Julian von Oheimb is the ower of the shop One Way Machine. He pulled out all the stops with this industrial-looking Softail, which he’s nicknamed Iron Riot. He bought a 2001-model carbureted Harley Softail Standard, in perfect condition, with just 1,400 miles on the clock. Straight away, Julian took the rigid mount, 1450cc Twin Cam motor out of the FXST frame, and dismantled the bike for a thorough inspection. The next step was to clean up the engine, transmission and oil tank. He’s kept the Softail’s original CV carburetor, but it looks even shinier than when it left the factory. The engine internals were in immaculate condition, so the powerplant has just been treated to a new air cleaner and rocker boxes, plus a new points cover. The breathing is revolutionized though, with a simple and elegant exhaust system.
It was time to work on the concept, and while rummaging through his storage, Julian found an old DKW tank from the 1930s. After substantial reshaping and re-tunneling, it slotted into place – and gives this Softail a whole new aesthetic. Julian then made a new gas cap out of an old automobile hood ornament that was spotted on eBay. The forks are from a 2004-model Sportster, fitted with custom shrouds, and were a straight slot-in fit. New steering stops prevent the LSL clip-on bars from hitting the fuel tank. The one-off seat was built to order in the US, and the rear fender is an aftermarket part – which Julian remodeled and installed using handmade brackets. He also fabricated the battery cover, out of a single sheet of metal plate. The heavy-duty engineering is in the perimeter brake setup, which adds to the industrial feel of the Softail and keeps the wheels looking open. Aside from a smattering of Beringer parts, it’s Julian’s own work – along with the chain drive conversion. The finish on Iron Riot looks raw, but it’s actually paint applied by regular collaborator Cocobreezé of Frankfurt. “Compared to my earlier bikes, I spent a lot more time and money on the details here – the perimeter brakes, the chain drive, and so on. Cost efficiency took a back seat and no compromises were made.”
