X1 Lightning Scrambler from Holland is the Perfect Storm

Project Challenge

Holland is better known for their cheese and tulips, not scrambler motorcycles described as 'brutal.' The exception being this 2000 Buell X1 Lightning. Built by Moto Adonis, located in Roosendaal, Netherlands, the project started after a customer made a simple request by way of a challenge. The result is a contemporary take on a classic style that is a touch ferocious.

Photos courtesy of Wouter Mertens.

Perfect Candidate

The X1 Lightning combines the power of Harley-Davidson's XL motor with Erik Buell's genius frame engineering. Moto Adonis owner Daan Borsje explained that the Lightning is the perfect candidate for a scrambler makeover. “We chose the X1 for several reasons. First its got a Sportster heart, and it has a tube frame, which we dig and is a lot stiffer than a Harley frame.”

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Brutal Scrambler

Moto Adonis is well-versed in building Enduro-style motorcycles, and cross-over projects is their specialty. Enamored with the X1's performance, the bike was a natural choice for an off-road conversion. Borsje elaborated, “The customer asked us to build the most brutal scrambler we have ever done. We decided it had to be a Buell, the master of all things brutal!”

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Potent Motor

A modified Sportster motor and a lighter frame contribute to the Lighting's fierce reputation. Reworked with Thunderstorm heads and cams, the 1203cc XL engine cranks out a healthy 88 horsepower and close to 80 foot-pounds of torque. A custom intake and DNA filter, coupled with a one-off exhaust system add just a touch more leverage to the motor's already potent output.

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Superior Power

The real secret to the success of Moto Adonis's brutal X1 is its power to weight ratio. Tipping the scales at just over 400 lbs, it is almost 40 lbs lighter than a stock X1, and 130 lbs lighter than a stock Sportster XL. Taming that power is a six-piston brake setup both front and back. Superior handling is supplied by a set of 41mm Showa USD forks.

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Up To Date

Moto Adonis started by pulling off all the plastic parts to save weight and achieve a stripped-down look. Combining both modern and classic lines, the gas tank was fabricated from a sheet of aluminum. A new subframe, with built-in turn signals and a removable rear seat, was grafted on to match the fuel tank. Bringing the electronics up to date is a Motogadget m-Unit Blue, which can be accessed via Bluetooth.

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Modification Headache

Punching through Holland's foggy weather is an LED headlight paired with additional running lights. One of the most challenging tasks was adding wire wheels. An uncommon modification for Buells, the wheels were assembled using Excel rims off a KTM, laced with black spokes. Borsje explained, “That turned out to be a real headache, but after a lot of modification, we fixed the problems and they look stunning.”

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Reverse Engineering

With Harley-Davidson genes at its core, Moto Adonis' purpose-built X1 Lighting looks as good as it performs. Enjoying a renewed popularity as of late, scramblers date back to the mid-1920s — originally the product of backyard builders reverse engineering factory bikes to go off-road racing. Fast-forward to now and not much has changed, except that today's scramblers are truly potent, 'brutal' performance machines.

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For maintenance and repair guides for your Harley, browse our technical How-to articles right here on HDForums.