The Harley-Davidson Sportster also called “XL” is a line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have been in continuous production since 1957. A successor to Model K, the Sportster, upon introduction, featured an overhead valve engine derived from its predecessor. Also, the introductory model adopted several features from the Harley-Davidson KH model that includes the front suspension, frame, fenders, and large gas tank. The series has since been built in different gorgeous models that include the widely famous Nightster, Forty-Eight, and Roadster, among others.
However, due to stricter Euro 5 emissions standards, the original Sportster line was discontinued in Europe in 2020. Hence, an all-new model called the “Sportster S”, powered by a Revolution Max engine was introduced in 2021. Nevertheless, irrespective of its discontinuation, the original Sportster lives on. Some vintage and more modern examples of the original Sportster have been found worthy of modification, and these hugely talented shops built the most gorgeous examples we’ve seen.
8 Cohn Racers – XR 1200 X
Based in Florida, the Cohn Racers custom is run by former Apple employee Juan P-Ilzarbe. The company built this custom XR 1200 X for “50 Eggs” founder and Harley enthusiast John Kunkel. Principal on the team’s plan for the build was weight reduction, improved handling, and improved braking.
Hence, the bike now features a new welded, rear subframe unit, Öhlins Racing forks, a new fabricated seat pan, and seat, with leather supplied by Relicate Leather. However, the modified bike retains its stock V-twin, but its onboard DME was re-tuned.
7 Café Racer Dreams – XR 1200
The XR 1200 was released in the United States in 2009. However, with oddly low sales, the model was dropped in 2013. The problems that culminated into low XR 1200 sales have been analyzed and fixed by a few custom houses, and Café Racer Dreams is one of them.
The highlight of the incredible modification is its gorgeously sculpted aluminum tank, which was done in collaboration with the talented guys at Valtorón foundry. Notably, the engine was left stock, but a Remus PowerCone exhaust system was added.
6 Rajputana – Forty-Eight
Being a huge motorcycle sales market, India is home to several local and foreign motorcycle companies, which include the iconic Harley-Davidson. Also, several tuning shops have sprung up in India helping enthusiasts fulfill their wildest motorcycle build dreams, and Rajputana is one of them.
The talented tuner built Paasha, originally a Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight that has been modified into a gorgeously black specter with flat tires. The core of the build wasn’t made public, however, Rajputana claims it takes between six and eight months to complete.
5 Rough Crafts – Forty-Eight
Rough Crafts is a Taiwan-based custom bike builder, and this gorgeously modified Sportster highlights the company’s incredible fabrication prowess. Precisely, this is a 2011 Sportster Forty-Eight 1200 that has been built into a beautifully engineered custom edifice called “The Bomb Runner.”
The second offering of Rough Craft’s “Guerilla” bikes, this build is given a complete black paint job with a few polished components. It features several in-house custom parts which include, triple trees, fenders, tank, clutch covers, and the gorgeous exhaust system.
4 Cowboy’s Chopper – XR1200
Another Taiwan-based tuner named “Cowboy’s Chopper” also made this list courtesy of this exquisitely modified Sportster XR 1200. The build took four months to complete, according to the company, and it features several in-house crafted parts that include its menacing fairing, alloy tail section, and a slim fuel tank.
Amazingly, the modification job also includes a thorough overhaul of the stock mill, increasing the displacement to 1,250 cc. The build features a stainless-steel inlet and a one-off exhaust system.
3 DP Customs – 1200
US-based motorcycle tuning shop DP Customs know how to grab attention with their builds, as seen with this awesomely modified bike based on a Sportster Iron 1200. In a complete transformation of the Sportster, DP Customs fitted it with an in-house built front and rear cowling made from steel.
It also features Progressive 970s rear shock absorbers and a custom-made chambered exhaust. The modified bike has had its front end lowered and topped with RSD clip-on handlebars.
2 Deus Ex Machina – 1200
With weight reduction as its primary objective, Sydney-based custom shop Deus Ex Machina pulled down this Sportster to bits and meticulously reassembled it into a café-racer. In essence, several features of the bike were in-house built by Deus.
These include a custom-made front and rear fender, triple clamp, tank strap, subframe, and single seat while the bike also featured a shaved down Yamaha SR500 fuel tank. Also, among other modifications, the engine received a K & N air filter and Vance & Hines 2-into-1 performance exhaust.
1 Thunderbike – XL 1200 X
It could be hard finding a Harley tuning shop in Europe that is bigger than the Thunderbike. That said, here is “Dunner 77,” a customized Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 X courtesy of Thunderbike. The bike originally has a “Dark” Nightster style but with a classic 1948-style small peanut tank and a super small single seat.
However, at the owner’s request, Thunderbike has now built this Sportster into a unique masterpiece with several Thunderbike custom features and a unique custom painting from Kruse Design.