The Highlights
- Genuine low mileage
- Bespoke, one-off custom build
- Supplied with a selection of interchangeable parts to suit personal tastes
The Appeal
If ever a name was synonymous with the open road, it must be Harley-Davidson. Just speaking it brings to mind well-worn Levi’s, lonely, arrow-straight highways and family-run roadside diners, as captured so beautifully in the 1969 existentialist chopper film Easy Rider. Billy (Dennis Hopper) and Wyatt (Peter Fonda) drift away from mainstream society, and their artistically-finished custom Harleys are symbolic of their non-conformist separation. We might infer that any Harley-Davidson can start people off on the road towards self-realisation and absolute freedom, but only a chopper will get them to the final destination.
Perhaps that’s over-thinking it, but one doesn’t have to think too hard to appreciate what a fine bike this is. Harley-Davidson’s Sportster models were introduced in 1957 as a smaller, lighter alternative to the heavy long-distance touring bikes with which the marque is most closely associated. It has remained in production ever since, using the overhead-valve Ironhead engine up to 1985.
The XLX-61 Sportster was built from 1982 to 1985 and was an entry-level model, with minimal trim and accessories. Its simple construction has made it popular with custom bike builders, on account of it being so easy to modify and personalise, and this example is typical. While the frame and engine remain standard, it’s been attractively dressed up with 1970s-inspired chopper accessories like the ape-hanger handlebars and bobbed rear mudguard, and benefits from a large-capacity fuel tank for long-distance rides.
The History and Paperwork
- Earliest recorded owners are Thomas and Anna Merill of Amesbury, Massachusetts, who purchased the bike in 1997
- The bike was imported from the United States in 2004 and remained in storage till 2022 when the vendor bought it. The gentleman who initially imported the bike passed away 11 years ago and the vendor bought the bike from his son.
- The vendor imported it to Britain and had it registered with the DVLA in February 2022
- The vendor has spent time customising the bike and fitting new parts while retaining the original ones, but hasn’t found time to ride it
- Paperwork includes the current V5 and MoT certificate, some import and registration documents, and copies of two American Certificates of Title
- Bidders should note that while the bike is registered with the DVLA as GEL 902Y, it has not been used on public roads and therefore the vendor has not yet bought a number plate for it
The Condition
- Visually enhanced by various custom parts, such as ape-hangers and a bobbed mudguard
- Original parts and other custom accessories supplied, so may be returned to standard or modified to suit
- Brilliantly tough, urban appearance with a light patina
Many chopper builders like shiny paint, chrome and polished billet, which is all well and good if you’re building bikes for show. There’s another school of thought, though, which favours the rough-and-ready look – bikes which you could fire up every day, ride all over the country and leave unattended on a busy city street without worrying about picking up the odd blemish.
That second category is clearly where this Sportster sits, so we could stoop and apologise for the fact that there are some light marks on the fuel tank and a few paint chips on the mudguards, but we won’t, because that’s how it’s supposed to look. There’s a brilliant patina all over, which suits the straight black paint and matt wheels and generally enhances the tough, urban æsthetic.
The vendor admires the 1970s look, hence he has fitted ape-hanger handlebars and a bobbed rear mudguard. The fuel tank is a modern item from a Harley-Davidson Dyna. We understand it’s the largest tank which can be fitted to the XLX, and was chosen because the vendor had plans to ride to Germany and back. It’s been visually decluttered, with the gauges removed. The sheepskin seat cover is obvious, and ensures you’re as comfortable as possible when out for a long ride.
The great thing about customs is they’re very personal, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t personalise this some more, or take it back to standard if you prefer – the original parts are there for you to refit if desired. Alternatively, you might choose from some other custom parts, such as the low handlebars and wide saddle, which will give you more of a 1950s look. With so many interchangeable parts, it’s no wonder the vendor calls it “the Mr. Potato Head of bikes” – you can have a different look for every day of the week.
The Mechanics
- Just over 14,000 miles from new
- MoTed with no advisories in April 2022
- Starts and runs beautifully
It’s hard to believe that a 40-year-old bike could only have covered 14,000 miles, but in the case it appears to be true. Looking through the older documents, we can see it had only covered 10,500 miles as of June 1997, so the past 25 years really have been very kind to it.
Having received such sparing use, it’s no wonder that it’s in excellent mechanical condition. We’re keen to emphasise the fact that this Sportster does have an MoT with no advisories which is valid until April 2023 but, equally, we might mention that it will turn 40 next year, and so become exempt from MoTs.
We are aware that the Harley has received a little bit of fettling since being imported, but it has not had any major work and clearly isn’t in need of any. When we inspected it, it started up from cold after four months in storage, and proceeded to run beautifully. It’s conveniently fitted with electric start, so the flick of a switch is all that’s needed to fire it up – no kicking over necessary.
As might be expected, it sounds fantastic, with the deep bellow famously characteristic of Harley-Davidson V-twins. It goes and stops and, while we didn’t take it for a ride ourselves, we could see how much it pleased to vendor to ride.
To the best of our knowledge, this matching-numbers bike is mechanically standard, except for the rigid rear shock absorbers, but a set of adjustable ones is supplied.
The Summary
Here’s a bike with all the appeal of a classic Harley-Davidson, and a little bit more besides. Being a Sportster, it’s much more light and usable next to Harley’s bike Hydra-Glides and Electra-Glides, but it’s still a comfortable machine which will cover long distances effortlessly with its 1000cc V-twin.
It’s made that much better by its various custom touches, which just make it even cooler than it was already. It looks like it’s got attitude, but it’s really a docile thing to ride, so what are you waiting for? Get your motor running and head out on the highway…
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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