Neglected Race Project Becomes Harley Clone

Imitation Flattery

It would be an understatement to say that Harley-Davidson's brand influence is strong. In fact, the aftermarket industry that follows the Motor Company is so dedicated that entire machines can be assembled without using a single MoCo component. Martin Becker and his low-slung 'parts' bike is just such a case of imitation as flattery.

Photos courtesy of MB Cycles.

Finest Components

Owner of MB Cycles in Eppelheim, Germany, Becker has a reputation as one of the best custom builder in Europe. He also has an unfulfilled dream—one that started with a languishing 2002 HPU Softail frame. In business since 1981, German-based HPU has forged a name for themselves as V-Twin enthusiasts building exceptional frames and aftermarket components for Milwaukee's finest offerings.

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

Best Plans

Becker elaborated on his unfulfilled dream in a January 2021 Bike EXIF interview. “The rolling chassis of this bike was standing around in my shop for quite a while. The plan was to build a race bike for me and take it to the Bonneville Salt Flats.” However, the best-laid plans often go astray, and this is exactly what happened.

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

New Bike

The HPU frame was a bit unique as a legal loophole because it already had a title. Like other European countries, Germany has stringent vehicle modification laws, which means custom projects can be difficult. Becker explained the bureaucratic dilemma, “You need a frame which is already registered in Germany. It’s not possible to build a 'new' bike with a new manufacturing date.”

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

Rolling Job

A longtime customer convinced Becker to start a new commission using the valuable frame. He stoically reflected, “You can’t say no to such an amazing customer, and it’s also my job to build motorbikes!” To get the project rolling, Becker fitted a JMC aluminum swingarm, a Legend air system suspension and Dunlop-shod DNA rims—21'' in the front and 18'' in the rear.

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

Power Translation

Powering Becker's build is a 113 cubic-inch, S&S V-Series motor. With its Super E carburetor, the healthy engine lays down a respectable 100 horsepower. BSL, the well-known Austrian exhaust company supplied the pipe, which features a 'sound-managment' system from the Dutch company, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde. Power translation is through a six-speed Ultima transmission, coupled to the engine via a 2'' primary belt.

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

Switch Position

The bike's electronics are high tech. A Motogadget M-Unit controls the systems, while feeding required information to the all-inclusive Motoscope Pro Speedometer. A keyless ignition switch sits in the middle of the top clamp, flanked by the starter button and a 'loudness' switch for the stealthy exhaust. ABM clip-on and MB Cycle grips take care of the hand position.

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

New Donor

The only actual Harley-Davidson part on this Softail-clone is the 2018 Sport Glide fairing. Keeping his dream alive, Becker dubbed the bike 'Bonneville GS' as a nod to the salt flats where he hopes to race one day. He stated wistfully, “The idea of Bonneville hasn’t died yet—it just looks like I have to find a new donor bike.”

>>Join the conversation about this hodgepodge HPU Softail right here in HDForums.

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