You know you has been building custom motorcycles for a long time, when the bike you built two decades ago returns to your workshop. That’s the story of this Harley-Davidson Sportster hardtail from MB Cycles. Or rather, it’s the story of its frame — because it’s the only original piece left on it.
MB cycle Owner Martin Becker first built the Sporty hardtail for his brother twenty years ago, when he was just starting out. His brother eventually parked the Harley and switched to other bikes, until recently, when he sold it back to Martin.
Martin told us: “It was in poor condition and hadn’t run in years. “Everything is edited except the frame. But what’s interesting is that the title says ‘MB Cycles’ as the manufacturer — that’s no longer possible these days. ”
The original frame came from Dutch frame builder, VG Motorcycles. “They make top-of-the-line replicas of old Harley frames, custom frames to order, and frames like the one I used on this Sportster,” says Martin. “This is their standard Sportster frame, with the same stock measurements as the old OEM hardtail frame.”
Martin stripped the bike’s nuts and bolts, sandblasted the frame, and fitted a 1996 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster engine into it. After he had gathered the wheelchair frames together, he parked it in his showroom to collect commissions from potential customers. It didn’t take long for someone to take the bait — so Martin set out to revive one of his oldest projects.
To perfect the wheelchair frame, he paired a stiff tail frame with a replica spring front end. Next, he fitted a set of 16F/15R wheels, using axles from a late ’80s Harley Evolution model. There’s a two-piston Samwell brake caliper up front and an OEM Harley brake at the rear, both both run with Goodridge tubes.
The old Sporty engine has been refreshed — and enhanced with power. It’s a 1,200 cc mill now, thanks to S&S Cycle cylinder head and Wiseco pistons.
Martin also fitted a Dynatek Dyna S igniter and S&S coils. The aftermarket CV and ‘humming eye’ air filters are not available, and the exhaust comes from BSL Products in Austria. The humble Sportster now makes 65hp, 12hp more than it did in the 96.
The worn-out appearance of the exhaust system is a recurring theme throughout the build. Some parts have been finished in muted tones or made to look like they’ve been beaten, while others have real rust.
The gas tank actually dates back to the 1930s, borrowed from Martin’s own stock of vintage parts. It needs some mods to match, but it still carries the original paint color. There’s a modified Penz fender at the rear; a new part that Chiko’s Pinstriping painted to match the tank.
The aftermarket oil tank is new but perfectly in keeping with the vintage theme. Above is a custom spring-loaded saddle, upholstered in leather from an old office chair. A small hand-crafted front fender is finished on the bodywork.
Metal Skin Works has applied powder coating on the project, including the frame, which is done in a sort of matte metallic effect. But despite the car’s dated looks, it still packs some stealthy modern parts.
Upstairs in the cockpit is a new taper and fork from ABM, fitted with a burly Wunderkind fork. They are equipped with state-of-the-art mini switches, Kustom Tech controls and Biltwell Inc. handles. ONE Motogadget speedo is discreetly located to the left of the fuel tank.
The headlight is a custom piece, created by combining the inside of the taillight with the housing of the OEM Harley fog lights.
Martin also added Kellermann turn signals, with the taillights being doubled as taillights. The footrest is from Biltwell Inc., the license plate frame is from Hippy Killer Kustom, and the chain guard is hand-made.
Two months after booking, Martin was ready to hand over the keys to this Sporty’s new owner. But she changed her mind and wanted something wilder to get over her boyfriend and Buell built by MB Cycles.
Martin brought it to market and it was picked up by a friend and regular MB Cycles customer. And we’re not surprised — like the classic Sportster hardtail bobbers come on, this is as good as it gets.
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