 2005 FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe took nearly 200 hours to customize and commemorates the Celebrate American Manufacturing tour geared toward informing and exciting high school students across northwest Pennsylvania about manufacturing careers.
Customization - Chrome & Assembly
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The 2005 FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe is one of the most widely recognized motorcycles today.
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Converted from a two-seat to a custom single-seat model, the bike was first stripped of its sheet metal.
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The baffles of the mufflers were burned out to make the motorcycle roar, while a jet carburetor was fitted to improve overall engine performance.
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Stock parts that were once all aluminum, polished or black were removed and replaced with 100-percent chrome, etched with "laser tattooing" by Todd Moniz of Thunder Road Laser Graphics in Providence, R.I.
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Customization - Fenders & Tail Light
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As part of the project, fenders were custom cut by Erie-based Howard Industries.
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Primed sheet metal was sent to renowned custom paint artist Chris Wood of Santa Barbara, Calif. based Airtrix.
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To make the bike truly one of a kind, the lens of the Manufacturers' Association logo LED tail light was cut by Ron Lambert, owner of Lambert Enterprises of Norris, Tenn.
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Here the LED tail light is illuminated under the signature paint job.
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Customization - Paint & Finishing
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One of the most impressive features of the bike is this bald eagle painted on the gas tank.
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Through a combination of airbrush, regular spray and pin striping, the "American Manufacturing" theme detail was applied.
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The design, which incorporates a steel-themed body and fenders as well as American flag, took nearly 15 hours to create and 90 hours of prepping and bodywork.
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To give the bike a manufacturing feel, footpegs, grips and floorboards all have a diamond plate finish.
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