Regulars Rides: Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster motocross custom
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- When life throws you lemons... make a sportster into a motocross bike... as you do.
When struck with a serious illness, Robert knew he needed something to take his mind off it.
So whilst in hospital, with time on his hands, he planned his next round of personal therapy, of the mechanical variety.
Starting with a 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200, he had a vision of creating something a bit different to what we normally see used for motocross. Robert and his son Jordan set about on a shed build with a goal of racing it at Malle Mile 2019.
Throughout ongoing treatment, Robert and Jordan could be found keeping busy in the 'shed', stripping the donor back to just front frame cradle and motor with a goal of shedding as much weight as possible.
They built everything from tank, swing arm, rear subframe, fibreglass mudguards and more. They machined many of the components from billet aluminium and as a result shaved off 180kg from the curb weigh. It’s an off-road machine that sounds every bit as mean as it looks, so much so that we need to check the windows at The Bike Shed for cracks!
Head to the Bike Shed website for more photos:
thebikeshed.cc...
This is the best Harley I've ever seen
Appreciate the comment Matt ✊
Me too..
Gr8 bike, love it! But you haven't seen my HD! Lol... Cheers!
@@dragan4658 I guess we all have the same idea
That's because you have never seen mine .
I never thought someone would do this to harley. It looks really great tbh
Thanks Guala we appreciate your comment
I have the same bike 😍
been done before many times....
@@lrlapua8035 Yes was first done for Baja 40 years ago. Cycle ran an article on it
Guala Nejo Harley made dirt bikes this is nothing new, google it.
That's a great example of positive mental attitude when faced with a serious illness. Focus on that project and try and blank out all the bad that's going on.
I'm so glad you survived that illness to see the fruits of your labour and to inspire others facing similar circumstances.
Very well done, excellent result. :)
😮😮😮 really surprised I was also thinking the same thing really these things helps a lot to get rid of mental illness
What a magnificent piece of creative engineering by a man who overcame both technical & personal challenges - an all round inspiration
This is a masterpiece I hope they start selling the bits. OMG
Glad you liked it George ! Get a parts list together 😂
Tcbros sells the best Harley scrambler parts
@@warrenscustoms7076 I've got a list! Would love to chat with you more about this bike! bradymcleansheridan@gmail.com
Now that’s a Harley I’d buy. Harley if your reading these comments you need to hire these guys into your design team!!
If Harley could make a real Enduro they would sell like hot cakes.
It would weigh 700lbs and cost 30k. No thanks.
I saw this bike at The bike Shed show a few days ago and it was one of my favourites! It's beautifully made and looks fab in the flesh...really well done to this man and his son !!
As a fairly seasoned Harley owner and rider, about 16 years, I think this is 110% pure bad ass!! Having desert raced motorcycles in my younger years, I would LOVE to take a spin on this machine! Incredible build!!
I’m not a Harley guy but that bike is awesome. The DAD is a serious craftsman. Much admiration for him.👍
That thing belongs in the HD museum after it gets used some of course! What an awesome beast of a machine!
Love the comment thank you
These things never look right, but somehow this one actually does. Well done.
Very nice.Harley could use a man of your skill now days. Thank you for all that effort and more still for sharing.I Hope Willy is seeing this and Flys you and family for a tour bare minimum. YOU Sir earned it.
Your bloody brilliant Bob, not content with all you've made from bi-planes to timber furniture etc, you go and make a truly awesome machine. This whilst fighting a serious illness, is truly a joy to inspire everyone that I don't know which one to throw my leg over first .
I wondered if you would be so kind as to put me in touch with these guys? I can privately message you my contact details if necessary and if you agreed to do so.
Beautiful bike, and genius! can't even believe the bit about using the engine oil excess for lubing the chain, and external battery box, so neatly pulled off! Crazy! Sounds unbelievable... Props making something we can all appreciate, especially through an illness.
One of the most beautiful motorcycles I've ever seen. Stunning!
Thank you so much it means a lot 🙏
Some serious skills involved in building this bike, kudos to Dad. Looks and sounds awesome. Best of health for the future.
This is absolutely the most amazing custom build I’ve ever seen. Been thinking about an off-road sportster for a while, this couldn’t be better.
It is always nice to see your younger version standing next to you as a co-worker and appreciating your work in front of a camera.
The 1st sportsters were off road bikes and this shows what could have been if Harley kept at it, wish you guys could make kits for this , beautiful and brilliant 👍
Brilliant father and son project build , what a fantastic resulting machine , I want one , well done lads .
Very Nice project, and a father and son as Well, just perfect. Very Nice build !
Thank you we had a blast building it together ! On to the next one
A job very well done!!
An absolutely beautiful build! Well done!
Young man I'm sure no one has to tell you that you have something extremely special. You should be very proud of it and your father. My hats off to the both of you. Absolutely amazing detail. Love the Gulf style racing livery . Well done.
