The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Project Manxster Mates Norton to Harley For a Past That Never Was

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Project Manxster - a mariage of Norton and Harley Davidson Sportster
Project Manxster – a mariage of Norton and Harley Davidson Sportster

This is a really nice looking cafe, it’s called Project Manxster. A new replica Norton Featherbed frame is mated to a 1998 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 V-twin. The result is pretty sweet and if you like the Sportster engine, but you’re tired of street trackers this is a nice alternative.

The Manx bodywork almost takes your eyes away long enough to make you miss the glaring inconsistency of a V-twin sitting in the frame, and then it hits you, but it looks good in there. The inverted forks are from a Suzuki TL1000S, the front wheel is from a GSX-R 750. Motogadget supplies the gauges on top and the turn signals. Headlight is from a Honda CB750.

Nicely done combination looks like a blast from the past that never was
Nicely done combination looks like a blast from the past that never was

The rear wheel is courtesy of a Buell M2 Cyclone fitted with chain final drive.

Custom wiring, custom paint, custom seat and a ton of work completes the bike. The retro look on a brand new build looks like something that could have been around long ago, but wasn’t.

It’s for sale on eBay.

Comments

    • If we’re going down this road, let’s not forget the best name ever for this combination, from Buck Pilkenton who built the Nortley Fartster:

      (NORTon harLEY FeAtheRbed sporTSTER)

      Buck often stops by The Kneeslider to comment and we’re always happy to hear from him.

      • Upon getting stuck for a name, and rejecting the dissonant monikers which followed some “rules” (Vin-nor is my favorite worst), I fell back on ancient tools and technique. Taking a piece of paper, I printed Norton Harley Featherbed Sportster in large letters, cut the letters apart, and played with arrangements on my desk. The combination appeared like a message on a Ouija board, and thus was the Nortley Fartser named. It still rides just fine, too.

        • I figured there was a story in there. The Nortley isn’t much of a reach, but the Fartster takes some real imagination or lots of beer.

  6. DBBP.com is a dude that designs bikes he has a great one just like this . . .