Got a note from John Collett, over in the UK about a Sportster Classified kit he has for sale. The kits were made by Dan Wilson of Carmel Valley, California with the purpose of transforming the Harley into a sort of Vincent look alike. They really were pretty nice but Dan only made 25 kits and never carried them forward so if you see one or have one, it’s pretty unique.
I mentioned I saw a completed kit at Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid Ohio in 2007 and owner Michael Pandzik said he installed the kit on a 93 Sportster. His kit was #22 of the 25 produced.
The kit now for sale by John Collett is #15 and it’s brand new, never used, so if you remember those kits and like them, this could be your chance to pick one up.
The idea of giving the Sportster a British look hasn’t gone away, though, as noted when Walt Greenwood found this modification done by Brian Lane, using a Honda tank, a seat from a Hercules, British reproduction headlight and topped off with some British Racing Green paint. Looks kinda nice.
Modifications like this could be a nice alternative to buying a new bike. Some of you have said a new bike is not something you want to think about at the moment but adding on to the bike you already have could give you a new look, more performance or both, depending on what you do, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Just for something different, you can turn your Sporty into an off road machine, too.
Think about all of the things you can do to stay involved in the motorcycle world without spending loads of money. Set up a nice home workshop, buy some carefully selected parts or maybe a kit, and get to work. Low cost enjoyment while you sharpen your mechanical skills, sounds like a winning combination.
Link: Sportster Classified Kit – auction over
Phoebe says
If Harley actually made a \standard\ version of the Sportster like this, I would actually be interested in one. Yes, of course I know I can just DIY too =)
nortley says
Is a real improvement in appearance still lipstick on a hog?
Pete says
Here’s a first. Turning a Harley into something else. What’s next? Turning a Harley into a sportbike? Oh wait they did that. It was called a Buell. Didn’t work out. I was hoping for a twin cam 96 Brutale but that doesn’t look like it will happen either.
kneeslider says
Pete, it’s really very simple, if you don’t like the kit or the idea, just ignore it and move on, however, I suspect you don’t own a Sportster anyway. Lots of folks do own them and they’re a nice bike to work on and make your own.
Tin Man 2 says
Im currently doing the Enduro treatment on one of my old Sportys, Thanks in part to inspiration from this site. Back in the day Sportys and Triumphs were both used as Scramblers. My Sporty will be used as a Fire Trail bike, mild offroad use so I dont drop a 400Lb. bike in the mud!!
Walt says
Let’s see your project when it’s done, Tin Man 2! Before or after the mud.
Walt
Gitan says
Pretty and more than ever, I think.
SteveD says
I do like the look. However, at 3800 British, it almost is a new bike, especially a Sportster 😉
Sportster owner Steve
John says
Good response to Pete, Paul, I don’t get why some people act annoyed about a bike when they have no money invested, why comment? And Phoebe, I think Sportsters and Dyna SuperGlides ARE standards.
kim says
Having brought back a ’83 XLX to Europe in the mid-80s, I seriously thought of turning it into something resembling a Norton Commando: Gas tank, seat, larger front fender, 18″ rear wheel and the license plate sensibly placed under the tail light. I’d keep the wide handlebar, the exhaust (loud enough in stock condition) and the footpegs.
Unfortunately the frame then broke, marking the last of innumerable f****ups to be fixed under the 6-month/6,000 mile warranty, that I cared to to put up with. Lovely bike – when & if it ran – and the best looking stocker I ever owned, but not even a Commando slappedtogether on a Monday morning (after the local soccer team had lost and the wife ran off with the milkman) could have been worse as far as quality control was concerned.
SteveD says
I think Phoebe means if Harley made one of these in their standard (as in typical) lineup. (Of course, i shouldn’t be putting words in other people’s mouths.) Harley has been producing variations on the Sportster lately, but has yet to go the “British” route.
todd says
I’m with Phoebe; I think the existing Sportsters all fit the typical “cruiser” mold, the XR1200 being a rare exception. I believe a standard like this (same size wheels front and back, no swoopy fender treatments, real suspension travel in the rear, a decent size fuel tank, non-ape hangers) has a decent sized market and would be a nice addition to H-D’s lineup. I personally know of a number of middle aged folks who would like to buy an american motorcycle but don’t want to buy into the existing Harley “type” and lifestyle. This would fit the bill and take quite a few sales away from Triumph.
To me this just means there’s a market for me to build and sell my own kit to. I had other plans but in the end, money is money. I’d just need to clean my garage to try and fit yet another bike into and start the process.
