It’s perhaps one of the most talked-about custom Harleys this year. This “Harley Agathizada” has its supporters and critics alike; you may like it or not, but everyone can agree on one thing: it’s the most original modified bike you’ll see in a long time.
This merging of such different concepts—combining the iconography of a well-known and influential designer like Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada with the world of motorcycles—took us all by surprise. And it works; in the end, Fran Manen and his custom motorcycle workshop, Lord Drake Kustoms, achieved something that many would never have bet on.
The Concept in Miami
Fran tells us that it all started in Miami at the beginning of last summer. That’s where he went to present two motorcycles customized by him, which were going to be auctioned at the charity gala that Antonio Banderas organizes each year during Miami Fashion Week, benefiting the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Tears & Favors Foundation.
These motorcycles drew great admiration from all the personalities attending the event, including Emilio Estefan, Juanes, Antonio Banderas himself, and Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, among others. It was with the latter that he had a pleasant conversation, and that’s when the spark ignited. The renowned designer was delighted with the idea and encouraged him to present the project in Madrid soon.
Shortly after returning to Spain, Fran received a call from Ágatha’s design team and traveled to meet with them to shape the project. Among all the features the motorcycle needed to reflect Ágatha’s style, one requirement particularly caught Fran’s attention: the bike could not contain any black! This posed a major challenge in the world of motorcycle customization. The only area where they agreed to use it was on the tires.
The Creation of This Harley
Fran got to work quickly and designed a motorcycle based on a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200. Many components of the bike, such as the wiring, engine, and other parts, were colored. Other elements, like the rear fender, front wheel, handlebars, and air filters, were custom-made specifically for this motorcycle. An almost unbelievable detail is that more than 300 hearts were crafted throughout the entire customization process.
It’s a Harley that breaks all the traditional norms of this world. Common elements like dark tones, skulls, or eagles have been removed, making way for hearts, flowers, and stars—each bursting with color.
-Fran Manen
The Presentation in Marbella
It was at another charity gala where the fashion designer and the motorcycle customizer found the perfect setting for their presentation. The event was organized annually by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Marbella (Málaga) to raise funds.
On this occasion, the gala was hosted by two well-known figures of Spanish society, Ana Obregón and Boris Izaguirre. Additionally, prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, culture, and business were impressed by this unique Harley.
And now… what’s next?
For many custom motorcycle enthusiasts, this is the question. For now, the bike is set to be showcased by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada in her fashion shows around the world. Additionally, we know this collaboration doesn’t end here, and there are other projects with the designer that Fran Manen isn’t ready to reveal yet.
We don’t know if this “Agathized Harley” will mark a before and after in the world of customization, but what we do know is that it has opened many doors to new ideas. Perhaps in the future we’ll see new custom motorcycle models that surprise us.
