Dragonfly Green Cafe Racer Sportster

Lean Zone

Harley-Davidson's only attempt at a factory cafe racer was a sales flop. Despite being culled, the 1977 XLCR endured in the imagination of customizers for decades. One such inspired builder is Martin Solar of Rusty Pistons Garage, who stepped out of his own comfort zone to rework a 2007 1200XL into this lean 'bug-like' cafe racer.

Photos courtesy of Bike EXIF.

Gearhead Wear

Working out of his modest shop just outside of Prague in the Czech Republic, Solar's focus is usually vintage Chevrolets and Sportster choppers. Intended as a marketing tool, the XL cafe racer was built to promote Rusty Pistons Garage's “lifestyle garage wear” apparel. At least that is the official version, the gearhead version is much simpler.

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Table Challenge

The impetus for the build was a set of wheels languishing in his shop. Solar explained, “I had a pair of BST carbon wheels lying idle, and it was a shame not to use them. I put the wheels on the assembly table and wondered what to do with them. Since I had never built a cafe racer, I took it as a challenge.”

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Machined Fit

As sole designer and mechanic, Solar handles all the fabrication work himself, with the exception of CNC-milling. Originally meant for a Suzuki GSX-R1000, the 17'' wheels required a bit of intervention to make them fit the XL cafe racer. With the hubs machined to accept Harley-Davidson axles and brake discs, the rims were wrapped in a set of Metzeler Lasertec tires.

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Exhaust Graft

With the wheels sorted, Solar turned his attention to blending new parts with a traditional cafe racer theme. In keeping with the style's road racing origins, he fabricated a custom stainless steel 2-into-1 exhaust system with an Akrapovič muffler grafted to the end. A one-off box housing a Lithium-ion battery was also built and fitted just in front of the rear tire.

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Subframe Suspension

As a hotrod builder, Solar understands the importance of stance. Getting the right cafe racer 'look' meant cutting off the stock subframe and crafting an entirely new one, but it was well worth the effort. The dead-level ride is set by a pair of Hyperpro progressive springs up front and fully adjustable piggyback shocks in the rear—also by the same Dutch suspension company.

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Important Position

The bodywork was sourced from different suppliers and modified to fit. The classic Aermacchi racing fairing was sourced from Motoforza, but it was narrowed and reshaped. The gas tank is an aftermarket unit reworked to accommodate the OEM fuel pump, and the tail section comes from C-Racer. Black anodized Rebuffini Cycle triple trees and custom-made clip-ons provide the all-important tank-down riding position.

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Green Machine

Roland Sands Design rear sets and grips complete the go-fast perch. A Koso speedometer, hidden Kellermann turn signals, and an LED taillight keep everything above board. Pulling cues from MotoGP, cafe racers developed as minimalist machines built for speed. Blending traditional styling with current technology, Solar's sharp green 'bug-like' machine embodies the look perfectly—despite his preference for riding choppers.

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