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5 Minutes
Swiss craftsmanship meets American V-twin: introduction to the Black Beak
Bundnerbike, a boutique Swiss customizer, has transformed a stock Harley-Davidson Breakout into the Black Beak — a showpiece that reads like a catalog of Swiss-made aftermarket motorcycle parts. While Switzerland is better known for watches, chocolate and banking, Bundnerbike has quietly built a reputation in the global custom motorcycle scene by reworking some of the most iconic Harleys with meticulous in-house components and high-end finishes.
Design and styling highlights
The Black Beak owes its name to a striking paint scheme rather than any literal bird-like appendage. The aesthetic is deliberately restrained but high-impact: a large, sculpted fuel tank dominates the top of the frame, balanced by a minimalist rear fender and a single, bespoke saddle finished in black with gold pinstriping. That gold-on-black contrast is a recurring theme across the build, giving the bike a cohesive, premium look.
Custom-made components
Bundnerbike lists at least two dozen in-house parts on this project. These include small but visible items such as bespoke hand controls, grips, and LED indicators, as well as major functional upgrades: a single-sided swingarm, an air ride suspension kit, and custom wheels sized 21 inches at the front and a wide 18-inch at the rear. The result is both a visual statement and a performance-oriented package that changes handling and stance compared with the stock Breakout.
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Performance and drivetrain
Mechanically the Black Beak remains close to its Breakout origins — Bundnerbike did not radically alter the powertrain. The most notable performance-related modification is the addition of a Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde exhaust system, mounted asymmetrically on one side. That aftermarket exhaust not only alters the sound character but can affect throttle response and weight distribution. The air ride suspension provides adjustable ride height and tuning for street or show use, adding a modern layer of functionality to the classic V-twin platform.
Vehicle specifications (key)
- Base model: Harley-Davidson Breakout (customized by Bundnerbike) - In-house components: ~24+ custom parts - Front wheel: 21-inch custom wheel - Rear wheel: 18-inch wide custom wheel - Suspension: Air ride kit (adjustable) - Swingarm: Single-sided custom swingarm - Exhaust: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde aftermarket exhaust - Exterior: Large custom fuel tank, minimalist rear fender, black saddle with gold pinstriping - Powertrain: Largely stock Breakout engine with signature exhaust upgrade
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Market positioning and value
Bundnerbike’s Black Beak sits between two pricing extremes. It’s far less expensive than the ultra-exclusive Bucherer Blue Edition — a Bundnerbike-backed build reportedly valued at around $2 million — yet it’s considerably more costly than a factory Breakout. The exact figure for the Black Beak has not been disclosed, but its extensive in-house parts and bespoke engineering place it in the premium custom market rather than the mass aftermarket segment.
How it compares to other custom Harleys
Compared with typical aftermarket conversions, the Black Beak emphasizes bespoke manufacturing over off-the-shelf parts. The single-sided swingarm and custom wheel sizing create a look and stance you won’t achieve with generic bolt-on accessories. In contrast to show-only customs that sacrifice rideability, the Black Beak retains practical elements — adjustable air suspension and a functional exhaust — so it can be ridden as well as displayed.
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Who is this bike for?
The Black Beak targets collectors and discerning riders who want a highly personalized Harley with Swiss-made components and exceptional finishing. It appeals to enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, unique design details, and a build that blends visual showmanship with real-world functionality.
Conclusion
Bundnerbike’s Black Beak is a statement of custom motorcycle capability: a Breakout reimagined through a Swiss lens, packed with in-house parts that showcase engineering and design talent. While pricing remains private, the project’s ambition and component quality make it an important entry in the modern custom Harley landscape.
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