The Harley-Davidson Sportster is one of the longest motorcycle lineups in continuous production. But more importantly, it’s also a full-blown lifestyle for Harley fanatics where customization is as important as dressing up is for you. And ever since H-D called a halt to the iconic Evolution-powered models, this culture has only grown larger.
Proving just that, Japanese shop Custom Works Zon has hopped aboard the bandwagon to whip up a mesmerizing beast based on the Evo Sportster. The shop is one of the leading custom shops in its home country and the motorcycle in context will make that pretty clear. After all, it’s classic, sexy, and boasts serious American chopper vibes to enchant you. Here are all its details.
The Custom Sportster Has A Ravishing Aesthetic
One look at the custom motorcycle, and you’ll be in awe of the aesthetic. The cruiser looks nothing like any Harley-Davidson Sportster, courtesy of truckloads of custom parts. Up top, you get a clean no-fender look, flanked by an old-school round headlight. Another noteworthy element is the rad-looking springer fork built in-house by Zon. The custom fork also paves the way for a short ape hanger, replete with custom grips, brake reservoir, and triple clamp.
Behind these lies a custom fuel tank. Not only is it shaped like a peanut, but the size is puny too, just like old-school choppers. A closer look also reveals unique indents and striking triple-tone paintwork. Likewise, the tail end is properly like a chopper. You get a short sissy bar that houses both the license plate and tail lamp, in addition to a chopped fender and side covers. The latter flaunts the same paint as the fuel tank.
That’s not all, though, as the more you look, the more deets come to light. Our favorite bit here is the set of chunky five-spoke wheels, finished in chrome, just like most of the bodywork. The chassis-mounted mirror, knurled pegs, ribbed custom saddle, and see-through air cleaner are other notable details that enhance the package.
You should also know the footrests now sit a lot higher than the stock Sportster, just above the clutch case on the left and below the headers on the right. So you’re looking at a vastly different, laid-back riding triangle here. And once atop, you’re greeted by a puny digital instrument cluster. No other technology is present–it’s a chopper, after all!
The Custom Sportster Flexes High-Quality Mechanicals
All this while, the centerpiece of the build is a Harley-Davidson Evolution V-twin engine. Though Zon hasn’t revealed the numbers (capacity or power), we do know the mill has been rebuilt by the shop. It now has an S&S carburetor and two-into-two custom straight pipes, both of which should bump the output by a decent chunk. Similarly, the transmission has gone under the knife as well, as gears are now engaged by hand instead of the foot. You’d also dig the engine’s new appearance, thanks to the exposed clutch, chrome heads, and chrome fins. Pretty slick if you ask us.
Coming to underpinnings, the powerhouse is nestled inside a bespoke single downtube chassis, built by the craftsmen at Zon. It suspends on the above-mentioned springer fork up top, followed by a direct link at the rear (yes, there’s no rear suspension). The chassis also incorporates the minimalistic swingarm which houses a custom sprocket (punched out like a disc brake).
Speaking of which, braking is via a single disc setup at the front, where the rotor and the caliper both come from Kustom Tech (situated in Europe). The 21/18-inch alloys, meanwhile, come shod with Michelin rubber, so you have enough grip while belting it. We still think you should plan your braking in advance since this is surely still a heavyweight.
Can You Buy This Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster?
As tempting as the package is, Custom Works Zon has shed little light on whether the Sportster will go on sale. What we do know is that the motorcycle has already won three trophies at the 2023 JOINT Old Chopper Festival held in Japan. So it’s safe to say there’s some fan following for the motorcycle, meaning Zon must already have delectable offers from potential buyers. Accordingly, we suggest you get in touch with the shop as soon as possible, possibly with an offer it can’t refuse. Don’t forget to include freight in your budget too!