Sedate 883 Sportster XL Becomes Dirt Worthy Scrambler
All-purpose 'fun' machine was the product of trial and error.
Popular Build
Modifying old Harley-Davidson Sportsters to handle a little off-road action has gained a lot of traction with custom builders in recent years. Better known as the 'Dirtster,' these street legal machines are adventure bikes for the budget-minded. It also makes us wonder why the Motor Company has not released its own version of the popular scrambler-infused XL?
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
Trial and Error
David Zemla of Burly Brand was not one to wait on the MoCo. Back in 2013, before the Dirtster concept was commonplace, he posed the question, “Could a Sportster be reconfigured for bombing down fire roads?” After a couple of years of trial and error, a few dead-ends and wrong turns, his answer was a definite “yes.”
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
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Choice Business
Once a retired school teacher's milquetoast cruiser, this 2006 XL883 is now a bona fide scrambler. Zemla also used the build to showcase a number of Burly Brand parts. In the motorcycle accessory business for almost three decades, Burly Brand, located in La Palma, California, has been a top choice for cable kits and shocks for modified Harley-Davidsons and other select makes.
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
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Success Platform
Almost at retirement age itself, the Sportster has a storied past. It was the original muscle bike when released in 1957 and dominated dirt track racing for decades. Sometimes maligned as a 'half-Harley,' the Sportster's success is owed in part to its versatility and well-supported aftermarket. Affordable, it has become the go-to platform for all those with a penchant for modification.
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
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Wheel Bump
The first order of business in getting the XL dirt-ready was tires and shocks. A pair of 15'' Burly Brand Stiletto Shocks, with their signature red coils were bolted to the modified frame. In order to accommodate Continental TKC80 tires, Ride Wright Wheels out of New Boston, Texas, handled the front and back spoke wheel conversion, with the rear bumped up to 17''.
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
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Budget Functionality
The rear section was trial and error. Zemla explained, “I really wanted a flat seat and it took several tries to get it to look right on the Sportster.” To begin, the fender struts were cut off and a Dime City Cycles rear hoop was welded in place. Keeping the build on a budget, Monster Craftsman ribbed fenders and a NOS Six-Pack rack were added for functionality.
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
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Flow Protection
Zelma kept the Dirtster's motor stock but added a Stage 1 for a little extra boost. Noted for its exceptional flow, a Vance & Hines Duke Air Cleaner was fitted. Dealing with the spent gases, a Roland Sands Design Slant 2-into-1 Carbon Ops exhaust system was mounted. The motor also gets some protection from a hand-built aluminum skid plate slung along the motor's underside.
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
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Favorite Thing
Scrambler-influenced builds of today go far beyond the complexity of Zelma's project, but it is important to remember that this was a 'garage build' into uncharted territory. Perhaps, but more importantly, was the Sportster's transformation from a sedate, low miles, XL to an all-purpose 'fun' machine. Case in point, Zelma states that “muddy rooster tails,” is his favorite thing about the bike.
Photos courtesy of Chop Cult.
>>Join the conversation about this 883 Sportster turned Scrambler right here in HDForums.
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