Thailand takes H-D's Battle of the Kings

Bangkok Harley-Davidson has taken out the 2018 instalment of Harley-Davidson's Battle of the Kings custom build-off with a stunning Street Bob-based chopper dubbed, 'The Prince'.

Announced at the recent EICMA motorcycle expo in Milan, Italy, the feat was made even more impressive by the fact it's the first time the Thai dealership has entered the competition, which is open to Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the world.

'The Prince' edged out a very tidy race-themed Roadster-based entry from our own Adelaide Harley-Davidson, named 'Back to the Track', along with a rugged creation dubbed 'Farm Machine' from Bologna Harley-Davidson in Italy.

All three finalists were on show at EICMA, ahead of the announcement of the winner.

This year saw over 300 Harley dealerships from more than 30 countries take part, with the judging carried out by a seven-strong team from the Harley-Davidson Styling and Design division, led by Vice President of Styling of Design, Brad Richards.

"It was so close, deciding the winner," said Richards.

"In the end the clean lines and beautiful engineering of 'The Prince' took it – but it was only by one single vote.

"This really demonstrates what is possible – and what dealerships are capable of delivering. A huge congratulations to the team at Bangkok Harley-Davidson, particularly as this was their first time in the competition."

In creating 'The Prince', the team at Bangkok Harley-Davidson say they chose the Street Bob to reflect a nostalgic image while benefiting from modern-day technology.

The back-to-the-'70s chopper look was achieved by chopping off the front and rear fenders and incorporating parts from other motorcycles within the Harley-Davidson range, such as the fuel tank from the Forty-Eight and the handlebar from the Roadster.

The 21-inch front and 16-inch rear custom-made five-spoke wheels enhance the sloping profile of the bike, while rerouting the brake line, fuel line and wiring loom tidied up the look.

The gold-on-black palatte was used to reflect a black leather jacket and chopper theme, with golden crown fuel cap and tyre valve caps playing to the nickname of the bike, 'The Prince'.

The engine is highlighted by gold powder-coating the pushrod tubes, rocker box inserts and air cleaner mesh. These parts are chrome-plated prior to powder coating to achieve the shining effect. The seat, meanwhile, is reshaped and re-skinned in natural hide with yellowthread-stitching.

A Brass Collection derby cover and timing cover were used to de-chrome the bike, while floating-disc brakes and black levers, anodized footpegs and handgrips create modern and powerful look.

And with the crowning of one Battle of the Kings grand champion comes the opportunity for the next – the 2019 Harley-Davidson Battle of the Kings competition has officially begun, with dealerships now turning their attention to creating their next custom Harley masterpiece…

Related reading:
Stars of EICMA 2018
Harley-Davidson Battle of the Kings