Thunderbike, a German workshop famed for its custom motorcycle modifications, has established a prominent place in the Harley-Davidson community over the past thirty years. Their latest masterpiece, the Burning Skull, showcases their expertise.
Starting as a Breakout 114, a favored Harley cruiser introduced in 2013, the bike now features numerous custom enhancements. The Breakout 114, known for its chrome-laden, extended cruiser design, quickly became a favorite in Europe but had a brief pause in the U.S. market from 2021 to 2023.
Initially equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, the newer version comes with a larger 117ci engine. However, the Burning Skull, built on a 2022 model, retains the 114 engine. Unlike the usual fierce skull designs, Thunderbike’s Burning Skull aims to convey warmth and affection, reflecting its design for a female rider.
The bike’s name derives from the skull and flame graphics adorning the bodywork, with the most striking design on the fuel tank, where two skeleton hands form a heart shape. In addition to the custom paint job, modifications include a stretched fuel tank with a four-gallon capacity, custom handlebars, a new headlight cap, and a diamond-like carbon-coated fork.
The bike also features satin footpegs, a padded custom seat, and a widened rear tire. The rear end sports a steel fender, integrated taillights, and a pulley brake system, enhancing the bike’s sleek appearance. Mechanically, the Burning Skull includes a new air filter, forward control kit, and air suspension kit, along with a Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system.
The cost of these customizations is not fully disclosed, but given the high retail price of the base model, $22,499 for the Breakout 117 the total value of the Burning Skull is significant.