Roland Sands Café Sportster
Roland Sands Café Sportster | |
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Manuals | Service Manual |
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
RSD Café Sportster
When Harley-Davidson launched the Sportster line
in 1957, it was the baddest bike on the block. Nothing on this side of the pond
went as fast or handled as well, which helped to solidify Harley-Davidson as the
bike to have if you were serious about riding. Even the legendary XR750s, which
dominated flat track racing for decades (and were Evel Knievels bike of choice)
were based on the Sportster, so the bike has probably racked up more race wins
than any other model. Over the years, public perception of the Sportster has
dropped off, and I once overheard a biker-wannabe tell his young son, You dont
want that. Its a girls bike. So much for a legendary reputation.
Roland Sands Design gets it, and has built a Sportster that is truly worthy of the name. Dubbed the Café Sportster, the bike is RSDs interpretation of exactly what a Café racer should and shouldnt be, and its a rolling catalog of their custom parts. Theyve pioneered an new two-tone black finish (called, Black Ops) that has mil-spec strength; in other words, if it doesnt wear off the barrel of an assault rifle, chances are it wont wear off your air cleaner or fuel cap. Its a stunning finish, and if I rode a Harley (and had disposable income) Id be all over the RSD Black Ops catalog. Im seriously loving the air cleaner and wheels, and check out the detail work on the bikes triple clamp. Even their clip ons are equal parts art and function, and thats what bikes should be about.
Used 1200 Sportsters shouldnt be that hard to find, and God knows there are plenty of go-fast parts available for them. Theyre simple enough to spin wrenches on, and they have plenty of personality. Spring is just around the corner, and Ive been getting the urge to tackle a new project Source