In 2009 I got a great deal on a 2005 883R Sportster. I wanted a Iron but couldnt afford a brand new bike, so i got a R model with the black engine with the intent of painting it, but ended up liking the orange so i left it.

When i got it it was pretty much stock other than some 2 up items and bags with rear supports:



When I first started moding, i was pretty mcuh just blacking it out more. Forward Controls, Black strut covers, burly slammers, black levers, headlight trim, etc. I also put on a new air filter and some cycle shack slip ons. Never rode 2 up so i got a solo seat. I thought it was really starting to look good here.


For some reason I got the idea that some 12" Apes would be good, so i got some apes and installed them myself, it sucked. It took forever and i was never really thrilled with the look. It was more comfortable to ride though. I also added a luggage rack on the rear.


At this point i was wanting a bigger bike and my brother in law was wanting off his ricer. I found a good deal on a street bob and sold my R to him. He wanted me to switch the bars back to stock and also wanted to chop the rear fender, but we didnt get around to it for awhile. Well, over the last couple of moths we have been doing the things to it he wanted and i wanted to when i owned it.

We chopped the rear fender and pulled it off to do so, when we did he decided to pull all the metal and get it painted. He painted it 3 different times and the first 2 guys did horrible work so he paid someone who know what they were doing to do it and it came out great. He left it orange, but added some black and a silver pinstripe to the rear fender, also had the lower mounting part of the front fender painted black so it appears to float over the tire.

I worked on lowering the bars back down while the metal was off and we also relocated the speedo to the side using the autometer clamp. LED taillight under the fender, black rear turn signals, side mount license plate, vance and hines shortshots, Metzler 880s front and rear. I just cant get over how great its turned out so far. its been a lot of work for us, but its been mostly enjoyable and weve been able to learn a lot by doing most of it ourselves.









We just need to find some black front signals or get these powedercoated and we will be set.

Heres my street bob for those interested, i really havent done much to it other than switch to black rims, but i plan on doing some stuff this winter.

 

Dang, man!! That turned out GREAT!! you should trade him! LOL

 

That looks damn good in orange. great work!

Sweet Street Bob as well

 

nice!

 

I like the original tank graphics.

 

Nice work you guys def put that r through some changes looks Custom.
The chrome pipes stand out but think they would look more racey Black.

 

Great Job!!! You really made it look like a whole new ride!!!! I love the new paint job!

 

thanks guys, it has been a fun project. we are proud of it for sure.

 

Turned out great.

 

wow!!! what a difference. looks GREAT. BTW, what did you do with the 12" apes? consider selling them? I would be interested to get more info on them if so. Thanks.