Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S 2018 — Specifications

You remember the NR 750? This technological gem caused a shockwave in the motorcycle world: an oval-piston engine, a demonstration of Honda’s expertise, and a staggering price for the time. Today, its price tag would almost make you laugh when you see those from a Midual, an NCR, or a Massimo Tamburini T12. In Switzerland, the Bucherer brand, specializing in luxury watches and jewelry, has gone much further. Too far even.

In collaboration with the Bündnerbike dealership, they have created a custom build worthy of a Guinness World Records entry. This Harley-Davidson Blue Edition is a blend of diamonds, an American twin, meticulousness, and approximately 2500 hours of work. Facing this motorcycle is like falling into a dizzying experience. The exterior design is enhanced with 360 diamonds, gold-plated screws, two safes built into the tank housing a unique Carl F. Bucherer watch and Bucherer Fine Jewellery diamond rings, as well as surprising engine lighting.

The motorcycle is based on a Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S, here completely unrecognizable. Every metal element has been handcrafted, welded, stamped, ground, and polished by hand specifically for this unique model. The entire motorcycle frame consists of a single piece, without a single weld, and even the rims have been custom-made. A window overlooking the camshaft housing allows you to observe its rotation, the valve control, and the gold-plated throttle valve. Heat-resistant LED lamps illuminate this spectacle. The Harley Blue Edition is the first motorcycle in the world to feature internal engine lighting. Various parts of the motorcycle are covered in gold; as for the bovine leather saddle, it has been hand-stitched in Switzerland. For the iridescent color, an intense and luminous blue, the artisans had to use a special technology. After silvering the motorcycle entirely, they applied six layers of color using a secret painting process.

This is not just a custom build. It is also a very special display case. Never before have high-end watches and precious stones been mounted on a motorcycle. The rotating Dizzler ring from the Bucherer collection has been specially adapted to be mounted on the handlebar of the Blue Edition. "It was a real technical challenge," explains Jürg Ludwig jr., Managing Director of Bündnerbike. "To ensure that the rings hold perfectly, we employed a special process offering optimal fixation. A process that the Bündnerbike blacksmiths keep secret," continues Ludwig. Another pair of Dizzler diamond rings has been mounted on the fork, while a larger version of the Dizzler ring adorns the left tank.

A domed glass-covered dial hides an additional particularly precious jewel in a built-in safe: a six-claw solitaire ring Heaven, set with a 5.40 carat diamond. A unique piece, just like the Carl F. Bucherer watch custom-made from the Patravi TravelTec II model and hidden in a second safe on the right tank. The dial of this latter unique piece features elements of a motorcycle engine. To prevent engine vibrations from damaging the mechanical movement, the watch is secured in a kind of cage by a sophisticated system of silicone rings. "We spent a lot of time on this," says Samir Merdanovic, Head of Manufacture Movements at Carl F. Bucherer, about the development that required many reflections. "The support, for example, also acts as a winder. The watch is thus regularly wound and continues to function even when the motorcycle remains stationary for a long time," explains Merdanovic. The owner has reason to rejoice, as the motorcycle goes hand in hand with another unique piece from Bucherer: a wristwatch. This one, specially created for the buyer by the watchmaker, features design elements from the motorcycle and its engine on its dial.

The ultimate peculiarity is that this is the most expensive motorcycle in the world. Its value is set at 1,888,000 Swiss francs. The conversion to euros will not alleviate this staggering sum. Let’s put it in perspective: this motorcycle takes us into another dimension, where Harley history meets timepieces.

M.B - Photos constructeur