Go-Anywhere Dirt-Kicking Sportster Has Milwaukee Soul
2000 XL883C turned dirt bike project with donated parts.
Feel Good
Thinking about making a run for the hills? That barely-ridden old Sportster sitting in the garage might just be the ticket. Just ask Morgan Gales about his 2000 XL883C turned dirt bike project. He summed it up succinctly in a 2019 Motorcyclist magazine feature, “This bike was built to go anywhere, anytime. To feel and sound good.”
Photos courtesy of Motorcyclistonline.
Sweet Tracker
No build story is ever straightforward. The guts of the 'go-anywhere' Sportster were scavenged by Gales' boss, Jordan Mastagni — formerly of Hot Bike magazine. The XL's running gear once belonged to the now-defunct magazine's long-term project called 'Sweet Tracker.' As Gales explained, “In the end, the engine, wheels, and the exhaust were essentially the only items I would keep.”
Photos courtesy of Motorcyclistonline.
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Dirtster Caveat
As of late, there has been a growing demand for Scrambler-styled bikes. So much so that companies like Ducati and Triumph now offer turn-key examples. The Harley-Davidson 'Dirtster' is no exception to this trend, and has even earned the appreciation of non-Motor Company aficionados. The caveat being that unlike factory-produced machines, Dirtster fans must build their own.
Photos courtesy of Motorcyclistonline.
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Gone Through
Rolled in with a bit of DIY, there is a basic formula for building a Dirtster. Boost the suspension, hop up the motor and gearing and build some luggage racks. Luckily, Gales got a head start with his powerplant. As a magazine feature bike, Sweet Tracker's engine had been properly sorted. Gales stated, “As you'd expect from a Hot Bike project, the engine had been gone through and built up.
Photos courtesy of Motorcyclistonline.
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Horsepower Delivery
The swap-in motor received a Revolution Performance 1,250cc Big Bore Kit, and a set of Screamin' Eagle 536 Performance XL cams. A 42mm Mikuni carburetor pumps the gas, while a Daytona Twin Tec programmable ignition handles the timing. A drool-worthy XR-style 2-to-2 Supertrapp exhaust vents the spent gasses. The XL now delivers upwards of 90 horsepower and 89 foot-pounds of torque.
Photos courtesy of Motorcyclistonline.
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Rim Swap
Tire choice is the all-important factor when planning an escape from urban confines. Gales stated that while his Dunlop DT3 tires were not street legal, “the combination of the dirt-friendly tread pattern and 19-inch availability made it the perfect rubber choice for this build.” Future plans are for a set of Continental TKC 80 tires but would necessitate a swap to 18-inch rims.
Photos courtesy of Motorcyclistonline.
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Concept to Reality
The luggage rack began as a sketch on a napkin. Busch and Busch Brothers in Reno, Nevada, turned the concept drawing into reality. Gales explained, “They managed to stitch together exactly what I’d envisioned: a steel tail section inspired by trackers and ’80s Superbikes with a rack on the back, a fuel reserve mounted to one side, and a Pelican hard case mounted to the other.”
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Milwaukee Soul
Chainsikle rear-set pegs, Rizoma Tapered handlebars, and a narrow seat help sort the ergonomics for aggressive off-road riding. Fox Suspension 14.5-inch IFP shocks and Tokico brakes smooth the bumps and takes care of stopping. The peanut tank from Lowbrow Customs remains unpainted. Despite the high-end parts, Gales stated that “it’s the Milwaukee-bred, dirt-flinging soul of the bike that remains my favorite part.”
>>Join in the conversation about this smooth Dirtster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
