Well, in all their forms, these words mean:
To make, or alter, to individual or personal specifications.
Harley-Davidson, probably the pioneers of the concept, took us on a journey to help us better understand the brand and its custom philosophy, keeping in mind that Harley riders have, since 1903, always expressed their individuality by personalising their motorcycles in one way or another.
The one thing that we heard repeatedly during our trip to Miami, from the firm's executives and styling team, was how a Harley is essentially a blank canvas when you purchase it. Then it's up to you to make it your own.
Our ride on the 2012 Softail Slim - I will tell you about its handling later - began at the iconic Wynwood Art district, which is renowned for it's street artists.
This is where you find the Gibson studios; where, in conjunction with Harley-Davidson, they have created a museum of some of the funkiest petrol tanks customised by either artists or Harley riders who want to express how they feel when riding.
Miami is as breathtaking as you can imagine, especially from the seat of a trimmed- down Fatboy, the 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim.
Twelve to 15 Harleys can sure make a noise but they were well received by the half- naked women and guys with and without extremely hard abs on the beach or along the stretch of restaurants on Ocean Drive.
The Softail Slim is the perfect blend of classic, raw bobber style and contemporary power - a modern ride with unmistakable old-iron attitude. Powering the Slim is a 1688cc Twin Cam 103B engine that produces 132Nm at 3250r/min.
The look offers a trimmed front fender, narrow rear, solo seat, minimal chrome, low 650mm seat height and rider floorboards, which makes riding it so comfortable.
Harley-Davidson's senior designer, Casey Ketterhagen says: "I'd personally like to strip the bike down even further, but this is as far as we can go on a production model.
"The Slim is intended to be a direct interpretation of home-built customs of the 1940s and 50s, and we used a number of components that evoke that era, beginning with a Hollywood handlebar."
Harley is all about the look, feel and sound and this one sounds so good and the handling is easy and swift.
It actually feels quite light and the riding position is natural and also extremely comfortable.
The Softail Slim is available to order at R209500 - pricy but worth it, I'd say.
Harley FLS Softail Slim
Engine: Air-cooled, Twin Cam 1688cc
Torque: 132Nm at 3250rpm
Dimensions: Length 2350mm, seat height 650mm
Fuel Capacity: 18.9l
Weight: 305kg
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