Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif Flat Track Racing Honda motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Racing Motorcycles Trackers

Nicky Hayden tribute: Analog’s Honda XR650L flat tracker

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
Nicky Hayden left a massive hole in the motorcycling world—and in all of our hearts—when he passed away unexpectedly in May last year. In a fitting tribute, the Kentucky Kid was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame earlier this month.

To commemorate the occasion, the Hall of Fame Museum commissioned two tribute bikes from Chicago’s Analog Motorcycles. American Honda donated the motorcycles, including a CBR1000RR to be wrapped in Hayden’s Repsol MotoGP livery. But the direction of the second bike was left entirely up to Analog shop boss Tony Prust (below).

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
Most people know Nicky Hayden from his time in MotoGP and the Superbike World Championships. But longtime fans will remember that Nicky actually got his start in flat track racing.

“I chose to build a flat track bike,” Tony tells us, “because that’s where Nicky’s roots were. I also wanted to remember his American racing heritage, so I chose the AMA 2002 Championship RC51 livery. The rest was about making all that happen, and not looking forced.”

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
Before he could execute his vision, Tony had to pick a donor. The AMA wanted the bike to be street legal, so the CRF250L and XR650L ended up on the short list. Then Honda announced the release of the CRF450L—but by then, Tony had already made up his mind.

“The 450 would have been fun,” he says, “but I think the air-cooled XR650 fits the bill pretty well.”

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
The XR650L is a fantastic choice. It’s a close cousin to the desert-dominating XR650R, makes decent power and doesn’t cost the earth. There’s also a ton of aftermarket parts available for it—unless you’re trying to build a flat tracker.

“I set out to find a fiberglass tank and tail kit,” says Tony. “But because of its oil in frame backbone and frame design, this proved very challenging. So, as I continue to hone my metal shaping skills, I decided to make it all.”

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
“That was not really in the budget—but since I was a Nicky Hayden fan and the Hall Of Fame is a good cause, we made it work.”

Tony hand-shaped a new fuel tank to fit the Honda, basing it on the shape of the classic Harley-Davidson XR750 tank. Then he fabricated a tail section, complete with number plates and a custom seat pan, which Dane Utech upholstered.

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
The fenders (yes, there’s a sneaky rear fender too) are also custom, as is the front number board. Everything flows and tucks together perfectly; the top of the front number board wraps around the speedo, and the right rear number board wraps around the exhaust. Analog used Denali optics at both ends, with two discreet headlights, and an LED taillight.

As for the chassis, the subframe was modified to accommodate the new tail piece. Analog installed a custom-built Hyperpro shock at the back, and a KTM 690 Enduro front end, rebuilt to suit the Honda’s specs. The wheels are flat track-appropriate 19” numbers, featuring Sun rims, Buchanan’s spokes and Dunlop DT3 tires.

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
Tony’s made sure the Honda goes as well as it shows. He removed the engine’s emissions ‘octopus’ (a common XR650L mod), then installed a Keihin FCR41 carb. There’s a custom intake with a K&N filter, and a Magura hydraulic clutch conversion. Analog also modified and ceramic coated the exhaust headers, and installed a Cone Engineering muffler.

There’s a host of smaller upgrades in play too. The team installed Magura handlebars and master cylinders, Oury grips, a Motogadget speedo, mirrors and switches, and their own brand of mini LED turn signals.

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
The bike was also completely rewired around a Motogadget m.unit, with an EarthX lithium-ion battery. And Analog even went to the trouble of wrapping all the wiring in WireCare sleeving and tubing.

Jason at Artistimo Customs handled the paint, successfully adapting the Kentucky Kid’s 2002 AMA Championship RC51 livery to the shape of the XR650L. Certain parts were powder coated to finish things off; some in-house, and some by J&J Powder Coating.

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
“We are super honored to be asked to build these bikes for such an amazing racer and human,” says Tony, “and had the pleasure of being at the induction ceremony in early December.”

“The AMA, American Honda and the Hayden Family all were there to unveil the machines on stage and they were all really impressed with how they turned out. It was a highlight of our year here at Analog Motorcycles and a great way to end 2018.”

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
Analog’s XR650L is an incredibly well-built, street-legal flat tracker. But it’s also a stunning tribute to one of motorcycling’s most beloved racers. We just wish the Kentucky Kid himself could put it through its paces.

Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Studio images by Daniel Peter | In-process image by Grant Schwingle

Nicky Hayden tribute: A Honda XR650L flat tracker by Analog Motorcycles
Analog Motorcycles would like to thank: Dunlop Tires, Magura, Motogadget, Cone Engineering, K&N Filters, Spectro Oils, Buchanan’s Spokes, WireCare, and our own parts Company Analog Motor Goods.

The two bikes will be raffled off to raise funds for the non-profit AMA Hall Of Fame Museum. US residents came purchase tickets here.

Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif cafe racer Ducati Ducati cafe racer Other Motorcycle Blogs Racing Motorcycles

Pocket Rocket: Sticking a Ducati 250 into a Moto3 chassis

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Most customs start out with a frame and motor from the same donor. But sometimes it’s a mix and match affair—and every once in a while, we see a truly exotic pairing.

This pint-sized racer from Analog Motorcycles is the most unique match-up to come our way: a 1968 Ducati 250 ‘narrow case’ motor mounted in a Moto3 prototype frame, and wrapped in a plethora of hand-made bits.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
The project kicked off about three-and-a-half years ago, when chassis specialists FrameCrafters reached out to Analog’s Tony Prust. They’d built a frame for an Analog project in the past—and were itching to work with the Chicago-based shop again.

Karsten of FrameCrafters made Tony an enticing offer: He had their first prototype Moto3 chassis sitting in the shop, and would Tony like to do a build with it?

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
“They would take care of fitting whatever engine I chose and get it to a rolling chassis, and we would take care of the rest. I said: ‘Of course!’”

The chassis was originally developed eight years ago, and has been used by a couple of pro AMA-level racers with the engine it was originally built for: a Yamaha YZ250. It’s a bi-metal design that combines chromoly tubing with billet aluminum junction points, and it’s a thing of beauty.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Joints are either bolted or bonded with space-grade epoxy. The idea, Tony tells us, is to make production easier, and to create the perfect amount of rigidity and flex where needed.

Around the time FrameCrafters pitched the idea, Tony came across three bikes’ worth of bits and pieces from vintage Ducati 250 singles. There was at least one complete engine in the pile, originally built for racing, so he sent that off to FrameCrafters to start mocking up the chassis.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
They stretched the Moto3 frame one and a half inches, not only to wedge the motor in, but also to make mundane maintenance tasks easier. “It could have probably fitted without lengthening,” explains Tony, “but then you would need to drop the engine to check or change a spark plug, and that was not going to work for us.”

FrameCrafters whipped up two front engine mounts, and a rear mount to attach the back of the engine to the frame and swing arm. Analog designed the subframe, which FrameCrafters then welded in to the Moto3 chassis.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Bill Bailey, machinist whiz and regular FrameCrafters collaborator, milled all the aluminum junctions by hand. When everything was buttoned up, Analog spent several hours giving the aluminum a brushed finished, then had it powder coated clear to preserve the hard work.

The Ducati rolls on rebuilt Showa suspension from an Aprilia RS125. A set of 17” Sun rims was laced up to a modded Honda CB550 front hub and a custom made Barnes quick-change rear hub.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Braking duties are handled by a full Beringer brake system, with HEL lines. Dunlop rain race tires round out the package: a KR189 up front, and a KR389 at the rear.

While FrameCrafters were fine-tuning the chassis, the leftovers from Tony’s pile of Ducati bits went to TJ at DemonTech. He put together another 250 engine, adding a 12V conversion and electronic ignition from Electrex along the way.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Other upgrades include a NOS Dell’Orto VHB27 carb, and a custom gearshift linkage to convert the bike to a left-side shifter. The kickstart lever had to be modified too, so that it would clear the rearsets and linkages.

As soon as Tony had the rolling chassis back in the shop, he started working on a wooden buck for the new tank and tail. “I had been wanting to make all the body work myself this time. I had a mentor by the name of Devlin Hunt coming in and helping me hone the metal shaping craft a bit more. I was already doing fenders, seat pans, number plates, etcetera—but not a tank yet.”

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
“I learned so much working with him, and he was an incredible mentor. He was a retired engineer and two-stroke guru, and was a self-taught metal shaper. He would not do any of the work; he showed me and then made me do it, which is exactly how I learn.”

“He unexpectedly passed away in February 2017, and that pulled all the wind out of my sails on the project.”

