A Limited Edition V-Rod
Published by April 3rd, 2017
50 years in business (1967-2017) in Switzerland for the same Harley company, a milestone needing to be celebrated. Father Felix Bächli (born in 1940) started in 1967 as a Harley and US bike seller, then became in 1978 an authorized official dealer. Son Rainer took over in 2002, and is now managing Harley-Davidson Heaven biggest dealership in the Switzerland, selling yearly about 15% of all Harley models in a country where the Milwaukee brand owns more than 26% of the heavyweight motorcycle market share.
A tribute in the form of a custom Harley V-Rod Muscle, although after 15 years of production the V-Rod is going to fade away in 2017. So, why Bächli did decide to pick up a V-Rod model to produce an Anniversary Limited Edition? Simply because it’s one of the preferred Harley models for neighboring Germans and Swiss riders. And not only because the V-rod has a well documented engine connection with Porsche Engineering, but also because the Harley power/cruiser seems conceived specifically for what German and Swiss riders – who are well known for their passion for advanced technology – like to ride. A motorcycle desirable because it’s of American origin, but also one quite revolutionary, not buried in a past era for silhouette and performance… So, an Adieu to the V-Rod 60-degree V-Twin, but with one done with a BiG Bang, Bächli producing several 50 Years Anniversary limited edition models, variations coming from different paint jobs and of a few accessories.
For Zurich based Baechli’s Harley Heaven the V-Rod Muscle or VRSC model has always added a cool new twist to the Harley-Davison traditional theme. When you are an official dealer, there are things you don’t want to change: of course the frame, the superb Revolution engine thrust and the very comfortable and maybe the best Harley upside down front forks suspension. So, how do you go from stock to the radical custom status? By adding more muscle to the bike, in incorporating and modifying accessories from the great V-Rod and Buell Specialist in Germany R&R Customizing (RRC). Then adorne the bike all over with a very flashy paint job meaning dramatic power and strength.
With the “Hard Muscle”, Rainer Bächli didn’t try to reinvent the wheel, most aftermarket parts being available close by in Germany. He just modified, adapted most of the RRC custom components. It includes the complete sporty tail end changing the rider position for a more aggressive stance, the swingarm extension, the kit to re-space the driveline to accept the wider 9.5” rear wheel wrapped in a massive 280 mm Metzeler rubber, the headlight mask, etc. To match the great Harley upside down front suspension a set of Hyperpro HD 11-7 Special rear shocks were installed. The stock mufflers were swapped for a Jekill & Hyde exhaust system where both pipe ends are adjustable for sound (in case you want to play with neighbors and cops…) Siggie‘s Customp Pinstriping performed the eye catching paint job which includes wheels and all body parts up to the RRC headlight fairing. The way it looks and sounds, the “Hard Muscle” seems ready to scratch some tarmac. And there are thousands of V-Rods out there waiting to be customized. Harley Heaven/Felix Bächli AG. (photos @ H. Roesler for C. Huze)
hdc-deurne.com 