Taco Harley-Davidson Deluxe

ALTHOUGH Taco H-D Deluxe looks subtle, the attention to detail is impressive, with an extensive list of bits both shiny and practical so she can be ridden everyday without drawing too much attention from officer plod! “The aim of the build was to accomplish a Mexican Cholo-Vicla look,” Chad, the owner, told us. “I wanted it clean, full bling but tastefully done so it would stand the test of time.”

Choosing to have his mate Pono (Christian Ponoran) rather than a big shop build the bike, Chad was able to get a more personal finish to his ride.

“We shared ideas, I bought the parts and this is what we came up with,” Chad explained.

The base for Chad’s ride is a Harley Softail Deluxe covered in Crushed Ice Pearl & Frosted Teal Pearl combo paint as delivered by Harley-Davidson. After all, if it’s lookin’ sweet, why change it?

Steering is taken care of by a set of chubby beach-bars by Wild Ones sitting atop one-inch risers. 

Naturally, all the factory controls and switch blocks gleam with a rich coating of chrome; braided brake and clutch lines add to the metallic finish, and for comfort, a set of Arlen Ness grips finish them off.

Keeping the bike rolling down the road is a pair of DNA Mammoth Tear Drop fat-spoked chrome rims — 21-inch up front; 18-inch in the rear — wrapped in Vee rubber. 

At his feet, Chad also selected Arlen Ness to supply the chrome Deep Cut floorboards, Deep Cut heel-toe shifter and brake pedal. 

A full compliment of Kuryakyn chrome accessories adds to the bling appeal of Taco, with neck cover, dash trim, regulator, front and rear frame covers, and various engine trim. 

The tank badges have been swapped out for more retro-styled units.

The indicators are CuztomKraft — Afterburners at the rear with Turbine out front — both carrying clear lenses to compliment all the chrome and the cool tone paint. 

The fenders have been trimmed with Heritage Softail rails to add to the bling and retro feel.

The 103-cubic-inch engine retains stock internals but breathes more easily via an Arlen Ness Deep Cut Inverted air-filter, and spits the fumes out via a set of 36-inch-long Cobra True Duals with Fishtail tips. These can clear the bitumen easily on a standard Softail, but Chad can drag his ass by hitting the switch to deflate the SAS rear bags.

The attention to detail on this bike is a testament to the work Chad and his good mate Pono have put into it; Chad would like to thank Pono for his tireless work and effort in building Taco. It proves that you can build a quality bike with care and planning… and lots of shiny stuff!

Words: JT @CrotchRocketMotorcycles; photos: @iShootPix