El Solitario MC's Sportster 1200
In a world where Harley customization typically can vary anywhere from mild to wild, El Solitario MC brings us another off-the-wall build based on a Sportster 1200. Although some loathe it and others can't seem to get enough of it, "Malo/Bueno" is sure to turn heads as it's cruising by.
"Eclectic, One-Of-A-Kind, Bold and Anthropomorphic"
El Solitario MC is a Spanish motorcycle shop that has churned out a handful of unique, custom motorcycles. While modern motorcycles companies attempt to create attractive, performance-driven bikes that remain practical for daily use, El Solitario's mantra is to reveal the essence of each motorcycle by imprinting their unique experiences and individual influences onto it. The results are typically crafted motorcycles that exhibit qualities regularly found in nature, have a patina that provides distinctive character, and are built similarly to vintage-engineered machines as an ode to simpler times.
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The Medieval Robot
The motorcycle before us is based on a 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200, but has undergone some extensive changes to give it a futuristic, yet medieval look. Coined "Malo/Bueno" (Bad/Good), the bike is supposed to represent a fierce creature that looks menacing from afar, but can be gentle and loving when handled with care. The most polarizing feature of the bike is the headlight/fairing assembly that sits above atop the custom fork leg covers to give the bike a robotic look. The Baja Designs LED headlights poke through this hand-hammered and riveted piece of metalwork like eyes peering through a mask.
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Metalwork Masters
The handmade touches continue throughout the rest of the bodywork with the hunchback-like fuel tank with its sharp creases, simple half-radius rear fender, stitched leather seat, and the drilled and dimpled brackets securing the headlight and gauge in place. There are simple features that may go unnoticed unless viewing the bike up close, such as the leatherwork hand grips, vintage flip fuel cap or the small buttons that clip the seat pad in place. With the bodywork being completely polished, the bike straddles the line of being a modern creation while having a retro beater air that is ready for urban assault.
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The Bike Beneath
From a mechanical standpoint, the frame was left completely intact and the bike remains largely a 1200 Sportster with only a few upgraded bits installed. The motorcycle features black anodized billet aluminum ISR Hand Controls to provide more precision to the clutch and front brakes than the standard Harley units. High pressure HD Alloy shocks in the rear from Fournales Suspension literally give the bike a sense of riding on air. A MotoScope Mini speedometer from Motogadget keeps things clean and simple on the dash while a super bright LED tailight is all but hidden up under the rear fender.
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Stripped of Essentials
The exhaust is said to be a modified 2-into-1 Screamin' Eagle unit, but has a very interesting rainbow patina on the stainless muffler and head pipes. The muffler looks to be a straight megaphone, so this thing can scream! The bike has been fitted with a dual disc brake setup for more stopping power than the original single disc arrangement. Bridgestone Spitfire 11R tires with raised white lettering look retro but provide the go-anywhere ability of modern touring tires. Not an ounce of chrome is left on the bike as it has all been blacked-out. The bike can be considered a bobber of sorts as all unnecessary components such as the battery cover or belt guard have been tossed away.
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Yay or Nay?
In the end, Malo/Bueno has lived up to its name as it has received staunch criticism from some Harley loyalists, but has also gained moderate praise from those whose love rolling art. El Solitario built the bike to function and to have an impact on viewers, not to win awards nor display outside of the local Starbucks. David Borras of El Solitario claims they do not necessarily aim for the bike to be aesthetically pleasing to the viewer as their goal is to make some sort of impression on people. So, whether you love the bike or loathe it, one has to respect the level of craftsmanship that has gone into the El Solitario "Malo/Bueno" build.
>>Join the conversation about the Malo/Bueno right here in HD Forums.
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