Description
It seems impossible to believe that the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company was founded more than 120 years ago. Nowadays they’re synonymous with a few things, Americana, Choppers and oddly, F150 pickup trucks.
Harley-Davidson has had some real hits throughout its lifetime, and some misses, but in the early 1970s, you could walk into a showroom and buy a hit. With Zepplin on the radio in the background, you’d be able to ride off of the lot on a brand-new Harley-Davidson Sportster.
This Harley however, is no ordinary Harley. Like many, it has been modified, fettled and tinkered into the beast it is today. Few parts remain of the original Sportster, save for the frame. It’s a mean-looking thing. The first thing you’ll notice is the bike’s posture, gone is the rigid upright riding position, instead the seat is dropped low into the frame, your buttocks sit in line with the top of the rear tyre.
There is Rolling Stones them going, Paint it Black and put it back. Despite the aggressive appearance, the more you look, you begin to notice the bling. Slash-cut twin exhausts are half-wrapped in black heat shielding to help protect your legs, but poking out the end is polished metal. The seat springs, engine, front springs, crankcase and other parts all have a touch of shine. But not too much to take away from the overall theme.
It’s not all looks, on the front wheel there is a disc brake set-up, and the 1000cc Sportster engine is fighting fit. Continually maintained and rebuilt back in 2001, it runs well and delivers plenty of grunt whether you’re burbling through a local village or cruising on the motorway.
Despite being heavily modified, the Harley has managed to retain an assortment of paperwork and maintenance records. Often, these things are lost when such extensive works are completed. Some of these invoices include a replacement Generator, fitted in 2005, Timken Bearing Conversion in 2004 and the invoice for the engine works completed by Northants V-Twin.
Harley-Davidsons are as much about what you’re riding as they are about the community you’re joining. It’s a movement of people who are deeply passionate about the brand, and its history. But unlike some other brands, owners are not afraid of building their perfect bike.
This could be the perfect bike for you, and the joy is, you can make it your own too. Be that with more modifications, or by creating the memories that only a machine like this can make.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The bike can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
