Sideburn Magazine’s Hooligan Flat Track Racer – 1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster

In America, Off-Road, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Sideburn is an independent motorcycle publication founded in early 2008 with a focus on the flat track scene. In addition to its online and print content, the UK-based outfit is also responsible for sponsoring/organizing events like Dirt Quake (and Snow Quake), which Sideburn first held in 2012. A Harley-based flat track racer built and used by various Sideburn staffers (and friends) is now being offered for sale.

This tracker started life as a 1991 (pre-rubber mount) Harley-Davidson Sportster 883. The 45-degree air-cooled V-Twin has been treated to S&S Cycles’ 1200 Hooligan big-bore kit (including cams), new Keihin flatslide carb, a chain conversion, and RSD’s Turbine air filter/two-into-one Track exhaust.

The steel chassis has received forks from a Yamaha R6 slotted in racing triples from The Speed Merchant, while out back the stock shocks were replaced with custom fully adjustable units from RaceTech. A lightweight Hagon 19” rim was laced to the stock rear hub before being fitted with a Performance Machine racing brake caliper and hanger, and a matching 19” front rim was added to even out the stance — both of which are now shod in Maxxis DTR-1 rubber.

Finishing touches include a 2.2-gallon Sportster-style tank and “Tsunami” rear fender from Lowbrow Customs, a “Hooligan” tail (and seat pad) from Saddlemen, Motone alloy filler cap, Venhill clutch lever and push-pull throttle and cables (replaced after the bike was crashed at Dirt Quake by American racer Chris Wiggins), Pro Taper fat bars, Biltwell footpegs and grips, Chopper Dave ignition cover, and Rupe’s Rewires custom-made racing loom. This Hooligan Harley racer is still wearing its #13 DTRA number plate, and features custom “Sideburn” lettering and logos on the tank too.

This specific example has received coverage on Sideburn in print, on its blog, and even in a video or two (including when the V-Twin was ridden over 700 miles to Riva Valdobbia, Italy for Snow Quake 2). According to Sideburn, this bored out 883 has “undergone years of development to be (probably) the most sorted Sportster hooligan in Europe.” The sale also includes a few minor odds and ends, and the necessary paperwork required to convert it back to a road-goer.

You can find this ex Sideburn 1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Hooligan Flat Track Racer for sale here on the Sideburn website in Lincolnshire, England with a price of $9,200 (or £7,250).

Or you can find it for sale here on TheBikeShed in Lincolnshire, England with a price of $9,200 (or £7,250).