New Zealand's No. 8 Transforms Street 750

Work of Art

Rural New Zealand isn't exactly the type of place you expect to find world-class custom bikes. But a little outfit known as No. 8 Wire Motorcycles is bucking that perception. Their latest creation, this tidy Harley Street 750, is a work of art worthy of its recent Bike Exif feature. And we were more than happy to dive into the details that make it so unique. 

Photos: Bike Exif

Rare Build

No. 8's owner, Colin Cornberg, found his way to Montana a few years back. But his Kiwi mentality shines through in his full service moto-stroke-fabrication shop. This particular Harley is a bit of a rarity, however, as Cornberg rarely takes on builds that aren't commissioned by a customer, as this one was not.

Photos: Bike Exif

>>Join in the conversation about this Street 750 from Number 8 right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Finding a Niche

"This build started with a bone stock Street 750 that I got through a friend at the local Harley dealership," Cornberg told Bike Exif. "After building two XG750 commissions—one supercharged—I wanted to have a go at building one under my own direction. How I’d want it if it was my 'daily'. My shop is about 50/50 service and customs. And with such a competitive market for custom builds, I’m still trying to find my niche."

Photos: Bike Exif

>>Join in the conversation about this Street 750 from Number 8 right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Keep It Simple

Needless to say, this particular Street 750 is a great start in Cornberg's mission to stand out. The bike's focus is on simplicity, with the focus being on Harley's V-Twin powerplant. He accomplished that by first going with a shorter rear end, with repositioned shock mounts for the frame and swingarm.

Photos: Bike Exif

>>Join in the conversation about this Street 750 from Number 8 right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Hide and Seek

Cornberg fashioned his own tank and seat cowl out of aluminum. He worked hard to hide just about everything else, including many of the electrical components, coolant overflow tank, and the lithium battery, which are located in a polished aluminum tray under the seat. Up front, you'll find a set of forks from a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R750.

Photos: Bike Exif

>>Join in the conversation about this Street 750 from Number 8 right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Nice Mix

Many other hand-made parts can be spotted with the naked eye. They include the triples and handlebar risers and spacers for the front wheel and brake rotor. They're complemented nicely by a mix of aftermarket parts. "I kept the stock handlebar controls, with the budget in mind, and they work well," Cornberg said. "But I upgraded the master cylinder to a Magura unit and went with Biltwell grips and Motogadget m.blaze turn signals."

Photos: Bike Exif

>>Join in the conversation about this Street 750 from Number 8 right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Standing Out

A custom exhaust and air filter, along with a Vance & Hines Fuelpak FP3 Autotuner, gives the 749 cc Revolution X mill a bit of a boost. And it's all capped off perfectly with a light blue paint job. In the end, it's pretty clear that Cornberg's vision for this bike is unique enough to stand out in a sea of custom builders. And to us at least, it seems like he's finally found his niche.

Photos: Bike Exif

>>Join in the conversation about this Street 750 from Number 8 right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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