The idea

For a few years we had kicked around the idea of creating a one-of-a-kind bike that would showcase the workmanship, skills and creativity of the staff at BLD. Finally in 2010, “Project Bike” began in earnest led by Bournemouth Workshop team members Dan Collins and Dave Friend.

The one thing we were certain of was that we wanted to create a Café Racer style bike.
For two months, we deliberated all the usual questions, including a lot of thought on what type of engine should be used. Should “Project Bike” be built in the style of a Triton using a modern Hinkley Triumph? What were the likely projected costs? What sort of budget  should we work to? Eventually, after many cups of tea, the decision was made!

The beginning: find a bike, strip it down, get the frame.

We found a Harley Sportster 1200, via a private seller in Hereford, from which we only wanted to use the engine. We were going to use the front forks and wheels as well but they didn’t look right for what we were going for. We ended up selling all the unwanted parts, as a job lot, to help finance “Project Bike”.

Harley Sportster 1200 as it was upon arrival. In just 2 hours we had stripped the bike down to its component parts.

The engine is all we used from original bike.

Within two hours of the bike arriving in the Bournemouth workshop it was stripped to its component parts. All we need now was the frame and tank kit from JW Motorcycles so that work could begin in earnest.  The frame we chose was based on a Manx Norton, modified to accept a Harley Davidson Sportster engine.

The frame made from 4130 chromoly steel with brazed joints.

The frame kit included the frame, swingarm, aluminium fuel tank with a stainless steel tank strap, aluminium oil tank and the seat unit. A head steady was included too.
Everything we received was of excellent quality and workmanship. We were all raring to go………..

To view all the latest Project Bike updates, click HERE.

Tags: Harley sporster, JW Motorcycles, Manx Norton, project bike