Classic motorcycles with a rich heritage are unmatched propositions. And when it’s a Harley-Davidson, things level up real quick. Case in context here is the iconic XR750. Debuted in 1969, the XR became America’s most successful flat-track race bike with 29 AMA titles and over 50 years of dominance. In fact, even the legendary Evel Knievel made the H-D his preferred weapon of choice for jumping over cars, buses, rivers, and everything in between.
Thanks to this, the XR enjoys a large and loyal fan following which also includes Australian custom bikemaker Gasoline Motor Company. So when a customer wanted to pay homage to the H-D racer, the shop simply pulled up its pants to create the XR883–a custom based on the XL883 Sportster, heavily influenced by the legendary XR.
The Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster Looks Exactly Like The XR750 Racer
The XL883 Super Low might be a simple Harley-Davidson cruiser in its stock avatar, but most of it has been binned, trimmed, or overhauled for this project. Up top, the fascia bids adieu to the round headlight to welcome a race plate that mimics flat track racers. Right behind the plate is a hidden 3D-printed box, comprising all the vital electrical components. Whereas, right below the plate lies a rectangular LED headlight, neatly camouflaged between the forks so it doesn’t hamper the clean race bike aesthetic. Additionally, there’s no front fender anymore, just as it would be on a purpose-built flat tracker.
Coming to the opposite end, the bulky OEM Sportster tail has made way for a custom rear end, housed onto the chopped subframe. It comprises a custom tail and seat pan, both exactly like the XR750. This is complemented by a custom leather saddle, shaped to put you in a similar riding posture as the flat track racer.
Between all this lies our favorite (and the maker’s favorite) element - the new fuel tank. It’s a custom unit that follows the edgy creases of the XR750’s fuel cell and even flaunts similar graphics to up the suave. Plus, since this is a lot smaller than the OEM unit, the shop has whipped up an external fuel pump, a custom pressure regulator, and Proflow fittings. None of it is visible to the naked eye, which makes the aesthetic even more commendable.
The Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster Has Spruced-Up Underpinnings
Just like the design, the Sportster now rides on custom underpinnings. You now get Ceriani-style custom forks up top, complete with bespoke triple trees, risers, and a Monotube cartridge kit. The forks also pave the way for the aftermarket stainless steel handlebar. Though the shape mimics the XR750’s handle, the new unit comprises a single cable throttle, custom front brake reservoir, and aluminum hand controls for a premium feel. Another neat touch is the unique handlebar riser that neatly integrates a compact digital instrument cluster, sourced from MotoGadget.
As for the rear, the custom XL883 now flexes a set of 15-inch YSS shock absorbers. These not only increase Sportster’s rear height but also come wrapped in an all-black coat to blend with the blacked-out double-cradle chassis. Concurrently, a closer look reveals the new final chain drive system, put in place of the OEM belt-pulley setup. The final piece of the puzzle is the set of 19x4-inch spoke wheels, complete with aluminum rims and chunky flat-track-like Firestone tires. The ABS-equipped single disc brakes are carried forward from the Sportster, though.
The Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster Has Minor Engine Tweaks
Among all the overhauled bits, the 883cc, V-twin powerhouse remains an exception here. Gasoline Motor Co. has left it untouched for the most part, only throwing in a two-into-two custom exhaust and replacing the final drive as mentioned above. Even the five-speed gearbox is untouched, so you’re looking at around 68 horsepower available from as low as 4,400 RPM. In a similar fashion, the electricals are untethered too. The motorcycle retains its keyless ignition and immobilizer function, in addition to its push-button control module. So even though this looks straight out of the 1970s, the motorcycle is still thoroughly modern.
Can You Buy This Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Sadly, there’s no word on the matter. But a little homework suggests the owner of the motorcycle had put it for auction on Collecting Cars. So there’s a chance the motorcycle is in search of a new home and we suggest you get in touch with the Gasoline Motor Co. to know about it. Now, we know this isn’t as iconic as the original XR750, but we still believe it’ll cost a lot more than an average Harley-Davidson. Not as much as the XR, though, since its clean examples sell for nearly $100,000 in today’s auctions.