When Harley-Davidson introduced the new Milwaukee-Eight Softails, they were welcomed by American bike enthusiasts.
None of the components from the 2017 Twin Cam line fit the redesigned 2018 models. Rick’s Motorcycles took on this challenge and quickly redeveloped many of their key parts, including the well-known Fat Ass wide-tire kit, used here on a Milwaukee-Eight Softail Slim for the first time.
For years, Rick’s patented swingarm kit for EVO and Twin Cam Softails had been produced thousands of times and installed worldwide. A similar solution was needed for the new Softails, but the redesign meant starting from scratch. Only the core idea remained: rerouting the drive belt past the wheel using a second short belt and an intermediate shaft.
Wide-tire conversions always face two main problems: limited swingarm width and the difficulty of routing the drive belt around wider rubber. Many builders have tried compromises like shifting wheels or repositioning drive shafts, but Rick’s is known for clean engineering.
Their mission remained clear—keep the classic triangular Softail swingarm look, center the wheel, avoid frame modifications, and meet TÜV approval.
Their revised system once again solved the issue. By using two short belts and moving the power outward via an intermediate shaft, tires up to 360 mm fit cleanly and centrally.
After a year of development with TÜV, Rick’s presented the first 300-wide Milwaukee-Eight Softail Slim at European Bike Week 2018, where it became a highlight.
Beyond the 300 tire, the bike features black “Classic Steve” forged wheels, a custom steel rear fender, and a stretched stock tank reshaped to flow smoothly over the engine. Rick’s also created new steel front fenders for all 2018+ Softails.
Accessories include Rick’s new foot controls (in standard, +2”, and +4” positions), adjustable brake and clutch levers, rubber grips, and the “Spoke” air filter—TÜV-approved and compatible with Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhausts. Other details include a clear acrylic clutch cover, Rick’s risers and handlebar, and Kellermann Atto 3-in-1 rear lighting.
The result is a wide-tire Softail that still handles naturally, thanks to the centered wheel and an Airride system that adjusts ride height at the touch of a button.
Rick’s new Fat Ass kit for the 2018+ Softails is expected to be as successful as its predecessors—proof that while XXL tires remain a matter of taste, there is no longer a technical reason to avoid them.
Softail Slim parts
- Exhaust system Vance and Hines Short Shots 2-in-2 Black
- Tires Metzeler M880 300/35 R18 130/60 R18
- Front Brake Rick’s Motorcycles
- Rear brake Rick’s Motorcycles
- Rear belt pulley Rick’s Motorcycles
- Front fender Rick’s Motorcycles
- Rear fender Rick’s Motorcycles
- Seat base plate Rick’s Motorcycles
- Seat Rick’s Motorcycles
- Turn signals front Kellermann Atto
- Turn signals rear Kellerman Atto 3-1 Black
- Tailend kit Rick’s Motorcycles
- Handlebars Rick’s Motorcycles T14 S, 30mmm black
- Air cleaner Rick’s Motorcycles “Spoke Black”
- Riser Rick’s Motorcycles “Classic”
- Foodpegs Rick’s Motorcycles
- Grips Rick’s Motorcycles “Good Guys”
- Levers Rick’s Motorcycles “Good Guys”
- Riser Rick’s Motorcycles
- License plate kit Rick’s Motorcycles
- Suspension Rick’s Motorcycles
- Clutch Cover Rick’s Motorcycles
- Gascap Harley-Davidson “Diamond Black”
