Thrive Motorcycle's XL 1200 Sportster Custom

Chopper time

Out of a Jakarta workshop that usually works on Yamaha and Enfield bikes comes this angular Sportster. “The project kicked off over two years ago,” says Thrive’s Putra Agung. “One of our good friends, Reuben, asked if we had a Harley engine available for a new build—and by coincidence, we did.”

Swoopy metal

That engine came from an 18-year-old XL1200 Sportster that was in rough shape but would suit the shop's build just fine. At Thrive, there is a custom parts segment so the V-twin engine became the guinea pig for new parts such as cams, sprockets, rocker covers, and air filters. 

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An attention to detail

“We fitted some to the bike, and then made a few more custom parts to stretch the design as far as we could.”

“We’ve planned to build a chopper since the day the Harley engines arrived,” says Putra. “And Reuben is a chopper enthusiast. He’s also a person who loves to see where new ideas might lead. We visited a couple of workshops in Japan and saw a lot of great bikes at the Yokohama show—especially the ‘traditional Japanese’ chopper.” 

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Distinct craftsmanship

Brodonolo Custom Garage, an eight-hour drive away, supplied a custom rigid frame for the bike. The, over the course of several months the crew at Thrive fabricated new bodywork for the bike. “We aimed for a design that could be timeless,” says Putra. “The looks and details are streamlined, to present an image of sleekness and cleanliness.”

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An illuminating rear

The sleek tail unit does double duty as a fender, there is a throttle body unit with cabling running through the bars and Mooneyes grips. Just in case you haven't noticed yet, there is only one lever on the bars...the front hub is brakeless. “We also chopped the forks to get the stance we’re looking for,” says Putra. “New shrouds add to the slim and sleek look.”

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A sketchy beauty

An Avon Speedmaster is on a 21" wheel at the front and an 18" rim at the rear of the bike. At the back of the bike is a modified Softail brake setup to thankfully bring the bike to a stop. Power goes to the back wheel by way of a chain conversion with a bespoke chain tensioner from a skateboard wheel. 

After vapor blasting raw metal, the engine was powder coated black and the bike was sprayed with a mix of Sapphire Blue and silver. 

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