John Player Custom Sportster XL1200 - Photo Gallery

It's not uncommon to see custom motorcycles that replicate the design cues of famous cars in history, be they racing machines or simply good-looking four-wheelers. The DP Customs have been approached by a returning customer who wanted a cool ride that evoked the John Player Special F1 cars of yore.
As Mario Andretti is one of the idols of the Del Prado brothers of DP Customs, the order received a warm welcome. The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 was stripped to the bone, and everything was replaced save from the engine and frame, which by the way, was modified. Even so, the engine received a premium Dynatek ignition and its constant velocity carb was re-jetted for some extra grunt.

The final belt drive was converted to a chain one that uses a 51-tooth PBR sprocket to make the bike feel even more vicious right from idle. The rims are also a wonderful piece of DP custom craftsmanship, as they are an in-house design and were CNC machined to spec by the same workshop. Pirelli Sport Demon tires make sure riding the John Player Sporty is a rewarding experience.

Premium suspensions add to the road stance and performance
DP Customs went for Progressive Suspensions units for both the front and the rear end. The rear was equipped with 14", fully-adjustable 970 gas-charged units, while the front received springs from the same manufacturer, backed by Speed Merchants 39mm preload adjusters.

The brakes department was upgraded to Brembo calipers and ISR masters, while a tracker bar and risers was installed, with a Biltwell aluminium throttle sleeve and adjustable ISR controls. A simple Stach tachometer is the only instrument present, keeping things clean and tidy.

DP Customs used sheet steel to craft the angular shapes of the tank, tail section and chin spoiler, and carefully hidden the electronics, oil reservoir and lightweight Ballistic battery from sight. The house also provided the signature Box Pipe underbelly exhaust, while the bike was finished with a sober and very elegant paint job done by Walkers Way in Mesa, AZ.

The JPS tribute XL1200 also received open filters for both intake and transmission breather and matte black collectors and engine accents. Such a sweet machine and ready to legally roll down the street!

Source: Autoevolution