Thank Christ there's still people doing this kind of work.
This is awesome! Harley needs to pay attention, this could be a whole market segment for them.
Harley needs these guys! With the cost of a new HD I'm sure they can afford these guys, think outside the box! Great build!
If there were more dad’s like that the world would be better
Respect to the dad. Such a skilled human being, very talented and creative.
I've got a lot of welding experience, some machining and plenty of general fabrication skills. This is an amazing build with extreme attention to detail.
What a great thing for father and son to have done together. Wish I got to do something like that with my dad.
What a work of art. You are a bloody legend and a true master of your craft
ain't no mistaking that sound. the silhouette might fool ya, but the roar says it all.
Reminds me of the old XR750 flat track bike Harley made.Great job guys. It is awesome. I hope your Dad is feeling better and all is well. Cheers from Tallahassee Florida
Pretty bike.I knew someone could make a nice track bike out of a Harley.Good job
This is why I don't call myself a bike builder ! That is very , very clever !
Cheers Steve really happy you liked the bike
@@warrenscustoms7076 do you have a website?
Harley has the answer to all their financial problems right here. Why the hell dont they build this bike?
Letting Mr. Buell go was a mistake as well!!!!
You’re right
It looks beautiful but tbh his done didn’t look too confident when riding the bike
Cuz it wouldn't win a race
@@fjp3305 That one is a harley honda hybrid and a pretty good one , it looks faster than the chubby harley davidson its 180 kg got amazing suspension , this is not the fat ugly harley davidson we are are used to
What an amazing piece of engineering. This guy could build anything.
This is AWESOME!!!!! This bike belongs on display for everyone to see how ingenious some people can be.
I wish I could give more than one thumbs up for what you guys did. That is a beautiful machine. I have been thinking in my head and wanting to do something like that myself. I guess it stems from the way that the old army WWII WLA Harley’s were used. Ive wanted an off-road Harley like what you two made. I’ve been told I’m a little crazy the way I treat my Harley’s because I’m always off roading them.
Once again, Bravo Zulu. Excellent job. I love what you guys did with it. I want to see more of you using it
What a piece of work! truly beautiful!
Thank you Yann
I didn’t think you could do that to a Harley it looks absolutely amazing
Wow, Rolls Royce Engineering skills here a very talented man and what a bike thank you.
NJ
What a beast of a bike. Totally unique and one of a kind. Great works guys!
Thank you brother glad you liked it 🙏
Damn I haven’t seen a bike with as many machined parts that were actually made by the owner amazing aluminium work as well 👍🏼
And fiberglass.
This is the bike I have dreamed of building for many years! Thank you for doing it for me. The shipping address is...lol. Amazing build!
I think this is one of the best builds featured. When he's using an English wheel its legit!
That thing is such a piece of art. I love the work this man has put into it, it must be rad seeing your own son shred an awesome bike you both love. Wish my sporty was this badass!
One of the coolest bike shown yet. Love how much work they did themselves, and the quality and style of the build. Top stuff.
It's been several years since you made this video. You folks did a great job on the XL. 400 lbs is an accomplishment.
You said that the Sportster wasn't designed to be a motorcrosser. Actually, the 1962 XLCH Sportster was designed to be a TT racer. It had magneto ignition. It didn't even come with lights. Headlight, brake light and horn were an option in the parts catalogue.
Great job on your project. Greetings from Maryland.
Nice job - Little tip for you, there are much smaller batteries you could use that will start the motor. Check e-bay for them. That should cut another 15lbs down on weight.
Awesome build
Well done sir. Hope you have recovered from the illness and was nothing life threatening. Would be a terrible shame to lose someone with such talent in this world.
the father's accent is as cool as the bike, his son is lucky to have such a cool dad.
I hope your paps doing well today. This is my favorite bike on this series. Great job guys.
One of the all-time great builds I reckon.
Absolutely priceless project. Great inspiration guys. Looks like a lot of fun to ride. Sportsters are fun bike last forever
Wow impressive amount of craftsmanship. Looks incredible. Well done to you and you son sir
Bonkers and amazing home engineering. Stunning bike.
Absolutely beautiful,
I race a H.D. Hooligan 1200.
Awsome feeling cranking on a 1200 in the dirt.
OUTSTANDING job on your bike.
Very kind thank you ✊
Good God, this thing is bonkers. Well done Robert, dig your bike too damn much.
Thanks Lucas ! It’s bonkers to ride as well
Absolutely spectacular. I would love to ride it. Built by a genuine craftsman. 👍
Wow great job . Looks awesome Love the exhaust Great father son creation .
Amazing job on the tank.
Stay healthy . Build more
Love this bike !! Respect on a an amazing build and design. Great build team, hope Dad's doing ok
A proper custom built bike totally fit for purpose and looks great. There really aren't that many great looking Harley's. This is one of them!
