Harley-Davidson has discontinued the Evolution Sportster, however it’s going to be a really very long time earlier than the venerable V-twin fades into the rearview. Secondhand Sportsters are straightforward sufficient to search out, work on, supply components for, and modify in each means conceivable. That’s why the Sporty has been a darling of the customized scene for way back to we will bear in mind, and why it’ll certainly keep that standing far into the longer term.
David Zemla isn’t solely a giant fan of the Harley-Davidson Sportster, however he is aware of extra about modifying it than most. That’s as a result of he’s spent eight years working at S&S Cycle—the go-to producer of efficiency Harley-Davidson components.
“I like Sportsters in an unnatural type of means,” says David. “In my eyes, they will be the good motorbike—dust low-cost, un-killable, and could be something you want.”
“Chopper? Yeah, that’s been carried out for the reason that 60s. Bobber? Simple they usually look nice. Scrambler? Certain, check out the white bike I constructed just a few years again. Flat tracker? Come on, Sportster-based trackers dominated the roost of the turn-left kingdom for many years, they usually nonetheless make a high quality avenue tracker.”
This 1993 Harley XLH 883 had been across the block various occasions earlier than it ended up in David’s fingers. Despite the fact that time had not been variety to the metallic finishes, the 30-year-old Sporty was nonetheless plodding alongside fortunately. However little or no of the unique bike stays.
With a bored-out motor, new bodywork, new wheels, and a full complement of Öhlins suspension components, the bike isn’t even recognizable as a 93 883 anymore. “It’s in all probability blasphemous to construct a Sportster to this degree,” David quips. “I imply, the fork legs alone are value greater than the donor bike; no sane particular person would do that.”
In a means, the high-end suspension is what catalyzed the remainder of the construct. David loves previous bikes and previous automobiles in equal measure, and nearly each automobile he’s owned has had its suspension altered or upgraded ultimately. (He even constructed his air bag suspension system as soon as.)
“As soon as I went down the Öhlins path the construct took on a brand new mild,” he explains. “Naturally it could want high-zoot wheels and brakes, and, in fact, a truckload of S&S engine mods.”
The Öhlins piggyback shocks and upside-down forks are joined by a set of billet aluminum yokes from Brocks Efficiency, and an exceedingly elegant set of Lyndall wheels. Measuring 19” up entrance and 16” on the again, and shod with Kenda tires, they work with the suspension to radically alter the Sporty’s stance.
Lyndall brake discs and high-powered Efficiency Machine radial-mount four-piston calipers deal with stopping duties.
Naturally, the 883’s humble V-twin engine was handled to a smorgasbord of S&S Cycle go-fast components. David rebuilt the motor with a 1,200 cc S&S big-bore equipment and outsized cams, then hooked it as much as the corporate’s fashionable Tremendous E carb. The blocky vintage-style air cleaner is one other S&S half.
David pieced the customized exhaust system from some S&S and Vance and Hines components that he had mendacity round, then completed all of it in black. A sequence conversion with a Lyndall rear sprocket will get energy to the wheel.
Because the construct began coming collectively, David regarded to the brat fashion Sportsters of Japan, as popularized by the work of Go Takamine, for stylistic inspiration. With this in thoughts, he sourced a Honda-esque aftermarket gasoline tank, then closely modified it to suit the Sportster. Subsequent, he fabricated a brand new seat pan, after which had it upholstered by Saddlemen in California.
A ribbed fender from Lowbrow customs sits on the again, tucked up in opposition to the Sportster’s new subframe loop. Up high, a small device roll finishes off the tail completely.
On the reverse finish of the bike, you’ll discover ODI handlebars and risers, Biltwell Inc. grips, adjustable Oberon levers, and Motogadget mirrors. “I needed a extremely aggressive cockpit with broad bars, and I like the look and performance of the Motogadget mirrors,” says David.
The remainder of the components spec includes a digital speedo and LED lighting from Alchemy Elements within the UK, late mannequin Harley-Davidson controls, and aggressive foot pegs from Loss of life Metallic Racing.
David has in all probability spent extra money and time on this humble 883 Sportster than any sane particular person would, however it’s onerous to quibble with the outcomes. Moreover, we occur to love his specific model of madness.
David Zemla Instagram | Pictures by Cody Allen
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