Perfect construction Custom bikes are a lot like baking science. You’re combining ingredients in the right proportions to create something special — and if you’re in the wrong proportions, your recipe will fail. Judging by this ‘Harton’ cafe racerStile Italiano are master custom motorcycle builders.
For a small European motorcycle workshop, Stile Italiano has produced a disproportionately large number of beautiful customs. From their workshop in Roveredo in Piano, northern Italy, a small team has been producing products continuously since 1999. Rarely receiving commissions, they prefer to build their own bikes to their liking and let Their work speaks for itself.
This time, Stile Italiano chose an iconic cafe racer project: a Harton. Also known as ‘Norley’, it follows the same formula as ‘Triton‘ – a combination of a Triumph engine and a Norton framework – but with a twist. Instead of using a Triumph factory, the Harton is powered by a V-twin from a Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Just like baking, using good ingredients always yields better results. The Stile Italiano started with the original 1957 Norton feather frame and the 1992 Sportster 883 engine. Sure, the Sportster engine isn’t American. the best composition, but it is iconic and creates an almighty buzz.
The first hurdle was getting the Sportster engine in place. Once the engine was completely rebuilt and in place, the team built a custom set of engine mounts. An S&S Cycle Super-E carb set has been fitted to add a few more horses from the Harley engine.
Sportster also donated a swingarm and rear brake setup, installed along with a pair of Bitubo shocks to keep the ride classy. The fork is a 38mm Marzocchi, with a custom bracket to hold the twin Brembo Series Oro brake calipers. The 18” aluminum Morad rims are wrapped and come with Avon Roadrider tyres.
Next, Stile Italiano perfected this already delicious dish the only way they knew how: by adding some Italian flair. The vintage-style fuel tank is an aftermarket part, painted in the shop’s signature black, gold and silver colors. Thoughtful touches include offset fuel caps and stainless steel straps.
The oil tank has been redone from scratch, as is the traditional cafe-style saddle. The rear fender holds only a small Vincent-style stop light. But honestly, if you were riding this car, would you really want to stop?
The front fender is an aftermarket, modified to accommodate the Marzocchi forks. Just above it is the headlight from the Moto Guzzi T3, held in place by a Tomaselli stand. The front end is very simple; pair of clip-on bars, Amal throttle assembly and classic switch shackles.
The Stile Italiano replaced the original Sportster speedo, but reassembled it in a custom frame that also featured a new warning light. Underneath, the craftsmen have built a set of aluminum brackets to convert the standard footrest into the rear set.
To complete the build, a two-in-one stainless steel exhaust system has been fabricated by Virex to Stile Italiano specifications. Flowing down the right side of the car, it makes the left side look clean — and reveals beautiful details like the engine’s perforated derby cap. Honestly, it’s hard to figure out which side looks best.
This isn’t the only Harton that Stile Italiano has built. In fact, it was one of their earlier Harton builds—and every build is just as amazing as the next.
Cristian from Stile Italiano explains: “Our team is just as eclectic as our interests. “We are defined by our people – each with unique characteristics, with specific responsibilities and skills, but with a single goal: the ‘bicycle’ as a way of life. . Personality, not looks.”
Once again, this small group has proven that they are among the best in the business. We can’t wait to see what they cook next.
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