Tin Man 2, I’d love to see what you come up with before / after too.
-todd
RJ says
Stock HD sportsters have 16″ rear wheels and 19″ or 21″ front wheels (except the XR1200). The smaller 16″ on the back with lower suspension kind of tips these bikes more towards a custom or cruiser – especially with forward controls. The mid controls on these bikes are still slightly forward. When I think of a standard, I think of more straight lines, mild rearset pegs and an 18″ rear rim with an 18 or 19″ front. I agree that the Sportster is a great bike to customize, they are so adaptable to many different styles…
kneeslider says
Remember this kit where you mount a front wheel out back so both are the same size?
Tin Man 2 says
RJ, Some of the old Iron Head Sportys came with 18 inch rear wheels, I just missed one by 2 days at my local Indy shop. Yes I could relace my hub to a new wheel, but Im still hoping to find an original 18 out there. Also some of the early Sportys had high pipes, but they are like Gold. Im now working on making my own Scrambler style pipes, sort of in the Triumph style. There is an old Sporty seat available that is not”stepped”and looks like a Scrambler seat, but I like my Solo seat better.
Tin Man 2 says
I think my 08 883R fits in as a “standard”and not a cruiser. It is one of the last Sportsters to have full size suspension and Mid Controls. Sales of the Normal, or R series Sportsters were slow in the US. Now all US sportys are lowered to some extent, although I believe in Europe you can still get a “normal” height Sporty…Go Figure.
SteveD says
HD famously made a cafe racer version of the Sportster (XLCR) that didn’t sell very well. (of course, it’s a collectors’ item now) Who knows, maybe something like that would sell now. Lots of folks like the old looks but don’t want the wrenching that comes with a vintage bike.
Simon says
I never quite understood the antipathy toward Harleys. I own two, an 883L and an FXD. I have also owned a number of Hondas, Suzukis, at least one Yamaha, and several Beemers. The fact that I own two Harleys now does not mean that I have bought into “the Harley lifestyle.” I do not wear leather (I wear Aerostich and Tourmaster cordura riding gear), I do not wear bandanas on my head or around my neck, and I do not ride without a helmet. I have never been to rally or a HOG meeting, I have never been to Sturgis or Myrtle Beach and have no interest in either. What I do is ride. Nearly every day, all year round, in all kinds of weather. I find that my Harleys make very practical daily drivers and commuters, and I also like the idea that, unlike many other bikes, they are easily adaptable to customization. I have no interst in chopping one, having done that once when I was young, which led to the discovery that a chopped bike doesn’t handle worth a damn and isn’t very comfortable. But modifying a Sportster to make it look more individual, more “British,” if you will, is something I find interesting. After all, if one can do streetfighter treatments on Moto
Guzzis, why not Harleys? The Brits, after all, were the ones who gave us “sportbikes” in the first place. I’m old enough to recall Paul Dunstall and his cafe racers, which were pretty neat bikes. A Sportster would make a nice basis for something similar. I like the street tracker idea pictured here, as I like the Storz bikes, and I like the idea of an alloy tank, too. I think I will start saving up for such a project.
Wuwei says
Very nice! I would love to see a Sportster standard offered by HD. The XR1200 is interesting, but too sportbike for me. We need more standards.
JustPete says
A great base for this type of project and anyone looking to pick up a nice Sporty would be to the 1200 Roadster. Not an 1200R or an XR, but basically a standard with taller suspension and dual disc’s up front. They sure look good in the black and white paint.
todd says
Don’t forget, this kit from AXR has some potential:
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/04/15/axr-1200-cafe-sportster-from-axr-cycle/
-todd
todd says
sorry, couldn’t help posting another find:
http://xlhr1200.blogspot.com/
-todd
steve w says
I love most bikes people change is some way or other. there is always somthing to like or pick up on. sure some are butchered and one may not like that but the ones that have effort put forth can be enjoyed. These kits can be that way. Enjoyed whether you want one or not. As for Harleys Hmmm I’ve owned over 60 motorcycles and most were something else. I started by working in a Honda/BSA/Bmw shop and progressed from there. I love the British bikes but I love the Harley/clone bikes I have for simplicity and enjoy them the most.
coho says
Classified ‘Vince-ster’ : Most groovy. Want. Can’t afford. Damn.
@ Tin Man 2: Another vote for pictures, please. It sounds like a cool project.