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Tony put the Ducati on the back burner and went back to customer projects for almost a year. “I worked on the metal shaping craft a little bit more in the meantime, building the KTM ‘ArchDuke,’” he says.

“So when I got to the Ducati fairing, I was a little more prepared. That was a big undertaking for me, and I am really pleased with how it came out.”

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
Giving the bodywork a racing theme to match the Moto3 frame was a no-brainer, but Tony also worked in a few nods to Ducati’s back catalog. The paint is a Pantah TL Europe-only color scheme, laid down by Artistimo Custom Design. The stacked headlights reference the 999, and the air vent bump on top of tank the 900SS.

Poking out under the tail is a stainless steel Cone Engineering ‘Big Mouth’ muffler, hooked up to a one-off stainless steel pie-cut header. The tail light—an Analog catalog part—is mounted under the subframe; “similar to that of a GP bike set up for rain,” says Tony.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
The smaller details almost outweigh the headline features on this firecracker. There’s a new wiring loom, built around a Motogadget m.unit blue Bluetooth-enabled controller. The speedo and bar-end turn signals are also Motogadget parts, the clip-ons are modified Vortex items, and the grips are from Cole Foster.

There’s a custom-mounted steering damper too, and Free Form Design machined up caliper mounts and rear set brackets. Capping it off is stellar upholstery from Dane Utech of Plz.B.Seated.

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis
“We wanted it to have all the race parts and trim, and look fast sitting still, but using a beautiful old Ducati single engine. Just to make people scratch their heads a little when they look at it—and think to themselves, ‘Why?’”

“To which we respond, unapologetically: Why not?”

Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Grant Schwingle

New from Analog Motorcycles: a Ducati 250 single engine in a Moto3 chassis

Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif cafe racer Custom Motorcycles KTM Other Motorcycle Blogs

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM Super Duke

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
You’d be surprised at how many custom motorcycle builders ride ‘regular’ bikes day-to-day. Tony Prust over at Analog Motorcycles has an affinity for KTMs; he’s owned several over the years, and they’ve all been mostly stock.

“I have always wanted to build a custom KTM,” says Tony, “but never had the opportunity, since my customers haven’t requested one as a donor bike, or it wouldn’t fit the design request. Granted I could have probably customized one I’ve owned, but I usually keep them somewhat unmolested and just focus on riding them as much as possible.”

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
One of Tony’s favorites was a 2007 model 990 Super Duke. “I made brackets for luggage for it and racked up 20,000 miles over five or six years,” he says. “I rode it long distance and around town. It was my daily rider. Perfect seating position, great handing, and plenty of power.”

Tony eventually sold the 990 and bought a newer 1290 Super Duke—but couldn’t shake the feeling that the 990 had potential as a donor. Thankfully the opportunity eventually presented itself, via a repeat client: Rebel Yell Bourbon, a company that Analog has already built two giveaway bikes for.

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
“The parent company of Rebel Yell is Luxco,” explains Tony, “and the owner’s son Andrew is an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Andrew contacted me when we started last year’s build for Rebel Yell, and asked if I would be interested in building a custom motorcycle for him personally.”

“He rides a Ducati Monster 796 but wanted something with a little more power—and he wanted a sort of cafe racer aesthetic, with a more powerful machine. I thought ‘bingo, this is my chance to build the custom Super Duke I wanted to do’.”

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
With a suitable donor (another 2007 Super Duke) sourced and on the bench in the Illinois shop, it was time to tick another box—because Tony’s slowly been learning the art of metal shaping. He used to farm out metal shaping tasks on his builds, but he’s gradually started turning out smaller parts himself—like fenders or side covers.

For the KTM, he set out to shape all the bodywork himself—which would mean building his first fuel tank. So the subframe, tank, tail section, fly screen, front fender, belly pan, and even a radiator reservoir cover, were all built in-house using aluminum.

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
“I had a mentor coming in regularly and helping me learn this art form,” says Tony. “He was an incredibly knowledgeable mentor but passed away unexpectedly nearly a year ago. It took the wind out of my sails for a few months when that happened.”

“But what I learned from him, no one can take from me—and finishing up this bike is a personal achievement.”

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
The new shapes have given the Super Duke a radically different silhouette—but that’s only half the picture. Analog made a slew of smaller changes too, to help tie the build together.

For the exhaust, they added a custom-made connection just after the stock headers’ two-into-one joint, flowing into a stainless steel Cone Engineering muffler. And they installed a Moto Hooligan intake kit to help the KTM breathe better.

