Only one millions of ways to customize one Harley-Davidson Sportster, so it’s tempting to look to those who’ve come before for inspiration. But French designer Guillaume Radomski took a completely different approach for this art deco Sportster. His cues come from classic aerodynamic design concepts – and the results are astounding.
With a mood board that includes vintage cars, trains and even land-speed racing motorcycles, Guillaume pondered how that design approach would translate to the venerable Sportster. The lean Sportster that Harley-Davidson never built, if you will. Armed with 2D renderings based on a simple pencil sketch, he sought to bring his concept to life.
Based in Lyon, Guillaume is an experienced graphic, furniture and interior designer. But even though he’s a cyclist, he doesn’t have all the skills needed to build a custom motorcycle from scratch. So he assembled a dream team of craftsmen to do the heavy lifting.
Starting with a 1998 model Harley-Davidson XLH1200 Sportster and countless engineering drawings, Guillaume began to perfect each job.
The first to go on the plate was the master metalworker, Cédric Trenquier at the Cévennes Rétromotors. Working from Guillame’s designs and the cardboard models he had created, Cédric began to shape the Sporty’s new aluminum bodywork.
His most distinctive part is the spacious fenders; Adorned with elegant studs, they greatly contribute to the classic minimalist feel of Harley. He also shaped the headlights, battery cover and integrated rear carrying case holding the two vertical taillights. And he built the bike’s luxurious taper tank.
Cristophe Decombard from Eight Cycles took care of the rest of the build, starting with a new tubular steel swingarm. He also built handlebars, which mimic the clip-on style but are actually integrated with the fork housing. The fender struts, brake calipers, top pin and holder for the Lithium-ion battery are all his work.
Cristophe also covered all areas of mechanics – like rebuilding engines and overhauling electrical systems. As for the exhaust, he modified a set of Supertrapp headers and a replaced Harley Breakout exhaust to work together. And he took care of repainting the bike and putting it back together.
As for the wheels, Guillame called on Metalsport Wheels to build a set of solid aluminum discs. Measuring 19” at both ends, they are wrapped in Avon Roadrider tyres. The brake calipers, disc and master cylinder are all Beringer Aeronal units.
Complementing the customization bits is a delectable laundry list of aftermarket parts. The air intake is a Kuryakyn Velociraptor kit and blends in with the rest of the design with ease.
Up is one Motogadget speedo, sink into the top yoke. Other upgrades for the cockpit include new grips, micro switches and Highsider bar-shaped rearview mirror with integrated LED turn signals. The igniter is now located just below the left fuel tank, suspended between the cylinder heads by a neat little manual rack.
There’s also a new footrest and a pair of rear LED turn signals that protrude from under the seat.
The finishing touches come from Olivier Habault, the upholstery man, and L’Aero, the repaint. It looks like a simple job, but it actually takes many layers of clear paint and a lot of polishing to achieve the deep black effect for the piano you see here.
In fact, nothing in the project is quick and easy. Guillaume actually wrote the first draft of the idea four years ago — and estimates that 1,400 hours were spent bringing it to fruition.
But what’s really impressive here is the cohesion of the final product. It is testament not only to Guillaume’s vision but also how well each craftsman’s work complements the subsequent work.
Let’s hope we see more from this dream team in the future.
Design Radom | Instagram | Photo of ‘s studio Erick Saillet Studio | Outdoor pictures of Bertrand Bremont