@ todd: Thanks for the link, that’s a fine lookin’ sporty.
Sportster Mike says
Like the GB version – a bigger fuel tank on a Sportster is a big plus – getting 85 miles before the light comes on on my 883R – thats fuel in the morning – refuel at lunchtime – and maybe fuel when I get home – thats if I can find a station open on a Sunday.. so far 20 miles while the light is on . .. didn’t have to push it yet…. Shame it looks like a Honda though
Swagger says
Don’t know what Honda you’d be talking about when you say “Shame it looks like a Honda though”. Perhaps you’re saying that you’re shocked a Hardley Ableto suddenly looks useful and ridable for more than the aforementioned (whinged about?) 85 miles per tank? Maybe it’s the far more useful riding position? Maybe it’s that Honda makes a better machine.
Whatever it is, your “MOCO” BS subtext is exactly why the larger part of the motorcycle populous feel that antipathy that Simon can’t grasp. If it isn’t some useless raked out unmuffled heap then it’s not right….is that it?
Phoebe says
Todd hit the nail on the head with this:
“I’m with Phoebe; I think the existing Sportsters all fit the typical “cruiser†mold, the XR1200 being a rare exception. I believe a standard like this (same size wheels front and back, no swoopy fender treatments, real suspension travel in the rear, a decent size fuel tank, non-ape hangers) has a decent sized market and would be a nice addition to H-D’s lineup. I personally know of a number of middle aged folks who would like to buy an american motorcycle but don’t want to buy into the existing Harley “type†and lifestyle. This would fit the bill and take quite a few sales away from Triumph.”
To me, the only Sportster that isn’t a cruiser is the XR1200.
Chuck says
I currently own an ’09 Triumph Thruxton and I am in love with cafe racer style bikes. I have to agree with SteveD, being not so mechanically inclined myself, “Lots of folks like the old looks but don’t want the wrenching that comes with a vintage bike.” I don’t know if Kneeslider has mentioned these guys before, but please check out the Harley cafe racer customs being produced by Hogbitz out of Britain. http://hogbitz.com/for_sale.html
kneeslider says
Chuck, check out the Hogbitz article here.
Nicolas says
ok, I know I’m a retard, but … it seems to me that dressing up a Harley to look like a Brit bike is like putting a Land Rover body on a Jeep … what’s the point ?
Likable it or not, HDs have a clear and typical identity. A Yamaha looks like a Honda, a Triumph looks like a Norton, nothing really looks like a Harley (except the “metric cruisers”). If you want to have a Brit look, why choosing one of the most stylistically-anchored and bike for that ?
Wait until I duck before you open the fire …
Nicolas
James says
Nicolas,
The Sportster was originally meant to be the American answer to the British bikes, hence the usage of British parts to hopefully improve something in the owners mind.
Hope that helps.
SteveD says
No flames here, Nicolas. 😉 The Sportster is not the typical Harley. The Big Twin owners ridicule them as \girl’s bikes\ (I’m sure the women love this) and to everyone else thinks they are just not sport bikes. But there are those of use who love this bike and the myriad ways folks have modified it. I think the modified Sportsters adopt well to other looks, and, of course, with all the US HD dealerships it becomes a well-supported platform for many different projects.
One question, Nicolas: What modern bikes (aside from some of the Tirumphs) have the old British look? From what I’ve seen, modern British bikes need nearly as many mods to achieve the \traditional\ look.
joe says
I like the new XR1200 sporster and almost bought one. Unfortunatly when I found the the gas tank capacity was made for nothing better than bar hopping I had to decline.
I like to go on long rides and hate to constantly stop to top up the gas tank.
OMMAG says
Still …. a pretty nice job of fabricating those addons…. eh?
Tin Man 2 says
Joe, Do you actauly know the capacity of the XR1200 tank?? Combine the capacity of the Tank with the outstanding 53MPG of the V-twin and you get a range of 150 miles, with a 30 mile reserve left over. This is not a touring rig, Its a canyon carver for adults. If the Bars in your area are 100 miles apart, you need to move!!
todd says
Nicolas, all you have to do is look at the history of the Sportster (if you weren’t around personally). It was designed to copy the look of the british bikes that were so extremely popular at the time.
The problem with the sportster’s standard tank isn’t only the size but the shape. It doesn’t even fit on the frame. Besides, what’s wrong with having a 300 mile range if it’s easily achievable with a better looking tank?
