XTR Pepo Creates a Dyna Tracker!

When the Spanish workshop Radical Ducati closed in 2014, many fans of the custom shop were stunned and wondered if they would see any more of Pepo Rosell’s incredible work. A 13-year partnership with Reyes Ramon produced some of the most stunning Ducati’s that have ever graced the road.

After a 12-month hiatus, Pepo has launched a new workshop—XTR Pepo. The shop is based in Madrid where Radical Ducati was as well, but now he has a far more relaxed approach to the business.

In an effort to break away from that Ducati centric past, Pepo has begun working on different platforms. He initially broke out with a  Triumph Speed Triple was the starting point and as far away as you can get from a tradition V-Twin Ducati. Then he goes and does his next bike.

‘Gabrielle’ is Pepo’s first ever Harley-Davidson build and hopefully not his last if these photos are any indication.

“I want to build bikes using all kinds of engines and brands,” Pepo tells us. “I want to show that I’m not simply ‘Mr Radical Ducati.’ I’m also able to ‘XTRemize’ any bike—and what could be farther removed from my earlier work than a Harley-Davidson?”

The build began when a customer dropped his Dyna at the XTR workshop. The owners only request was that the bike should be able to carry a passenger, and it should have a wide set of handlebars.

Pepo: “I wanted to make a European-style bike with a similar look to a Vincent. I didn’t want to make a typical Harley-Davidson. I’m also very fond of bobbers and dirt track bikes—like the XR750—so they influenced this build as well.”

Performance is a hallmark of all Pepo builds: “The engine and braking have been optimized, and it’s as light as possible—for easy riding on mountain roads.”

To upgrade the Dyna’s front end, there is a set of Suzuki GSX-R forks and yokes. The front brakes are a mix: Hayabusa 6-piston calipers, custom made 320mm rotors, high performance Fren Tubo brake lines, and the GSX-R lever assembly.

The carb has been retuned and breathes freely through a custom made mesh filter. A wicked V-Twin rumbles through custom-made 2-into-1 exhaust headers and a muffler with a removable dB killer. A Gonelli quick-open throttle allows access to the power with efficacy.

The request for two-up riding makes this an interesting bike to build. A Dyna clearly has the ability to carry a passenger, but getting the style of the bike right meant modifying the rear subframe to support a seat from a Mash 500. Google that one, it’s interesting.

Swap the rear fender for a custom number plate for looks and function.

To drop some weight, a lithium battery was fitted into a custom box behind the race-style side number plates. Up front is another flat-track-style racing number, with a custom-made headlight and yellow lens.

Motocross style bars paired with Gonelli natural rubber grips kept nice and clean by mounting the speedo and oil pressure gauge to the frame, on the left side. Motogadget controls replace the stock Harley switch gear.

Gabrielle uses a modified Yamaha SR500 tank widened to fit over the Dyna backbone. It looks like a perfect compliment to the bike.

New spoked rims replace the stock cast wheels and now run Pirelli’s MT66 Route 66 rubber. Classic dirt tracker style and aesthetic.

With this result we may see a few more Harleys from XTR Pepo?

Images by Jose Cepas