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
Moving to the cockpit, the stock bars were swapped out for a set of Vortex clip-ons, and the OEM speedo relocated with a one-off bracket. The headlight’s a Denali Electronics M7 DOT LED unit, mounted up inside a traditional bucket on custom mounts.

For the taillight, Analog mounted up a pair of prototype red LEDs with their existing LED turn signals, mounting them discreetly alongside the exhaust can. The front signals are bar-end numbers from Motogadget.

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
For switches, Analog fitted units that they import and sell, from Renard Speed Shop in Estonia. They’re bolt-ons for modern bikes that negate the need for excessive rewiring—but Analog rewired most of the bike anyway, to slim down and hide as many components as possible.

They also upgraded the clutch and brake controls to Magura HC1 radial pumps.

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
When it came time to paint, Tony wanted to show off some of the bare metal—and keep a little of KTM’s signature orange in the mix. So they sanded down some strategically placed panels, before Jason at Artistimo laid down a grey and orange paint scheme.

The Super Duke was stripped down, and all the important bits sent of for powder coating. The rims were torn down, and a section on each hand-sanded to match up with the bike’s livery. Dane at plz.b.seated upholstered the perch, with a mix of solid and perforated leather, and gripper vinyl.

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke
‘The Archduke’ is now ready and poised to tear up the streets—just as soon as the snow clears in Chicagoland. “It sounds angry,” says Tony, “and I can’t wait to unleash the horses stored up in that 990cc twin.”

Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Grant Schwingle

The Archduke: Analog builds the ultimate KTM 990 Super Duke

Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif Classic Motorcycles Ducati Other Motorcycle Blogs Restomod

Puppy Love: A Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
These days, we associate Ducati with tire-shredding 200 horsepower superbikes and the all-conquering, impossibly hip Scrambler. But in the years after WW2, Ducati was best known for producing a tiny 98-pound motorcycle called the Cucciolo.

Cucciolo is Italian for ‘puppy,’ and the bike was named after the high-pitched bark of its tiny exhaust. By 1952, an incredible 200,000 Cucciolos had left the factory, but few survive today. And outside Europe, they’re as rare as hen’s teeth.

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
So it’s great to see some love for the humble 49 cc single, with this immaculate restomod from Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles. The owner is Michigan man Del Thomas, who’s been Tony’s customer since 2013.

Analog have already built two Ducatis for Del—an Indiana and a GT860—which sit in his garage next to a 1968 Scrambler 350 wide case, a 1990 851 with some go-fast goodies, and a 2009 Hyper 1100S. “Del pretty much has a model from every decade, except the 1950s,” says Tony. Obviously, that needed to change.

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
“Over the course of our friendship, he’s commandeered a few Cucciolo engines to complete six decades of Ducatis. He also found a prewar 1930s Iver Johnson bicycle frame, a modern front fork set up, and a cool vintage Ideale leather seat.”

Del got as far as mocking up a Cucciolo board track-style bike, but then life got in the way—so he dropped off the project at the Analog shop in Illinois, a couple of years ago. “There was no rush,” says Tony. “So it sat in the shop, and everyone who walked through the doors would stop and look at the little Cucciolo.”

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
Then one of the five racks in Analog’s workspace came free, so Tony started thinking about what to do with the vintage Ducati.

“The original design aesthetic was along the lines of our ‘El Matador’ Triumph Bonneville,” says Prust. “A vintage look with natural metals and patina. Del had mocked up a tank out of cardboard, but we ended up making one using stainless steel. Cardboard doesn’t hold fuel very well!”

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
The frame looked cool, but once stripped, hadn’t aged very well. “We fixed some stuff on it, but it wouldn’t look good in bare metal even with the repairs. So we painted it a Kingfisher Blue, a Ducati color from the 1960s Monza. It would give a little nod to Ducati’s heritage, and match well with the metal, brass, and leather.”

With the looks sorted, it was time to make the bike function. Tony machined up bearing spacers for the shaft, and modified a crank set so that the engine would fit in the frame. Then he made the tank and the decorative leather straps that sit on top.

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
“The hand shifter was an option on the old machines, so we custom made a new setup with all the linkages. Then we added a taillight and a micro LED headlight from Denali—because, why not.” The leather bag behind the seat post hides a small 12V (total loss) battery to power the lighting.

