Daily Slideshow: Sportster Iron 1200 Built By Strangers

Iron 1200

Just about everyone is familiar with the Sportster, we know it as the 883 Iron on or the 1200 Custom. Many of us started on this bike and eventually moved on up to a Dyna or even a bagger. Some die-hard folks have kept their Sporties and customized them as cafe racers or restored them to their original shine and glory. For 2018, Milwaukee rolled out the Iron 1200 Custom and on August 29th, 2018. It is sure to still make its presence known at the 115th anniversary of the Harley Davidson legacy.  

>>Join the conversation about this Sporter Iron 1200 built by strangers right here in HDForums.com.

The Build

In early 2018, 4 teams were invited by Harley Davidson to the Milwaukee's Brewtown Throwdown. Each team was assembled with complete strangers, given a Sportster and a theme for their build.  

>>Join the conversation about this Sporter Iron 1200 built by strangers right here in HDForums.com.

The Rules

The new 2018 Iron 1200 resembles a chopper complete with mini apes, riding low at the rear with a slight raise up front. A mini front fairing completes the look. Those of you that look closely at the tank will immediately recognize the AMF themed paint scheme and this is where the rules apply. The Harley Davidson marketing team asked the builders to transform the bike into a cafe racer. Anything may be changed or altered except for the tank.  

>>Join the conversation about this Sporter Iron 1200 built by strangers right here in HDForums.com.

Stripping It Down

The bike was disassembled and some of the most obvious features had to go right away such as the mini apes, the fairing, and the back end as well as the stock exhaust.  

>>Join the conversation about this Sporter Iron 1200 built by strangers right here in HDForums.com.

Taking Shape

The color scheme from the AMF tank was matched throughout the bike. The bike's profile was changed to mirror the slick back-alley racers that began making rounds around towns in the 50's and 60's. In many respects, this is what the Sportster does best, it changes. With an almost unlimited supply of after-market parts and simple designs (and in this case, professional intervention) this bike was taking shape.  

>>Join the conversation about this Sporter Iron 1200 built by strangers right here in HDForums.com.

Cafe Racer

And then, it was done. A new two-in-one exhaust coupled with an open velocity stack accentuated the new rear tire and the 18" rear wheel. The chopped back end, a classic and unmistakable look for a cafe racer, exposed the new suspension. The LED head lights and number plate completed the look - clean and fast. It is important to note that this challenge was timed and the builders were given specific parts list to use so no major mechanical modifications were done. Regardless, the end result is a testament to what the Sportster has become to every rider that has ever owned one: your own ride. 

>>Join the conversation about this Sporter Iron 1200 built by strangers right here in HDForums.com.

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