Some custom Harley-Davidsons are built around trends. Others are built around culture. Forever Rad’s "Ripper" is firmly planted in the latter category.

Built for the Born-Free Texas Invited Builder Show, this radically reimagined 2017 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S takes everything the Missouri-based shop loves—skateboarding, punk rock, performance motorcycles, and obsessive fabrication—and combines it into one unforgettable custom Dyna.

For anyone who grew up staring at a Powell Peralta skateboard, the inspiration is immediately obvious. The nickname "Ripper" isn't subtle.

Inspired by the legendary Powell Peralta skeleton graphic, Forever Rad approached the motorcycle like it was painting a giant skateboard deck instead of a Harley-Davidson.

The iconic skeleton stretches across the rear fender while hand-painted gold accents and bright red pinstriping flow throughout the motorcycle. Every painted component was buried beneath multiple layers of clear before being block sanded perfectly smooth.

Rather than relying on decals, nearly every visible part received individual attention.

Triple trees. Swingarm. Fork sliders. Brake arm. Side covers. Even the smallest brackets were smoothed, painted, and pinstriped.

The custom charcoal metallic black was mixed specifically for this project, avoiding the blue, green, or purple undertones found in many metallic blacks. The result is a finish that changes subtly in the sunlight while maintaining an aggressive industrial appearance.

Although the styling leans heavily into custom craftsmanship, the Ripper never sacrifices rideability. Forever Rad intentionally avoided excessive rake or stretched geometry, choosing instead to refine Harley's proven Dyna chassis.

The front suspension features: Speed Merchant triple trees, +2-inch Big Bear cartridge forks, Smoothed and painted fork sliders and an SDC fork brace. Out back, a Speed Dealer swingarm works with 14-inch Öhlins piggyback shocks, giving the motorcycle additional ride height while improving handling.

The stance remains unmistakably Dyna—but sharper, taller, and far more purposeful.

Perhaps the boldest design decision is the wheel package. Forever Rad chose polished SMT Retro wheels that resemble oversized vintage BMX mag wheels. The shop jokingly admits they're "kind of ugly," which is exactly why they loved them. On this motorcycle, they work perfectly.

Gold-painted centers tie into the Powell-inspired graphics, while custom spoke-mounted wave rotors and a matching rear sprocket create perfect visual symmetry from both sides of the bike.

The original Twin Cam was rebuilt into a 117-cubic-inch powerhouse featuring: Darkhorse crank, ported and polished heads, ThunderMax ECM, standalone engine harness with CAN-Bus delete, Accel ignition, custom throttle-body support, Speed Dealer velocity stack and a Thrashin Supply polished 2-into-1 exhaust.

According to Forever Rad, the combination produces approximately 125 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, making the Ripper every bit as capable as it looks.

For longer rides, the exposed velocity stack can quickly be swapped for a custom-painted S&S teardrop air cleaner.

What truly elevates this motorcycle isn't any single component. It's everything you don't immediately notice. The heavily modified FXR Division handlebars were narrowed to roughly 27 inches wide while integrating hidden switchgear, mirrored throttle housings, and Brembo RCS master cylinders.

It’s pretty damn clear. This is a motorcycle built by skateboarders who happen to love Harley-Davidsons. The influence of skate culture runs through every line, every graphic, every fabrication detail, and every design decision. It feels authentic because it reflects the people who built it rather than following whatever trend dominates social media.

Forever Rad didn't simply build another custom Dyna. They built a motorcycle that represents the brand ethos.