This is the first Harley Davidson based build of VDBMoto workshop (Brooklyn, NY). Their previous bikes I featured – Triumph and 86 BMW R80R – were a big success and this one seem to be equally great. The donor was an American V twin – 99 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 – a big, powerful cruiser which could seem like not the best choice for a scrambler but VDBMoto thought differently.
Derick, the owner of the workshop, wanted to build something more “versalite than the usual Harley” while also give the bike some retro look. Furthermore, with the heavy low-end torque 1200 ccm engine, the bike would have an impressive visual appearance as well as great functionality.
To rebuild this cruiser into a scrambler it was absolutely necessary to make some overall lifting of the bike. It was achieved by mounting taller Progressive shocks, replacing the entire front end with a new Showa inverted forks and changing the original whees for a pair of spoked (to give a little classic) 18″ with Continental TKC80 tires.
The guys wanted to keep the front end nice and clean, so they wired mini switches inside the enduro style handlebars. Also, Motogadget speedometer was installed into the headlight bucket – this way it looks retro as intended and space isn’t wasted.
The loop with tabs to mount indicators was welded to the frame. To attach new steel fenders VDB fabricated needed brackets.
Chansikle rearset along with the enduro handlebars provide awesome riding position. That together with the achieved look (complemented by reworked and restyled old 77 Hondamatic tank) makes this bike a great retro style scrambler.
Find more about this 99 HD Sportster “H-1” and VDBMoto here.
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