Replica XR750 is the Weapon of Choice

Bike Legend

The XR750 is undeniably responsible for drilling the Harley-Davidson brand into the psyche of enthusiasts. As the weapon of choice for stunt legend Evel Knievel, or as the king of AMA Grand National Championships, the Motor Company's little race bike still reigns supreme. Building a street version of the famed machine takes things to a whole other level.

Photos courtesy of Motoring Photos.

Road Use

Enter Jason Leppa of Australia’s Gasoline Motor Co., and their road legal XR750 replica. Dubbed 'GAS XR,' the bike appears to be a mint-condition historic machine, but is actually a completely modern version. Leppa elaborated for BikeEXIF, “This was built for a customer who wanted to honor the XR750’s glorious history, but make it beyond functional for road use.”

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Challenging Components

Bucking the trend of using an older solid-mount frame, Gasoline Motor chose the smoother riding, rubber-mount 883 Sportster. To start the build, Leppa retained the engine and the front half of the chassis. To duplicate the XR750's racy stance, the subframe was modified to accept tall shocks, in what Leppa described as the “most challenging components of the build.”

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Vintage Appeal

Leppa detailed the chassis changes, “The original subframe was modified to work with the new tail piece and a set of 15'' YSS shocks.” AMA flat track standards dictate the use of 19'' wheels. A set of four-inch wide custom made aluminum rims were laced up with stainless spokes and fitted with Firestone rubber for vintage appeal.

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Stylized Plate

In keeping with the contemporary nature of the build, the original ABS brake setup was carefully worked into the hubs. The same thinking extended to adding an LED light bar that doubles as a headlight, mini indicators and a hidden brake light. The bike was completely rewired, with some of the harness neatly tucked under the stylized front number plate.

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Retro Design

The Sportster's motor was fitted with a Vance & Hines Fuelpak and a set of custom bent slash-cut pipes. A chain conversion was a must for this 1970s-inspired tracker. Ceriani-style triple trees and forks, rebuilt with a Monotube cartridge kit, were installed. Stainless steel handlebars with minimal controls and a Motogadget speedometer seamlessly fitted to the top clamp completes the retro design.

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Authentic Theme

Emulating the race original, the gas tank was made by Phil Little—a Minnesota-based fiberglass specialist. Leppa explained, “The tank is so small, an external fuel pump needed to be custom-mounted, along with a fuel pressure regulator and Proflow fittings.” Carrying on the authentic theme is a handmade replica of the XR750's original oil tank—one of Leppa's favorite features.

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Premium Joy

GAS XR is a finely crafted blend of style, stance and rideability. It is also a nod to the legacy of the XR750 and its status as the most successful race bike of all time. Leppa rightly reflected on the completed build, “The premium components make it a joy to ride. It feels completely modern, with impeccable fine detailing.”

>>Join the conversation on the XR750 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.