Brawny Built Transforms Sportster Into a Real Intimidator

Retro Power

Cafe racers are all the rage these days, as everyone wants a piece of that cool retro style. It just so happens that Harley-Davidson motorcycles make a great base for this (or any) type of build, so we're beginning to see more and more of them. But few are as cool or unique as this totally transformed Sportster from Long Beach, California shop Brawny Built.

Photos: Brawny Built

More Power

This cool build began life as a 1999 model Sportster, powered by a 1,200cc Evolution V-twin. Brawny Built treated that powerplant to a Screamin' Eagle cam, air filter, and two-in-one exhaust to free up a bit more power for their wicked-looking overhaul.

Photos: Brawny Built

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Suspension Redo

Next, the reconstruction continued with a new subframe and a one-off, custom tail section that doubles as an oil tank. Brawny also replaced the stock dual shocks with single pieces from a Honda CBR900.

Photos: Brawny Built

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Simple but Attractive

The Sportster then received new forks up front, along with a triple clamp and a set of 17-inch wheels from Buell. The rider sits comfy on a minimalist but attractive Azteka Customs leather saddle, which compliments the look of the bike perfectly.

Photos: Brawny Built

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Perfect Contrast

Brawny then topped off their masterpiece by adding clip-on handlebars, rear-mounted foot pegs in case the new owner wants to bring a passenger along, and a custom headlight. Capping it all off is a painted and striped tank, which contrasts nicely with the bare metal rear.

Photos: Brawny Built

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Ultimate Compliment

The end result of all that work is one seriously cool Sportster that doesn't look like anything else on the road. And in the world of custom bikes, that's perhaps the ultimate compliment you can give any builder.

Photos: Brawny Built

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