2016 Harley Davidson Road King

“Superstitous”

Owned by: Curtis Callaway

Photos by: Dan Davis

Curtis Callaway’s 2016 Harley Davidson Road King, named “Superstitious,” is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a work of art inspired by the vibrant culture of New Mexico and Curtis’s deep connection to custom vehicle scenes. This stunning custom bagger defies old racing superstitions about the color green and has become a head-turner at every event it graces. Here’s the full story behind the build that took two years to complete and has captivated motorcycle enthusiasts across the country.

The Story Behind “Superstitious”

The name “Superstitious” was born from a conversation between Curtis and the builder of the motorcycle, who happened to also build race cars. When Curtis and his wife, Kristina, decided to paint the bike her favorite color—green—the builder mentioned the long-standing superstition that green is bad luck for motorcycles and race cars. Unfazed, Curtis replied, “We don’t believe in superstitions,” and so the bike was christened “Superstitious.”

Build Overview

• Make/Model/Year: 2016 Harley Davidson Road King
• Original Cost: $20,000
• Build Cost: $35,000
• Color: Custom Candy Green with Flames, Lace, Dragon Scales, and Infinity Lines
• Painted By: Garret Customs

Inspiration: A Fusion of Cultures

Curtis, who grew up in New Mexico, was heavily inspired by the lowrider car culture, with its candy paint jobs, intricate lace patterns, and hydraulic systems. His goal was to build a bike that no one else had—a unique bagger that would draw attention and respect from the custom motorcycle community. After a cross-country road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Sturgis, South Dakota, Curtis and Kristina decided it was time to give their Road King a radical new look.

The build was deeply influenced by Curtis’s Hispanic heritage, which is reflected in the bike’s custom lace paintwork, the use of spokes, and the Mexican blanket inlaid in the seat. These elements pay homage to the traditional Mexican artistry and the lowrider culture that shaped Curtis’s childhood.

Body & Paint: A Show-Stopping Design

The exterior of “Superstitious” is nothing short of breathtaking. Garret Customs executed the radical paint job that features a striking Candy Green base with intricate flames, lace, dragon scales, and infinity lines. The transformation from the original Road Glide fairing to a Road King front end gives the bike a cleaner, sleeker appearance, complete with a nacelle front headlight.

The bike also boasts extended bags, a chin spoiler, side skirts, and a custom front fender. The body modifications were done by Cylent Cycles, which also provided the longest fender and bagger kit available at the time, further enhancing the aggressive stance of the motorcycle.

Wheels & Suspension: Built for Style and Comfort

“Superstitious” rides on massive 26-inch front and 18-inch rear Fat Daddy Spoke wheels, powder-coated black with chrome spindles. These wheels, combined with the lay-frame style, give the bike its unique and bold stance. To ensure a smooth ride, Curtis installed Dirty Air shocks on both the front and rear, with a custom swingarm air tank to keep the system running flawlessly. The modified frame and welded raked neck allow for the lay-frame setup, giving “Superstitious” a low, sleek profile when parked.

Engine & Performance

Under the hood, “Superstitious” is powered by the reliable 2016 Harley Davidson engine, which has undergone several modifications to match the bike’s one-of-a-kind look. Curtis added a custom, hand-built exhaust that not only enhances performance but also turns heads with its hot rod-inspired sound. Additionally, the motor has been powder-coated to stand out from the typical chrome-heavy setups seen on most motorcycles.

The engine also features a 12-point show-polished bolt set from Alloy Bolts and a Kuryakyn air filter for optimal performance. Curtis has future plans for the engine, including diamond cutting, custom stainless steel cables, and engraving, further enhancing the custom look of the bike.

Interior: A Tribute to Tradition

The seat of “Superstitious” is one of its most striking features. Upholstered by Troy Swarvar, the custom leather seat includes an inlay of a traditional Mexican blanket, a nod to Curtis’s cultural heritage. Curtis and Kristina bought nearly 10 Mexican blankets before finding the perfect one to be integrated into the seat design. This detail adds both texture and history to the build, making it a truly personal piece of craftsmanship.

Additional interior details include custom banana floorboards, a brake pedal, and a shifter from Cycle Smiths, all of which were hand-picked to match the bike’s unique aesthetic.

Acknowledgments

Curtis Callaway is quick to give credit to those who helped bring his vision for “Superstitious” to life:

• Garret Customs for the custom paintwork and body modifications.
• Demco Powder Coating for their powder coating expertise.
• Boss Fab Custom Fabrication for their custom metal work.
• Troy Swarvar for the exceptional upholstery work.
• Family & Friends: Curtis and Kristina are especially grateful for the support of their daughters and close friends, who helped them through the build and the show season.

Conclusion: Defying Superstitions, One Ride at a Time

“Superstitious” is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a statement. Curtis Callaway’s custom Harley Davidson Road King stands out for its radical design, cultural influences, and defiance of traditional superstitions. Whether cruising through the streets or showing off at bike shows, “Superstitious” is a true work of art that captures the essence of New Mexico’s lowrider culture and the personal story of its owner. This bike is a testament to the passion and creativity that go into custom vehicle builds, and it’s sure to inspire others for years to come.