Super nice engineering,very thought out and meticulously assembled.this bike growls like a tiger. Id bet she intimidated the other riders at the track.
My personal favorite bike to ever be shown on this channel.
For a Harley, I bet it rips. For a motocross bike, a bit of a Frankenstein...But I think it’s so freaking cool! So many handmade parts, so much vision. And the flames from the exhaust😍!
Love it. I was down at the Shed the other day and saw you guys filming this. Looked forward to finding out what it was all about and wasn’t disappointed! Top job.
Thanks man appreciate that ✊
Don’t be ridiculous! That is no motorcycle. THAT is a holy relic on two wheels that deserves to be worshiped. Genius work, true art.
What an awesome bike! Great build!
Great execution of craftsmanship and design along with the Gulf racing colors
That is the sickest Sportster custom I’ve ever seen. Now I’m sure Harley should do a true factory scrambler before retiring the sportster platform.
Very cool. Great attention to detail and I love the tank. My profile pic is my Sportster at Carlsbad Raceway California for the 1978 4stroke Nationals.
Very nice the feet pegs are awesome ...the tank way cool. Thanks for sharing.
Wow she's a beauty. An amazing gift for your son, long may he enjoy it
Harley should really think about making something like this. Great work and beautiful bike 😁
Thank you ! Glad you liked it
Harley has put out a model for off road but nothing like this custom monster! The HD is an enduro/adventure bike, as the term is now.
Too heavy! The engine/trans alone weigh more than most modern dirt-bikes. You might get 10-15 minutes of riding time on the trails/track before you are too tired to ride anymore. Not only that, the rear suspension travel does not look like it could be much over 3-4 inches...not a fun ride!
Motocross Harley ha ,hell we're still waiting on the TRUE STREET LEGAL FLAT TRACKER that they should have built along time ago !!!
DAMN GOOD THING THAT I DONT RUN THE SHOW OVER THERE AT HARLEY DAVIDSON BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE SOME PINK SLIPS COMING TO THE COLLECTORS OF THIER PAYCHECKS THERE AND NOT THE EARNERS OF THIER PAYCHECKS !!!
They did. About 40 years ago kept following the plugs.
Love the color combo. This guy knows what he's doing. I like how fire shoots out of that rear pipe....kind'a makes it look like flames are coming out of your butt while you're riding. That'll strike fear into the hearts of your racing opponents.
This is the first bike I've seen that is on Milyard's level. Outstanding work. Seriously speechless.
Awesome looking bike, especially as it's a shed build, very clever and strong willed man to put that together while going through treatment, hope all is well now.
Thank you it means a lot !
The bike looks and sounds amazing fantastic job 👍
Thank you really appreciate your comment ✊
Absolutely phenomenal project! Nothing but respect for the lad!
Amazing job! Extremely skilled effort
That is absolutely Brilliant!
I grew up on dirt-bikes and currently ride Harleys so I'm sure you know how bad I want that Motorcycle. : )
That bike would be on a pedestal in my livingroom...
That is bad ass! Looks like a real ripper, and a museum piece all in one. Well done!!!!
Wow thank you 🙏
At first I was disgusted by the idea of trying to make a Harley do Motocross, but by the end of the Video I had mad respect for the Duo. He put thought in Everything an made everything himself. And it seems to go really good aswell.
You are a very lucky young man with a father like that. well done sir
Very nice. Great workmanship. I don't know about motocross but with the right tires it would rip on a flat track.
luv the tank..the whole frame and all .. genius..
i'm betting the build helped big-time in dad's recovery !
I would buy this! Your very talented and skilled!
Harley could take a lesson on this build ! That’s beautiful
Wonderfull design and craftsmanship. It’s a beauty and it sounds like a demon. The Gulf colors are my favorite scheme for a it’s vintage effect. And it gives the bike a visual lightness. Great job, well done.
What a great bike, i have a wrecked 883 i would love to make it into something like this. I wish i was half the craftsman as this guys dad though. Well done sir, that is one lucky young dude.
Fantastic design & build, looks great.
Thank you Sally it means a lot
Beautiful build Gents! I have a 2005 XL883L Sportster and it's an amazing bike! What you guys did here is really awesome! I'd love to ride it!
First I hope your feeling and doing well and you have done a fine very fine job I think you done Harley proud Sir that's a masterpiece. God Bless and keep that brilliant mind working Sir
All is well ! Thank you very much for the kind words and on to the next project. You need to keep that mind working
Great attitude towards a build though 👍 you deserve a medal.
I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer. I hope everything goes well for you in the future
Impressed by the amount & quality of work.
What a beautiful bike...hope you are doing better! Best wishes from Detroit, MI USA!
Nice, I remember back in 1983 some guy used to race the Baja 1000 on a similar Harley set up. His main issue was shredding the rear knobbie with all that weight.
This whole series is absolutely fantastic. Please keep it going!