-todd
Tin Man 2 says
The Sportster tank most certainly does fit on the frame, along with being one of the most beautifull shapes in all of Motorcycling. The modern Sportys have evolved the old Peanut tank into a larger 3.3 gallon version that retains the classic look of the original. If you want more capacity the Sporty Custom comes with the 4.5 gallon tank that looks a bit like an old Bonnie tank, not quite as pretty as the 3.3 but there it is. The V-twin engine gets over 50MPG so about the time you hit reserve,or the Idiot light flashes, you are ready to streatch your legs anyway. This is not a touring rig its a Sportster.
Nicolas says
Thanks guys for the history lesson, I probably wasn’t born at the time of the sportster …
Now, I still believe that you don’t pick Clint Eastwood to play James Bond … just my $0.02 😉
Sportster Mike says
Hey Swagger – got a Honda then?
For your info I ride the nuts off my Sportster hence having to refuel all the time (so yes a bigger fuel please) I’ve had a couple of Hondas – this time round I brought a Sportster cos it handles better than a big twin (we’ve got things called roundabouts in this country) – Remember the slogan? Sportster: annoying the hell out of big twin owners since 1957?
Also I don’t like refuelling three times a day cos it costs so much – sod the pension just buy some petrol – £1.15 a litre here in England now… coming soon near you the seven and a half dollar gallon… then you can whinge..
Incidentally just seen the new Norton Cafe Racer at the Ally Pally Show – excellent colour scheme looks just like a Manx Norton
SteveD says
Actually, the Sportster has a year on me as well. 1957 is a long time ago. I saw an article once about a guy who bought a first year Sportster in 1957 and is still riding it today (or at least a year ago). Reminds me of the Bert Munro story with one guy continuously modifying a 1924 Indian Scout well into the 60’s.
RichardS says
Hello Kneesliders,
I purchased the kit from John and cannot wait to get it all together. What do you think should be the name on the tank side?
Vinnie, Hardly Vincent, HRD, [Richard’s Harley Davidson] ????
Ramadancer says
Greetings to all,
As an owner of one of the Classified Motorcycle Co’s 25 kits, you may want to take a brief 29 second look at youtube….search “The Classified Motorcycle Co” and my sort of crummy video appears.
This bike came from New Orleans, and the kit was installed on an ’84 XL Sporty for whatever reason, the engine leaks oil like a sieve, and machine shows its age, but the pieces are really cool. Those seats were fabulous, super heavy covering over a finished plywood pan/base, with a hot stamped “Classified Motorcycle Co” logo burned into the wood…nice quality.
To Richard S, good to know you got the kit…just put the decals from the kit on that tank, (they sure look Vincentesque) but if you don’t, sell them to me as mine is missing one on the right side.
Thanks Paul C. and Kneeslider…keep ’em coming!
RichardS says
You are right Paul C [?],
I am going to see if a company who make the stickers for my work can replicate these in a larger size as I did not get the larger ones when I negotiated on the kit with John. If he can I’ll send you some so please get in touch through my website all the w’s toylander dot com.
Any other owners of these kits on here?
Ramadancer says
RichardS,
You, Michael Pandzik, and I are, as of now, the only known owners of these kits. I would invite any others, as have you, to come forward.
Thanks again Paul Crowe/Kneeslider for bringing attention to these and so many other unusual/rare/obscure/strange/different versions of motorcycledom.
nick calvert says
hi. interesting this. i am currently building a 1200 sportster from ground up. gonna be a cafe. royal enfeild are doing some great tunnelled tanks on ebay. i will send some pictures in when finished.
Ramadancer says
Nick,
Best wishes on the 1200 Sportster Cafe effort.
For inspiration, check the Vid from no1bo1dy at Youtube of a highly modded Ironhead in a Norton Featherbed frame…a super cafe he calls “Harton” Cafe Racer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlxIVtph1sY&feature=player_profilepage#t=8s
nick calvert says
thanks ram, ive seen it. best one yet in my book. have a look on ebay and there is a company making ultra light cafe racer honda 750 four seats. the guilliari(cant spell) type and im gonna use one of them so i get the hump and can fit an alloy rear gaurd also. not sure if im allowed to mention name of company on here. thank you for the best wishes and i will try and get it on here in no more than 20years, lol.
Ramadancer says
Nick,
I must have a look at those Ebay humpback seats and especially the tunnel tanks (by royal enfield?).Thanks on that info.
Lol, will it wheelie like the Harton in 20 yrs?