Forty-Eight Custom Is a Homage to the 'King of Cool'

Cool Forty-Eight

Movie buffs and sports fans alike will recognize the inspiration from the film "On Any Sunday" for this retro-build. Dubbed 'XL 1200 Cross,' the project started out as a used 2010 Forty-Eight. Rebuilt from the frame up, the tribute project sought to ape some of Steve McQueen's most iconic two-wheeled rides. The result is a great example of past and present fused into one package, with a hefty dose of cool. 

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

Modified Winner

This XL 1200 Cross was built by the award-winning Speed & Custom — the custom shop for Sykes Harley-Davidson dealership (formerly Shaw). The British-based shop made its debut at the 2010 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, winning the Modified Harley-Davidson class in the World Championship of Custom Bike Building. Since then, they have amassed an impressive portfolio of bikes, while following the directive of 'rideable' customs.” 

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Galvanized Riders

Steve McQueen's legacy as the 'King of Cool' continues to influence to this very day. The motorsport enthusiast and film star was a champion of motorcycling who made a profound impact on the sport, industry, and culture. As a motorcycle racer, and AMA Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame inductee, McQueen's appearance in Bruce Brown's 1971 motorcycle documentary On Any Sunday, galvanized a generation of new riders to take up motorcycling. 

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Racing Number

Speed & Custom's XL Cross pays homage to two of McQueen's most favorite machines. The first is his 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross, on which he was famously photographed riding shirtless for the cover of the August 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated. The other is the actor's 1964 Triumph TR6, also kitted out as a desert scrambler rig. The number plate is a direct reference to McQueen's own racing number. 

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Custom Treatment

Getting the donor bike ready meant stripping down every nut and bolt. The original tank, chassis, and swingarm were retained. Tough EU modification laws meant retaining the factory title was important, but everything else received the custom treatment. The throttle body was kept for modern functionality, yet a dose of retro-styling was applied. The ECM and regulator were relocated underneath the engine, and the frame was drilled for internal wiring. 

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Brake Conversion

As the project evolved, period-correct aspects became a necessity. Leading shoe race drum brakes from a 1964 Honda 250 was placed up front, and a twin leading rear drum from 1967 Honda 500 Four was massaged into the back end. Aluminum spoke rims were fitted with Continental Twinduro tires, and a chain conversion was performed, along with custom-fitted bearings and sprockets to complete the look. 

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Motocross Look

Carrying on with the 'Dirtster' trend, this Sportster got a much-needed suspension boost. Ohlins shocks were added to a modified subframe, while the frontend received an unlisted upgrade. Nailing the late-1960s motocross look, a set of custom stainless twin pipes were created by Zero Exhausts — British high-performance exhaust experts. Rounding out the aesthetics are a one-off seat, number plate, skid plate, and hand-rolled fenders.  

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom.

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Before or After

Capping off the build is the unmistakable Husqvarna chrome and red paint job. The bike is a well-executed take on an iconic motorcycle and a fitting tribute to a movie legend. McQueen famously once said, “Racing is life. Everything before or after is just waiting.” Seems the original owner is now doing a bit of waiting. The XL Cross went up for sale shortly after it was delivered.

Photos courtesy of Speed & Custom. 

>>Join the conversation about Speed & Custom's XL Cross right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

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