“The lever setup was a bit much on the original, so we streamlined it,” says Tony. “It has a twist throttle now, a clutch with a tailored lever, a dual-pull brake system that actuates both brakes together, and a decompression kill lever on the left thumb.” The throttle is a Biltwell Whiskey, and the rest is from Magura.

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
The Cucciolo is sprinkled with lovely brass, aluminum, and stainless steel accents. Free Form Designs CNC’d up a set of brass pedals, and Tony made all the cables in-house, to ensure they fitted just right. Dane Utech of Please Be Seated handled the sublime leatherwork.

After the tank was sanded down and brush-finished, Jason at Artistimo Custom Design clear coated it. He also painted a version of the original ‘Little Puppy’ Cucciolo logo, with matching blue and gold striping.

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles
“Del now has six decades of Ducati in his collection,” says Tony. “Some are custom and some are stock, but all are loved, ridden and enjoyed.”

Now that’s what we call passion. If you’re visiting the Barber Vintage Festival this weekend, you can see this baby in the metal. If not, you’ll have to make do with another shot of the Cucciolo with a puppy.

Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram

Puppy Love: A restomod vintage Ducati Cucciolo from Analog Motorcycles

Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif BMW motorcycles BMW R nineT cafe racer Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

Reality Check: A tweaked BMW R nineT from Analog

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
We have a guilty secret: As much as we love poring over the high-end builds, with their exquisite fabrication and styling, we also love checking out ‘regular’ bikes that have been discreetly fettled with smart upgrades.

There’s something to be said for having a modern bike in the garage that will start on the button every day, and get you to work through torrential rain. And then you can save the beautifully restored vintage cafe racer for sunny weekend rides.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
So when Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles sent us the story of this modified BMW R nineT, our interest was piqued. As a finished bike ‘Rewind’ looks superb, but it’s still a practical daily rider.

For many customizers, this is the bread-and-butter work, and Analog’s BMW is a great example of what happens every day in workshops around the world.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
“This was probably the simplest customer-to-builder relationship to date for us,” says Tony. “Joel Saban requested a build on his newly-acquired R nineT. He’d be ready when we were, and put down a deposit.”

A few months later, Joel rode his R nineT to Analog’s Illinois shop. “He basically said ‘I would like better hand controls and a better-sounding exhaust, and other than that, do what you want,” Tony recalls. The perfect customer.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
When Joel bought the bike, it was fitted with what seemed like every R nineT part in the Rizoma catalog. “It was a bolt on custom when it arrived at the shop!”

So Tony took off most of the Rizoma stuff, leaving just the intake scoop, the blinkers mounted on the oil cooler, and the valve covers. A pair of radial Beringer master cylinders went on, to improve lever feel.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
The next step was to upgrade the pipework with Akrapovič 2-into-1 exhaust headers to improve power and sound. Tony fabricated the back half of the system and terminated it with a Cone Engineering muffler.

Those were Joel’s requirements sorted—so the rest was up to Tony.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
On went a pair of ABM clip-ons with Lowbrow Customs knurled grips, to button up the control area and front end.

After detabbing and powdercoating the rear subframe, a new tail cover was installed with built-in lighting: Analog’s own ‘Cone’ taillight and Watsen Designs turn signals. There’s new seat upholstery too, with a more contoured design than the BMW original.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
The rest is a clean-up job: a tidy license plate mount, a spot of black powder coating, and a Motogadget Motoscope dash on a custom-made mounting plate. Just ahead is a tiny aluminum fly screen attached to the headlight bucket.

The new paint is stealthy: gray and black, with a subtle gold pinstripe. If you’re not sold on the high-contrast black-and-raw-metal look of the stock R nineT, this is a good solution.

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.
“I’m really pleased with how this one turned out,” says Tony. “It sounds like a race machine now, and it’s heading into the dealer for a proper tune.”

We’re sold too. If you want a ‘real world’ bike to park alongside the leaky old veteran in your garage or lock-up, we reckon this is the way to go.

Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Rider’s jacket by Pagnol

Real world custom: Tweaking the R nineT with Analog Motorcycles.

Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Royal Enfield scrambler

Here Comes Royal Enfield: Analog’s custom Continental

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
Royal Enfield is making a big play for the US market. They’ve just set up their headquarters in Milwaukee, down the road from that other maker of vintage-themed motorcycles.

