Gas Monkey Garage has transformed a brand-new Harley-Davidson Low Rider S into a patriotic custom motorcycle celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The finished bike is scheduled to be given away during the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Richard Rawlings and the Gas Monkey crew started with a 2026 Low Rider S supplied through Harley-Davidson. Their goal was to create a distinctive one-off machine without overwhelming the factory design that already makes the performance cruiser so appealing.
Most of the customization centers on a hand-finished red, white, and blue paint scheme created for the fuel tank, fenders, fairing, and several smaller body panels. Gas Monkey also chose to retain the motorcycle’s chrome components, giving the build an old-school Harley flavor.
According to Rawlings, the winner will be announced live at Gas Monkey Sturgis on Thursday, August 13. Entrants do not have to attend the event in person, although the team is encouraging fans to visit its Sturgis location during the rally.
Stripping Down a Brand-New Low Rider S
The project began with the crew placing the Low Rider S on a lift and removing nearly every black-painted panel that could be refinished. That included the fuel tank, front and rear fenders, fairing, derby cover, and other trim pieces.
Removing the tank also required extracting the internal fuel pump rather than simply draining it like an older carbureted Harley. Once the wiring, hardware, and fuel-system components were disconnected, the bodywork was handed over for paint.
Gas Monkey deliberately left the motorcycle’s brightwork untouched. The latest Low Rider S uses additional chrome details inspired by traditional Harley styling, and the team felt those elements suited the anniversary theme.
A Patriotic Paint Scheme With a Restrained Approach
Custom painter Jeff Long was given considerable freedom to develop the final look. His instructions were relatively simple: celebrate America’s 250th birthday and create something appropriate for a Harley being displayed and given away at Sturgis.
The completed pieces feature a combination of deep blue, bright red, white graphics, stars, stripes, and prominent “250” anniversary branding. A stylized Gas Monkey emblem was also incorporated into the design, tying the patriotic artwork directly to the Texas-based shop.
Despite the bold subject matter, the paintwork avoids covering every surface with excessive graphics. Rawlings praised the restrained execution, noting that the design remained striking without becoming too busy.
Small details and layered transitions give the panels a hand-painted character when viewed up close. Once the pieces were returned to the shop, the crew carefully reinstalled the tank, fairing, fenders, trim, fuel pump, and associated hardware.
Factory Performance Meets Gas Monkey Style
Gas Monkey did not announce major engine or chassis modifications during the build, leaving the Low Rider S largely recognizable beneath the custom finish. The decision keeps the focus on Harley-Davidson’s original performance-cruiser package and the anniversary-inspired appearance.
The Low Rider S already offers a muscular stance, compact fairing, low solo seat, and aggressive ergonomics. Its combination of blacked-out mechanical components and polished chrome provides a strong contrast against the new red, white, and blue bodywork.
Retaining the standard foundation should also make the motorcycle easier for its eventual owner to ride and maintain. This is a functional new Harley rather than a highly specialized show bike built solely for display.
Once fully reassembled, the completed machine looked cohesive enough to resemble an official commemorative model. The custom graphics add personality while preserving the proportions and visual identity of the original Low Rider S.
The Bike Will Be Given Away at Sturgis
Rawlings plans to reveal the winner at Gas Monkey Sturgis, located near Main Street and Junction Avenue, during the annual motorcycle rally. The venue will also host live entertainment, drinks, motorcycles, and appearances from members of the Gas Monkey team.
The promotion is connected to purchases made through Gas Monkey’s website and participating bar locations, with each eligible dollar spent counting as an entry, according to the company’s video. Rawlings said entrants do not need to be physically present when the winner is selected.
For one Harley enthusiast, the prize could turn a trip to Sturgis into an unforgettable ride home. The winner will receive a brand-new 2026 Low Rider S wearing a unique Gas Monkey Garage paint scheme created specifically for America’s 250th anniversary.
What do you think of Gas Monkey Garage’s patriotic Harley build? Would you want this custom Low Rider S in your garage, or would you have chosen a different Harley-Davidson model for the Sturgis giveaway?