Greg Socha runs a machine shop and custom motorcycle shop building rolling chassis for retro customs. Some of his potential customers were looking for a Sportster based bike and Greg also wanted something with a bit more compliant rear suspension for his back, which had been abused from years as a former motocross racer so Greg went to work.
The Red Buell by GS Motor Company started life as a 2000 Buell Lightning X1. He built a frame and extended swingarm with an adjustable single shock originally intended for street rod use. He kept the Buell inverted fork, made his own exhaust and added an S&S carb. Rake is 27 degrees so it’s still a handler and the finished bike has a look that almost reminds me of a Confederate Hellcat.
What’s cool about this is he sells a kit for $4500, which, combined with your Buell, lets you build one of these yourself. You get a frame, gas tank, oil tank, fender, everything but the Buell and used Buells are not that expensive. I’ve seen a number of Buell customs and this one looks a lot better than most plus it looks like it’s well finished.
A nice sporty, comfortable V-twin custom, could be fun … I like it.
Link: GS Motor Company via Barnett’s Magazine
Want to build one of these? See the used Buells for sale
Divine says
Neat… BUT those dirt bike inspired hand guards on the bars just don’t do anything for me.
Steve says
It’s a start!… looks like just the start of an idea, maybe it’s supposed to be just that.
If more custom houses AND manufacturers would think this way… after all why CAN’T a “cruiser” (trditional looking lines) be built with sufficient suspension, brakes, clearance, etc. to perform?
I’ve been building them in my mind for years!
Bryce says
Cool idea. Looks interesting and it should ride and handle pretty decently. What’s not to love?
Matt says
I guess the rider better pay close attention to what’s going on with his right leg. Between the headers and the secondary output it might be safer to ride side-saddle.
Redman says
The guys at Redneck Engineering (www.redneckengineering.com) have been building customs based on Buells for years. You can buy it as a kit or a finished version that is more of a finished product than this. While their versions look to be more for show than go, they are beautiful bikes. I just don’t think I could spend a day in the saddle without plenty of Doan’s Backpain medicine.
larry pee says
If you have never done something like this before its hard to apreciate creativity , and the time and work that went into this design. It’s different and has a look of quality. I give anyone credit who can actually do something like this. I’m designing a bike also. Its alot harder than it looks , and it takes talent. It’s not for everyone , and I’m sure mine wont be either. This is a motorcycle that almost anyone can afford , and I think that is the idea here , unless you like passing twenty motorcycles everyday that look just like yours. This motorcycle is a clean no noncence ride that was meant to fly and handle safely at the same time. It’s kinda like a streetfighter/old school bobber /drag bike. I like stuff you cant lable. I dont pass many of those on the highway.