Italy’s Rock Onerous Customized builds a street-tracking Sporty…
In 1996, Harley-Davidson launched a brand new member to the long-running Sportster lineup, the XL1200S Sport. The Sportster Sport had the identical stump-pulling Evo V-twin because the common XL1200, however in a uncommon departure for the Motor Firm, the 1200S additionally boasted an array of upgrades geared toward sport-minded riders: fully-adjustable Showa suspension, 13-spoke solid aluminum wheels with Dunlop Sport Elite tires, tracker-style handlebars, and twin entrance floating-disc brakes.
The parents at Motorbike.com had been effectively impressed with the Sportster Sport, calling it a delight when the going received twisty:
“If a Harley is what you need, and carving canyons is what you crave, then this Sporty is the bike for you.” –Motorbike.com
Enter our new pal Fabio Milanese of Verona’s Rock Onerous Customized, a 29-year-old builder who spent six years burning the candle at each ends, working in his father’s auto storage by day and on bikes by evening earlier than he opened his personal store in 2018.
The bike you see here’s a ’98 Sportster 1200S that Fabio constructed for himself with clear inspiration from H-D flat trackers, particularly the legendary XR750 — the winningest racing bike of all time. Fabio felt that lots of the Sportster road trackers he was seeing appeared a bit “coarse” when it comes to their design and bodywork — and we’d are likely to agree. On loads of such builds, the tank and rear fender don’t appear to movement very effectively, and the entire bike can look clunky and out of steadiness.
So Fabio designed and laid down his personal fiberglass bodywork, with clear cues to the XR750. The bike is now rolling on twin 19-inch wheels with Borrani rims and Mitas H-18 flat monitor rubber, and he additionally upgraded the rear shocks (Öhlins) and ignition (Dyna 2000). Different upgrades embrace efficiency cams, Mikuni carburetor, Supertrapp 2-into-2 exhaust, and XR1000 reproduction heads.
Fabio says his Sportster road tracker may be very highly effective, responsive, and confidence-inspiring on the highway, and he’s notably proud of how the bodywork turned out:
“I’m very pleased with the design of the physique and the way the tail is linked to the fuel tank.”
Under, we discuss to Fabio for the complete story on the construct. Be sure you comply with him at @rock_hard_custom for extra!
Sportster 1200 Avenue Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please inform us a bit about your self, your historical past with bikes, and your workshop.
I’m Fabio Milanese and I reside in Verona (Italy). I’m 29 years outdated and I opened my storage in 2018.
I labored for six years in my dad’s automobile storage and after work I spent the evenings / nights working with bikes. The primary bike that I made was for my pal Matteo in 2013, and every thing began from there.
• What’s the make, mannequin, and yr of the bike?
The bike is a 1998 Sportster 1200s absolutely restored.
• Why was this bike constructed?
I made this bike as a private mission.
• Why was this bike constructed? (Buyer mission, firm promotion, private, and so on.)
The bike may be very easy however i needed to construct a flat monitor bike with a cool physique…as a result of for my part, usually these bikes are very uncooked and the design is a bit coarse. I’ve been influenced by the XR750 from 1970.
• What customized work was executed to the bike?
The customized work executed on this bike embrace the complete fiberglass physique, customized body to adapt the physique, wiring harness, 19” wheels with Borrani rims, efficiency cams, Mikuni 42 carb, Dyna 2000 ignition with small hi-output coils, Öhlins rear suspension, Supertrapp 2in2 and EMD XR1000 reproduction heads.
• Are you able to inform us what it’s wish to trip?
The bike may be very highly effective and responsive, and due to the rear and entrance suspensions, it’s very exact and offers you confidence whereas using.
• Was there something executed throughout this construct that you’re notably pleased with?
I’m very pleased with the design of the physique and the way the tail is linked to the fuel tank.
Observe the Builder: @rock_hard_custom
