A Different Kind of Iron: 72 Ironhead Sportster by GasBox

A little of this and a bit of that

GasBox, straight outta Cleveland, took a 1972 Sportster bobber and by way of spare parts and pieces has created a custom masterpiece.

"This bike was an ongoing shop project that sat in the corner for a few years,” remembers GasBox owner, Jesse Basset. “Every time some parts came up that seemed to fit, we added them to the pile. We used a stock Harley 35mm narrow glide triple and made a custom fender for it. The bars are stock Harley 883’s with some Kustomtech controls and one of our own speedo mounts. Then there are the original AMF mag wheels – an 18″ and a 19″ – mainly because I really like the look of mags on a rigid."

Reaching into the past

"The ’72 engine came from one of our customers via multiple rounds of horse trading. He has numerous projects going on at the shop at any given time, and he also had this particular engine in for a restoration project. It was built by Ohio locals Delzani’s Cycle, who is known for very meticulous Ironhead rebuilds; they took the time to find all the right NOS replacement parts for the rebuild, and it really shows when you are shifting through the gears."

>>Join the conversation about this Classic Ironhead Sportster up for raffle right here in HDForums.

Come one come all

But then the customer started to lose a bit of steam when it came to the project and GasBox ended up with the engine. The shop painted it glossy black and added some basic chrome and polish to set it off right.  “After finishing the bike we were probably just going to eBay it, but then we thought, ‘why not raffle it off?’”

Jesse remarks, “I am partners in the Fuel Cleveland bike show with Tyler Malinky of Lowbrow Customs and Mikey Arnold. We started this show four years ago as a way to bring our industry to the Cleveland area and really to just have fun. I have been traveling to shows on both coasts for years and I really wanted something for us. And since we actually do this show for fun and have our own businesses, the show is completely free.” 

>>Join the conversation about this Classic Ironhead Sportster up for raffle right here in HDForums.

Who's picking up the bill?

At the Fuel Cleveland show, there will be no admission or entry fee for the builders to encourage all those who create to come and rub shoulders with the public. “Of course someone has to pay, so that is where our sponsors like Lincoln Electric and Kustomtech come in; they are the true supporters of the industry. This year when we raffle this Harley off, all of the money will go to keep our show free and fun for years to come.”

>>Join the conversation about this Classic Ironhead Sportster up for raffle right here in HDForums.

Here is how you get it

“Also, this year we have teamed up with the guys from the Mama Tried show in Milwaukee and they are bringing the ‘Flat Out Friday’ flat track races to Cleveland. It is going to be a long weekend full of parties, races, and custom motorcycles.” 

If you fancy yourself lucky and want a shot at this bike from GasBox all you have to do is click here and buy a Fuel Cleveland logo patch. With every patch, you buy you will receive an entry ticket for the raffle. However, the winner of the bike MUST be present at the show in order to win. 

>>Join the conversation about this Classic Ironhead Sportster up for raffle right here in HDForums.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.