They’re also giving bikes to a few select builders to customize. And wisely, they’ve put Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles on the list. (“Probably because I am pretty close to Milwaukee,” says Tony drily.)

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
A 2014-spec Continental GT duly rolled up to Tony’s workshop. There were no constraints on the build, except time: it had to be finished within six weeks for the Mama Tried show.

“It had the already stylish ‘cafe racer’ look to it,” says Tony. “And I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. So I took it for a spin.”

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
Despite the racy looks, the Continental GT is not a quick bike. “It’d be great in the city, or for a newer rider, but I’m not a new rider,” says Tony. “I was impressed with the torque though, as one should be with a half-liter single. I also assumed there might be a little more hiding in there somewhere…”

Tony decided to play to the Continental GT’s strengths, rather than concern himself with outright speed. He flirted with the idea of a dirt bike or scrambler, and then remembered that there’s an ice-riding event at the Mama Tried show.

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
“I decided to build a scrambler-style bike, but lace up another set of wheels and mount studded tires for the ice.” Boom—the plan was set.

The lines of the stock tank are good, so Tony left it alone and started on the geometry. “I lifted up the front end, so the forks sit at the top of the top triple. Then I modified the triple to house a set of risers and Moose Racing aluminum bars.”

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
That added nearly two inches of lift, so Tony lifted the rear by 1.5 inches to match. After measuring everything up, he sent the forks to Race Tech for fettling, and ordered G3-S custom shocks for the back. “This is now probably the best handling Royal Enfield on the planet.”

For road use, there’s a set of Continental TKC80 tires on the stock Excel aluminum rims, which Tony got powder coated. He’s dropped the passenger foot pegs though, fitting a new solo seat pan into the modified subframe, which now sports a custom fender.

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
Throughout the whole process, Tony was torn between trying to get more out of the fuel injection system—or ditching it and running a carburetor. In true Analog style, he’s ditched the EFI and fitted an Amal carb conversion from Hitchcocks Motorcycles.

“While I was at it, I also ordered their performance cams, valve springs and CDI box. In order to make it all work, it need the stator from the India-market carbureted model—so they sent me one of those too.”

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
“Then I called up Cone Engineering and we chatted about some exhaust solutions. I wanted to build a high mount exhaust system to look like a straight pipe, but have some muffling.” Cone sent through the components, and Tony built it up.

For lighting there’s an aftermarket 4.5-inch headlight, and a new version of Analog’s popular ‘Revolver’ taillight. Called the Reverse Bates, it’ll be up for sale soon—along with the mini LED ‘Bolt’ turn signals used front and rear.

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
The speedo is a Koso DB01r: “Nice and discreet and a breeze to wire and program.” A Biltwell Whiskey Throttle handles the Braap and the grips are Lowbrow Customs’ classic GT Grips in oxblood red.

The grips ended up driving the whole color scheme, with matching material used for the seat and bar wrap.

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
Kiel’s Kustoms are Tony’s go-to guys for paint, and for this build they’ve shot a low-key mix of grey and silver—leaving the leather and rubber to provide the visual highlights.

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.
“This was probably the quickest turn-around on a build of this level I’ve ever done,” Tony reports. “It’s still really cold here and the roads are full of salt, so the only testing I have done is up and down the shop road. It is seat-of-the-pants faster, and will send a wheelie up no problem now!”

Come spring, the ‘Royal Scrambler’ is going to hit the dirt. If you want to catch it in the metal, head out to the famous Motos in Moab meet in May.

Royal Enfield | Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram

Build sponsors Race Tech, Cone Engineering, Moto and Motor, and Motone.

Analog Motorcycles transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT into a go-anywhere scrambler.

Build sheet

Chassis
Race Tech rebuilt forks with gold valve emulators and springs
Race Tech G3-S Shocks
Modified sub-frame
Continental TKC 80 Tires
Aftermarket chain tensioner
Lifted about 1.5” suspension and 1″ tire side wall
Modified and milled top trip tailored for handle bar mounts
Moose Racing aluminum bars

Engine
Full carb conversion to Amal 932
Hitchcocks Performance Cams
Hitchcocks Performance Valve Springs
Custom exhaust made in house with Cone Engineering parts
Custom made and drilled heat shield
Engine treated to some wrinkle black powder coating
K & N Filter
All engine work by Moto and Motor

