Motorcycle News - Lo-fi Perfection: A Harley 883 Bobber from Canada
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But future tech isn’t for everyone, and we need the occasional lo-fi hit to keep us grounded. And it doesn’t get much better this tidy Harley-Davidson Sportster bobber, built by Nick Acosta in Ontario, Canada.
This 1993 XL883 was Nick’s daily runner last year. Then winter hit, and he decided to put it under the knife with help from his friend Victor.
“I went with a modern/retro styled chopper, using all new tech while making it look similar to classic 60s choppers.” A closer look shows that Nick’s done extensive work to the powertrain, and to ensure that his Harley can handle the aggressive riding that comes with a light and fast setup.
The motor’s also running Andrews cams, and an Accel Supercoil and ignition module. Nick rebuilt the carb with CV Performance and S&S Cycle parts, then added a custom intake with a velocity stack hiding behind a mesh filter.
Once Nick had stripped the gearbox, installed the kickstart and rebuilt everything, he took the bike out for a test ride…and blew up his transmission. After scrambling to find a new one, he ended up replacing it with the five-speed tranny from a 1996 Sportster, and installed it along with a Barnett heavy duty clutch.
For the frame, Nick and Victor welded on a TC Bros hardtail kit, then had it all powder-coated black with a little microflake. The front forks were upgraded with Progressive Suspension springs and heavier oil, and 3” springs were added under the solo seat.
He opted to keep the OEM wheels, because they suit the bike, and new wheels would have blown the budget. They’ve been powder-coated to match the frame, and now wear Avon AV72 Cobra rubber.
The handlebars are OEM too (“once again, if it works and is in great shape—just keep it!”), but the risers are from Drag Specialties. There’s an Aris-style headlight up front, and a classic tombstone tail light out back.
Finishing it off is a Wassel gas tank, expertly painted by Black Widow Custom Paint. It’s the only hit of color on the build, and shows off Nick’s tasteful restraint and sharp eye.
“Riding the motorcycle now is completely different,” he says, “and a lot more enjoyable. And the whole build process definitely has made me appreciate the workmanship that goes into chopper building.” Augment Collective | Instagram | Images by Mark Luciani Motorcycles via Bike EXIF http://www.bikeexif.com July 26, 2019 at 12:32PM Leave a Reply. |
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November 2020
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7/26/2019
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