Classic Retro ADV Motorcycle DIY: Turning a Harley-D Sportster into a Cruiser / Scrambler Hybrid

[@TheTISEOMan]

I've always wanted to do something like this. Take a cruiser motorcycle and modify it like back in the day t take grueling offroad tasks. Been eying to do something with the Indian.

[@BenButler1]

Chain drive and mid controls would be my next step

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi there, yes, absolutely, at least for the chain. I'm trying my luck still with the belt and we'll see. So far so good for my type of riding. Now I have floor boards that allow for a fairly close feel even in the "forward" install. The Sportster has such a small frame that I don't feel encumbered with the forward position. When I need to lift my butt from the seat, I still can, and I prefer the position for long rides. THANKS for watching my video and reaching out. RIDE SAFE!

[@dustinguriel620]

You need mid mounts so you can stand up over the really rough sections!

[@RespectfulRevolution]

You know Dustin, I've been thinking about that but I'm not sure I really want that. The forward pegs on the Sportster aren't very forward and the Kuryakyn floor boards I installed I positioned to be as back as possible. I stand up fine on them when necessary, and the rest of the time (meaning 99.999% of the time) I don't like the crouching frog position the pegs would give me if they were under my butt. Again I'm between a scrambler and a cruiser. That has worked pretty well for me so far. - G

[@mikerodriguez4125]

Thanks for sharing, it was nice meeting you at the airport. I’m keeping your set up in mind for my next bike. I want something more comfortable for everyday riding and off-road than my current KLR. Nice work!

[@gerardungerman1442]

Hey Mike, great to read from you here !!! I was glad to meet you at the airport and to have this little conversation. I've put about 2K miles more on my bike and in this new configuration during this trip when we met and again, I love my Sportster even more now. So comfortable even in long rides, and quite a decent (not fantastic but adequate) performance off road. It's more work and $$ than getting a ready-made bike, but to me it is worth it. Ride safe, friend, and good luck finding your next two-wheel love.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hey Mike! Thanks for looking us up, that is so cool!! Fun meeting you in Missoula! Hope to see you out there again someday :-) -Stacey

[@DiogenesOG]

Nice bike! I also do a lot of of touring on my C model Sportster and love hitting gravel/fire roads and one of the best things I did was to replace the forward controls with OEM mids. I see what you've written in response to Alex's question but getting your feet closer below you really adds to controllability, even fit's my 6'3" frame and you still have highway bars to stretch out. Also, I have a Corbin solo seat and it's wonderful so I think you'd probably like it too given your reason for changing from what you have.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

thanks so much...and yes, I agree. And I too think Corbin seats are far and away the best. Can't wait to get out there again! Ride safe, and thanks for watching! - G

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

Fun to see how your Sportster has evolved. I am still riding my 05 883 and it still brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. I to wanted to go off pavement but opted for a used Suzuki dl1000. That way I don't have to worry about damaging my Harley's belt drive. Look forward to seeing more of your off road adventures.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Right,... the belt drive. That is the concern! The next stage for me might be replacing what I have with one of the extra heavy duty type belts that I've seen out there. Thanks so much for watching and for your supportive comments! And I totally hear you about riding bringing a smile...every single time! - Gerard

[@billtravers3243]

So cool! Well done!

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Heeeeeey Bill!!! Thank you! You're the best :-). - G & S

[@SirFartzoLot]

Rear pegs help when you need to stand up

[@danhiller6601]

Loved the build, great job! I have been wanting to do something just like this for years. What did you do regarding the kickstand? I'm assuming raising the bike required something other than stock?

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi Dan, I swapped the kickstand for another one, looking very similar but longer meant for a larger Harley, don't know which one. I also changed the coil spring for a heavier duty one to make up for the added weight. Works like a charm. Thanks for watching my video. Look for the next one, some day hahahaha. RIDE SAFE!

[@jimstenlund6017]

How did you like the 761 tires? I put them on my ‘82 GL500i.

[@podula]

I enjoyed your story. Is there any reason you did not install mid-mounted foot controls?

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hey Alex! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Well, there's a couple of things to it... I prefer to have my feet a bit forward... And the Sportster is a small bike, and at 5'11", my feet aren't THAT far forward, even in that position. I recently installed a pair of Kuryakyn miniboards that place my feet a bit further back when I need that, and to me it feels perfect! I haven't had a situation where I've needed to stand on my pegs, either.... What kind of riding are you doing??

[@calummccreath2345]

Hi there. I have an 07 Sportster C and have recently started thinking about doing similar to what you have done. What size is the front wheel and tyre please? And have you tried it in really difficult terrain? Thanks for sharing, that is great👍

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi Calum, my front wheel is 21" and the front tire is a Kenda 761 90/90-21. I absolutely love these tires. Never had them before, work fantastic both on pavement and off pavement. They seem to last long too, and don't lose much air at all compared to my previous Commander II I had to pump at least once a month. I haven't tried really hard single track trails and I probably would not in this configuration. Now if the bike was built lighter and rougher specifically to take abuse, I would probably try stuff I wouldn't try right now. In my experience you want to focus on the exhaust as well. I don't care for a high, more specifically off-road exhaust but you want something lighter and much tougher than your average road only-use exhaust. I love my S&S Superstreet I must say. Thanks for watching my video and reaching out. RIDE SAFE!

[@georgeknox]

Can you please share a link or information on the front end upgrade?

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi George, it was great talking with you in the S&S parking lot a few days ago. So Traxxion Dynamics is the name of the manufacturer of my offroad fork kit. It is the taller of the two they offer. The handlebar is a LA Chopper Scrambler handlebar. The extended chrome headlight visor is a Harley one with a Lowbrow Customs mesh guard with magnets I epoxied in. I hope you get to customized your Sportster how you want it. It's such a fun, solid and versatile bike! RIDE SAFE and see you around Chico!