It’s no secret that we’re suckers for a superb dual-Sporty round right here. The premise of turning a V-twin cruiser right into a dirt-flinging scrambler shouldn’t be solely cheeky, nevertheless it proves the Sportster’s endearing versatility. And this Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 scrambler is a stellar instance of the style.
It’s the work of Ruler—a Japanese {custom} bike workshop headed up by Takeshi Mizuta. Mizuta-san racks up extra mileage every year than most, commuting 75 miles by bike on daily basis. So he’s all about constructing {custom} bikes which might be enjoyable and practical.
Ruler has a few Sportster scramblers underneath its belt already, however this undertaking referred to as for a bit additional spice. “The proprietor’s order was to create a method that nobody else has,” Takeshi tells us. “We obtained a number of photos of {custom} bikes by abroad builders from him, so we began manufacturing utilizing these as references.”
A 2002-model Harley-Davidson XLH883 Sportster served because the donor for the construct, so Ruler’s first job was to radically alter its stance to go well with the requisite type. Then it was time to swap out its bodywork and package it out with the right combination of aftermarket components.
Takeshi gave the Sportster a lift by lengthening the OEM forks and swapping the stumpy rear shocks out for a set of longer RacingBros items. The inventory hubs had been re-laced to 19F/18R rims; a giant step up from the bike’s bobber-like 16” rear wheel. Then Michelin Anakee Wild tires had been fitted to make sure an acceptable quantity of roost with respectable sufficient grip on the street.
The brakes are authentic, however they’ve been upgraded with new GTS rotors. And for those who’re questioning in the event that they’re as much as the duty, it’s value noting that Ruler’s efficiency technique was extra about shedding weight than growing energy—so the Sporty must be straightforward sufficient to decelerate.
It’s additionally why Takeshi didn’t mess with the 883 Sportster’s engine. Apart from a brand new Dyna S ignition, and upgrades to the consumption and exhaust, the engine’s nonetheless inventory—on the within, at the very least. On the skin, Takeshi trimmed away as a lot of the cam cowl because the bike might stay with out.
The forward-facing air filter comes from Vance & Hines and sports activities a slightly swish-looking solid carbon consumption manifold. The 2-into-one exhaust headers are Ruler originals, as are the beneficiant warmth shields, whereas the high-mounted muffler comes from HP Corse.
Shifting to the bodywork, Ruler ditched every part apart from the Sportster’s gasoline tank. “I needed to protect the Sportster really feel,” Takeshi explains. “In spite of everything, this tank is the Sporty’s hallmark.”
Ruler did make one change to the tank; the filler cap has been moved larger to eke out a tiny bit extra capability. The Sportster’s new stepped solo seat is a {custom} piece, that includes muscle car-inspired upholstery. Ruler trimmed off the bike’s rear fender struts, then put in common enduro fenders from UFO at each ends.
Followers of previous journey bikes will instantly establish the inspiration for this Sportster 883 scrambler’s twin headlights. Taking cues from the enduring Eighties Honda XLR250 Baja, Ruler mounted a pair of PIAA LED projectors in a custom-made cage. For the reason that association dominates the cockpit, a small aftermarket speedo was mounted simply off the left fork leg.
MX-style handlebars are fitted with Kuryakyn grips and mirrors, and PowerMadd hand guards. Kuryakyn additionally provided the bike’s new foot pegs, whereas the tiny LED flip alerts and taillights are Kijima gadgets.
From afar, this tradition Sporty seems prefer it’s been murdered out like 1,000,000 earlier than it. The shopper did certainly request a black paint job, however Ruler responded with a smorgasbord of darkish finishes, courtesy of their go-to painter, FFF. Look carefully, and also you’ll spot wrinkle, matte, gloss, Cerakote, and DLC black coatings all through the bike.
The gasoline tank and fenders are significantly radical, that includes a gunmetal and black zebra sample. If there’s a colourful livery that may look higher on this Sportster, we will’t image it.
Now that this ferocious dual-Sporty is all buttoned up, Takeshi has named it the ‘Brutester.’ It’s an acceptable moniker for a motorcycle that appears prefer it belongs within the wild.
Ruler Instagram | Photos by, and with nice because of, Kazuo Matsumoto
