This Custom Harley-Davidson Electra Glide And Deluxe Narrate The Ramayana

These magnificent-looking bikes were modified in just 2 weeks!

We came across a beautifully modified Harley-Davidson Electra Glide and a Harley-Davidson Deluxe, featuring scenes from the Ramayana, at India Bike Week 2024. The modified Electra Glide is called Sampati and the Deluxe is called Jatayu. These bikes were customised by two friends from Jaipur, Chirayu Bhatt and Vijay Devnani.

The idea behind this project was to showcase their brotherhood and love for motorcycles, in an Indian way. They decided to do this by using the bikes as their canvas, to tell the story of the Ramanaya.

When we think about ideal brothers, Shri Ram and Shri Lakshman come to our minds. But Chirayu and Vijay wanted to do something different. They decided to show their brotherhood, through the story of the mythical bird brothers, Jatayu and Sampati. 

They took this route as Harley-Davidson is a brand which we associate with the bald eagle. So doing something related to birds was their initial idea. They have done this by starting the story of the Ramayana from the beginning on the Harley-Davidson Deluxe, till the story of Jatayu’s attempt at saving Sita.

Then the story continues on the batwing fairing of the Electra Glide. The end of the epic is shown at the rear fender and panniers of the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

What makes this even more unique is that all the scenes shown on the bike were done by hand, by artist Gopesh Bhatt. The glittering and other similar gold detailing that is visible on the bike was done with gold.

Other than the addition of these beautiful paintings, the bikes have undergone a few mechanical changes as well. The Electra glide has seen the addition of a two-in-one exhaust. The new exhaust looks a lot sleeker and has helped to improve the ground clearance of the bike.

Lastly, the Electra Glide has also undergone a few changes to the underpinnings. It now features a larger 21-inch front wheel, which is a big upgrade from the 17-inch front wheel which it used to come with.

Overall, this project was one of the most unique ones we have come across. It stands out in the use of Indian iconography, to showcase the spirit of brotherhood. The story behind the project also makes it all the more special. 

The idea was conceived after  Chirayu and Vijay were coming back from a ride. The whole painting and mechanical modifications were also finished in just 2 weeks also adds a unique touch. The costs of the entire project with both the bikes came to Rs 27 lakh, including the paint and the parts used.