Broken Buell XB12S Becomes a Beast

Custom Question

Crashed to the point of scrap, this broken Buell got a second lease on life as a streetfighter-styled beast. The resurrection work was performed by Rod Motorcycles, a custom shop in the Czech Republic that usually builds European-style cafe racers. The end result begs the question, is there beauty in the eye of the beholder?

Photos courtesy of Pipeburn

Free Reign

The short answer is no, for most this is not an attractive machine, but its backstory is pretty interesting. Martin and David Zima, co-proprietors of Rod Motorcycles, agreed to take on the rebuild project because they were given free rein to modify as they saw fit. Described as pugilistic in its stock form, this custom XB12S serves to amplify its 'fighty' roots.

Strained Partnership

The combative stance of Rod Motorcycles' XB12S embodies the relationship of its original designer and parent company. The Buell XB-series was built from 2003 until 2010, after Harley-Davidson bought the Buell Motorcycle Company outright. Cost overruns and the exclusion of Erik Buell from production decisions soon strained the partnership and brought an end to his radical bikes.

Broken Mess

The stock XB12S incurred major damage, including bent forks and frame, split rims, a broken engine case, and a cracked cylinder head. Needless to say, the would-be supermoto-styled hooligan was a mess, but the rider was unhurt. The front and rear suspension were replaced with top of the line Matris SRL components, while David Zima milled custom fork clamps.

Faux Glimpse

Easily mistaken for a tank bag, a Kuryakyn Hypercharger sits on top of the gas tank. That is to say, where the fuel tank would normally be located. As a fuel-in-frame design, the faux-tank was open to modification. Hand-rolled aluminum sheets were formed into a beefy covering and a window was inserted in the air cleaner for a glimpse into the belly of the beast.

Noise Reduction

Tucked under that massive tank is the XB12S' best feature—the XL-based Evolution V-Twin. Reworked with free-flowing heads, Buell engines had a significant power jump over their Sportster brethren. Looking a touch post-apocalyptic, and no doubt robbing powering, a set of stainless steel 'dump' pipes were added by the Zima brothers. Removable baffles provide a modicum of noise reduction.

Build Process

A Motogadget unit controls the electronics and keyless ignition. Clip-on bars and a pair of custom rearset folds the rider neatly into the chunky frame. A German-made Kellermann LED rear brake light was molded into the handmade tailpiece. As part of the build process, the Zimas developed their own line of custom switches—adding to the shop's accessory offerings.

Cool Road

Given its history, Brembo master cylinders and brakes were fitted to the reworked machine. Rod Motorcycles' unconventional vision seems to appeal. Upon completion, the XB12S was shown at the Prague Harley Days, and the Motorcycle Festival in Vienna, where it won best in show. It is good that one more cool bike is back on the road—no matter how odd it looks.

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