Harley-Davidson 883 Bobber Takes a Minimalist Approach
This Sportster 883 Bobber build has the less is more approach that we love to see: less weight, more power.
Lo-Fi
More and more technology is introduced to the motorcycling world each year. These advancements are often welcome and make day-to-day riding more convenient. But they also heighten some people's want for a more minimalistic steed. And that's where this Harley Sportster 883 bobber enters the picture. This beauty comes courtesy of Nick Acosta from Ontario, Canada. Acosta has trimmed all the fat, leaving just what you need to enjoy the open road.
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
Under the Knife
How many times have you thought of turning an old daily-runner into a project bike? That's exactly what Acosta did to this 1993 Sportster 883 which was his loyal servant until last December. Speaking about the build Acosta said, "I wanted to challenge myself to build not another cafe racer but something completely different... I went with a modern/retro styled chopper, using all-new tech while making it look similar to classic 60s choppers.". This bobber certainly conjures up images of the past but, upon closer inspection, you'll find some very modern features.
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
>>Join the conversation about this Sportster 883 Bobber right here the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Powertrain
Acosta took a less is more approach with this bobber, as in less weight and more power. This Sportster's engine has been bored out to 1,200cc courtesy of a Screamin' Eagle kit. He then rebuilt the carburetor using S&S Cycle and CV Performance parts. Sitting behind an eye-catching mesh filter is a custom intake with a velocity stack. Ensuring this powertrain looks as well as it runs are Panhead-style rocker box covers from Led Sled Customs in Ohio.
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
>>Join the conversation about this Sportster 883 Bobber right here the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Trouble
No project like this would be complete without some trouble. Acosta stripped the gearbox to install a kickstart which he bought off eBay, and after he put everything back together, it was time for a test drive. Unfortunately, the standard transmission couldn't handle the new stresses imposed on it and, well, it blew up. Acosta installed a Barnett heavy-duty clutch to accompany a replacement five-speed transmission from a 1996 Sportster. Now he could lay down every ounce of this bobber's power without fear.
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
>>Join the conversation about this Sportster 883 Bobber right here the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Suspension
When we say that this Sportster is minimalistic, we really mean it. A TC Bros hardtail kit was welded on to the bobber before being powder coated black with some micro flakes. All dampening at the rear comes from 3-inch springs which lie under the bike's solo seat. But the suspension up front has been upgraded thanks to some heavier oil and Progressive Suspension springs. The ride is probably about as comfortable as you'd expect but Acosta doesn't seem to mind it too much, "it's a surprisingly comfortable ride... until a pothole comes my way.".
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
>>Join the conversation about this Sportster 883 Bobber right here the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Upgrades
This Sportster has gone on a diet but some parts received welcome upgrades. Acosta increased power and reduced weight so, naturally, more stopping power would be needed. This Sportster now has stainless lines and sintered pads. Upfront there's a new Drag Specialties master cylinder and, at the rear, the cylinder has been rebuilt.
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
>>Join the conversation about this Sportster 883 Bobber right here the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Style
There are a couple of features on this bike which really make it stand out, like the Wassel gas tank. The tank was painted by Black Window Custom Paint and provides all the color necessary on this practically blank canvas. The custom shorty exhausts with billet aluminum tips, which undoubtedly sound as good as they look, also deserve a special mention. But, arguably, the best thing about this whole build is the fact that this bike is still Acosta's daily runner who says that he loves riding it more than ever.
Photos courtesy of Bike Exif
>>Join the conversation about this Sportster 883 Bobber right here the Harley-Davidson Forum!
For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.
