Combining Harley-Davidson heritage, elaborate custom artistry, and
personal celebrity provenance, this extraordinary 2012
Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe was created over many years as
a deeply personal tribute to the life and career of Elvis Presley.
This motorcycle is as much a rolling work of art and piece of Elvis
memorabilia as it is a beautifully equipped Harley-Davidson.
The Softail Deluxe was part of Harley-Davidson's Softail family, a
series introduced in the mid-1980s and designed around a hidden
rear suspension system that preserved the clean, rigid-frame
appearance of classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles while providing
modern riding comfort. For 2012, the FLSTN Softail Deluxe combined
that traditional styling with contemporary Harley-Davidson
engineering, featuring sweeping fenders, a low-slung profile,
chrome detailing, and a comfortable two-up touring-oriented
configuration.
Power comes from Harley-Davidson's muscular 103-cubic-inch Twin Cam
V-twin, delivering abundant torque and the unmistakable character
associated with Milwaukee's big-inch engines. The engine is paired
with a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, providing relaxed
highway cruising while retaining the strong acceleration and
mechanical personality expected from a large-displacement
Harley-Davidson.
What truly sets this example apart, however, is its remarkable
Elvis Presley provenance. Longtime Elvis enthusiast and superfan
Stanley Kozlowski of Warren, Michigan, spent years developing the
motorcycle into an ultimate tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Through repeated visits to Graceland during Elvis reunions and
through personal contacts within Elvis's circle, Kozlowski had the
motorcycle signed by numerous individuals who had meaningful
connections to Elvis Presley and his career.
Among the many signatures are those of legendary guitarist James
Burton; Karen Fontana, representing the late DJ Fontana, Elvis's
renowned drummer; pianist Glen D. Hardin; singer and songwriter
Mark James; longtime Memphis clothier Hal Lansky; jeweler Lowell
Hayes; actress Cynthia Pepper, Elvis's co-star in Kissin' Cousins;
classic-car mechanic Billy Strawn; Ron Strauss, co-pilot of Elvis's
famed aircraft Lisa Marie; and Elvis's first girlfriend, Dixie
Locke-Emmons, among many others. Even Bill Morris, who served as
Mayor and County Sheriff and famously deputized Elvis Presley,
added his signature to the motorcycle.
The motorcycle's extensive custom airbrush artwork provides the
visual centerpiece for this extraordinary tribute. Executed over
time by multiple airbrush artists, the elaborate painted panels
celebrate Elvis's remarkable life, music, films, military service,
stage career, and enduring cultural legacy. The artwork
incorporates an incredible range of Elvis imagery and
accomplishments, transforming virtually every visible surface into
part of a larger commemorative display. The depth and intricacy of
the work are difficult to fully convey through photography and
truly must be experienced in person.
Beyond its one-of-a-kind appearance, the motorcycle remains a
highly usable example of Harley-Davidson's touring-capable Softail
Deluxe. Equipment includes a front batwing fairing with windshield
and Nakamichi audio system, fog lamps, locking Harley-Davidson hard
saddlebags, chrome wire-spoke wheels, dual rearview mirrors, and a
rear passenger buddy seat with parcel rack. The odometer shows just
9,685 miles.
This 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe is therefore much
more than a customized motorcycle. It represents the passion of one
dedicated Elvis Presley enthusiast, the craftsmanship of multiple
artists, and a remarkable collection of signatures from people who
were connected to Elvis at various points throughout his
extraordinary life and career. For the Elvis collector,
Harley-Davidson enthusiast, or admirer of truly unique Americana,
this is an exceptionally personal and visually compelling tribute
to one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th
century.
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