Canepa Completes Rad Restomod 1997 Harley-Davidson Heritage Model
If you’re passionate about riding classic Harley-Davidson’s yet want that sensation of modern performance then this 1997 H-D Heritage Canepa Design is the ticket. Canepa is a household name for some but if you’re a first-timer in the industry they’re known for their tuning and restoration projects like this fascinating specimen. Stationed in the Santa Cruz mountains of California they specialize in a host of aftermarket services for your motoring desires. They have a knack for maintaining vintage racers, legalizing Porsches and resto-modding other blood-pumping monsters like this big American clydesdale. Shall we have a gander?
Canepa’s Design division was behind this restoration project entailing a full disassembly, complete redesign following up with a thorough rebuild to new era standards. The goal of this build was to capture the aesthetics of a 1940’s to ‘50’s Harley with 21st Century mechanicals for more fun behind its bars. Each component was examined, cleaned or customized to enhance the yesteryear flair. The end product is a satisfying blend of classic look and new speed. One technique of enhancement for speed was attention to and reinforcing all the joints, seams and castings. Canepa is so proud of their work their site reports, ”the upper and lower steering head, seat bracket, and swing arm tube castings were re-shaped and finished.” Must feel crisp!
On Canepa’s notes of this 1997 H-D is a comprehensive list of everything redone from the frame to parts. What a striking aggressive low stance. Resting on a modified lowered front Springer setup and a custom progressive rear suspension package the bike has been lowered a full inch. Another sporting technique they use is relocating and hiding all they can creating a tight racy-looking aero package resembling a bit H-D’s today. Yet it’s still appealing to the classic crowd with lovely leather all over and deep ivory old-style enamel paint spitting Panhead fire out of the sharkfin exhaust.
Via[Canepa]