Body
AMG Billet Tank Emblems, Pegs and Heel Guards
AMG Reverse Bates LED Taillight
AMG LED Mini Bolt Signals
Custom made battery tray
Custom made rear fender
Custom made seat pan with upholstery by Dave Purney
Paint by Kiel’s Kustoms
Pin striping by Brando
Custom made headlight bracket and aftermarket headlight

Misc.
Moto Gadget M-unit and M-button
Motone Switches (by Motone)
Additional wheels laced up with ice riding tires
Lowbrow Customs Grips
EarthX Battery
Nissin Front Master Cylinder with quick release caliper
HEL Brake Lines
Koso Speedometer

Categories
Analog Motorcycles BikeExif Custom Motorcycles Harley Street Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs

Street to Dirt: Analog’s Harley-Davidson Street 750

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
Love it or hate it, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 is gaining traction. But its popularity is highest outside of the US, where consumers aren’t as phased by the idea of a Harley with less cubic inches.

A number of builders have already proven that it responds well to customization. Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles is the latest to join their ranks—with this sublime dirtbike-esque Street.

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
By Tony’s own admission, Analog “don’t mess with Harley-Davidsons much.” But when Tom Wronkovich—from Bike Town Harley-Davidson and goods supplier Whiskey Grade—got in touch, Tony was all in.

“The goal was for Analog Motor Goods to try and develop some parts for the model,” Tony says. “Sales were low, and Tom wanted me to come up with a kit to sell to dealers to improve the look of the Street.”

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
At the same time, Harley-Davidson USA launched a dealership custom contest around the Street. So Tom and Tony decided that Analog would collaborate with Bike Town to create a competitive entry.

“Tom suggested a Scrambler, but with the deadline only a little over a month away to submit the build I was a bit skeptical. Of course, I am always up for a challenge—so I agreed.”

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
To spread the load, the Bike Town team was tasked with sorting out the wheels. Tony wanted to swap over to a spoked setup with Continental TKC80 tires. He briefed the guys on sizes and colors, and they sourced rims and spokes from Buchanan’s and took it from there, using Harley-Davidson hubs to match everything up.

With that sorted, Tony moved to the rear of the bike—jacking it up with a set of Fox Podium RC1 shocks. Shaping the seat pan turned out to be quite a challenge; the competition rules stipulated that the frame couldn’t be modified, so Tony had to work around it.

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
Cotter Pin was called in to supply a tool book, luggage roll and map pocket—along with some extra leather, which Rod’s Designs used to upholster the seat. Free Form Design CNC-milled the aluminum luggage rack and foot pegs to the same design as those used on Analog’s Ducati ‘Super Scrambler.’

The rear fender is custom—topped with an Analog Motor Goods Revolver tail light—while the front fender’s the stock unit, modified. Discreet LED turn signals are mounted on custom brackets at both ends. Keeping with the scrambler motif are a set of dirt bike bars, Oury grips and a hand-made headlight grill.

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
Analog’s signature handiwork is sprinkled throughout the Harley. The side covers and radiator cover are sporting perforated stainless steel accents, and the license plate bracket and toe shifter are one-offs. A HEL braided brake hose has been installed up front for good measure.

The exhaust system is Tony’s work too—a two-into-one stainless steel system, terminating in a Cone Engineering muffler. Keeping the rider’s leg cool is a heat shield cut to spec by Free Form and shaped by Tony to fit. The air filter’s a Boyle Customs part, and is mounted on a custom-made offset plate.

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
Last on the list was the paint job, but right then the project hit a major snag.

“Tom called me, and we read the rules of the HD contest and discovered we were not in compliance,” explains Tony. “The dealership was supposed to take care of the whole build—and since I was not a dealership employee, we couldn’t submit the bike.”

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.
Still, Tom was so pleased with how the Street had turned out, he saw it as the perfect vehicle for Whiskey Grade. So Tony whipped up some branding stencils and quickly intercepted paint guru Kiel Kustoms to inform him of the new plans.

Analog and Bike Town never had the opportunity to pit the aptly-named “Dirt750” against their rivals. But at least the crew at Whiskey Grade Cleveland have a new shop bike to blast around on. And Analog’s customers will soon be looking at the Street 750 with new eyes.

Analog Motorcycles | Facebook | Images by Whiplash Racing Media

Instagram: @analogmotorcycles @analogmotorgoods @whiskeygrade @harleydavidson

Street to Dirt: a Harley-Davidson Street 750 scrambler by Analog Motorcycles.