SID'S SPORTY

1998 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER

Sid’s Sportster was definitely one of the more intensive builds we’ve done as of late, as it came to us as just the engine and the frame; everything else that’s on the bike is something that we had to get aftermarket or make ourselves, and it definitely paid off. Because the bike was just the engine and the frame, the first things to think about were what we were going to do about the wheels and the front forks. For the wheels, we decided to go with a 21” spoked wheel up front, and a 16” mag wheel for the rear, giving the bike an aggressive upwards tilt that is accentuated by the custom front-end Sid decided to go with. Pictured is the 4-over that we originally installed, although since taking these photos, Sid has decided instead to go with a more aggressive 8-over, really pushing the front of the bike out and accentuating its already pretty mean stance. Staying with the front-end, Sid also originally chose to put on some taller ape-hangers, but has since changed the bars to some 8”chumps; and, as we normally like to do with our custom builds, we also cleaned up the bars with a control-delete, and naturally, did away with the mirrors as well.

Beginning to move a bit further back, Sid decided to do away with the stock tank and instead choose a mid-tunnel Alien tank instead, running the fuel line out of the top and adorning it with a nice patina that we just rattle canned clear coat over it.

And, as is pretty standard for our Custom Sportster builds as well, we also fabricated a custom seat pan in-house and had it upholstered by Cheryl Lyons Upholstery, and outfitted with an in-house fabricated sissy bar mounted onto the rear fender.

And finally, Sid also went with a custom Tombstone taillight lens, which he has since further customized, designing and constructing his own tail light lens out of epoxy, which is, to say the least, pretty badass.

What’s really cool about Sid’s bike, as well as all of our builds, is the fact that they are not made just to be ogled at bike shows or by passersby in front of bars; they are functional bikes that are made to be ridden, and ridden hard and to their limits. Sid’s Sportster is a testament to this, as he took it on a trip from Atlanta to California and then all the way back, and has the photos and tales to prove it.

Article by Hannah.

DARKWOLF CYCLESSeptember 28, 2021harley, harley davidson, harley-davidson, harley sportster, harley davidson sportster, harley-davidson sportster, sportster, custom motorcycle, custom, custom sportster