autoevolution
 

“Kuzuri” Is a Custom Harley Sportster-Powered Chopper With Handmade Hardtail Framework

As you can tell, the relaxed traffic laws of nations like Indonesia enable customizers to get seriously creative with the modifications they make to their rides.
Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri" 11 photos
Photo: Thrive Motorcycle
Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"Custom Harley-Davidson "Kuzuri"
Harley-Davidson's enduring Sportster is one of the most popular platforms for customization, and a proficient builder can transform it into pretty much anything from a slammed chopper to a svelte cafe racer. The Sportster has been in production under various iterations since 1957, placing it among the longest-running motorcycle nameplates in history.

Consequently, there’s no shortage of ripe donors for aftermarket artisans to work with around the world. We’ve lost count of how many startling projects – Sportster-based or otherwise – came out of Indonesia’s bustling customs scene in recent years, but what we can tell you is that plenty has originated from Jakarta’s Thrive Motorcycle.

The garage draws its roots back in 2013 when a team of former graphic designers and metalwork specialists joined forces to translate their know-how into bespoke art on two wheels. For the project we’ll be looking at today, the chosen base was a 2000 MY Harley-Davidson XL1200 Sportster, but the only OEM components still in play are very few and far between.

Custom Harley\-Davidson "Kuzuri"
Photo: Thrive Motorcycle
One such item is the cruiser’s air-cooled 1,200cc Evolution V-twin motor, which is good for up to 61 ponies and 64 pound-feet (87 Nm) of torque at the crankshaft. Thrive just so happened to have this Sportster in their workshop when a returning customer and close friend named Reuben got in touch to commission a Harley build. Since he is a fervent chopper enthusiast, it wasn’t too hard for the crew to decide which way this exploit ought to be heading.

Under the leadership of Indra Pratama and Barata Dwiputra, the lads wasted no time yanking the XL1200’s engine out of its frame. Careful measurements were then taken, and a regular collaborator from Brodonolo Custom Garage was tasked with fabricating a bespoke hardtail skeleton to spec. Meanwhile, Thrive’s moto doctors busied themselves with revising the hog’s twin-cylinder powerhouse.

The stock engine cases were discarded to make room for a handsome selection of bolt-on alternatives from the firm’s very own aftermarket catalog. These goodies are accompanied by premium air filtration hardware and a custom-made exhaust that looks the business. In addition, the Sportster’s final drive mechanism has been converted from belt to chain, and that makeshift tensioner was ingeniously built using a skateboard wheel.

As soon as they took delivery of the BCG-developed framework, the team proceeded to manufacture a unique aluminum attire from scratch. Up front, you’ll find a snazzy headlight housing wrapped around a yellow-tinted lamp with retro vibes, while the rear end received a handmade oil tank whose contour flows seamlessly into that of a new fender.

Custom Harley\-Davidson "Kuzuri"
Photo: Thrive Motorcycle
Beneath this module hides an LED taillight assembly manufactured in-house, and the whole shebang is topped with groovy leather upholstery. Just ahead of the saddle, there’s a streamlined fuel tank flaunting finned lower sections, fresh badges, and an inconspicuous filler cap. Moving on to the bike’s running gear, we discover that its standard hoops have been swapped with laced substitutes measuring 21 inches at the front and 18 inches down south.

As there is no front brake in sight, this XL1200-powered stunner relies solely on the retrofitted rear-end unit donated by a Harley Softail. In terms of rubber, Thrive’s squad chose to install an Avon Speedmaster tire up north and a ribbed item from Firestone at six o’clock. After they’d shortened the original forks to achieve the desired stance, it was time for the Indonesian pros to address the finishing touches.

Adorning the motorcycle’s cockpit are chopper-esque handlebars, elegant Mooneyes grips, and minimal switches, but don’t expect to find any instrumentation. Nicknamed “Kuzuri” (Japanese for wolverine), this one-off beauty got treated to a stunning color scheme, which consists of navy blue, black and silver finishes.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Silvian Secara
Silvian Secara profile photo

A bit of an artist himself, Silvian sees two- and four-wheeled machines as a form of art, especially restomods and custom rides. Oh, and if you come across a cafe racer article on our website, it’s most likely his doing.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories