Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 RH

Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 RH: A Custom Transformation

The Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 RH is a true icon in the world of motorcycles. This particular unit has been expertly customized by a skilled team of motorcycle builders in Malaga, Spain. The transformation took an already powerful machine and restyled it into a bespoke café racer with a unique personality and upgraded performance.

This custom Sportster S 1250 RH began its journey as an entirely stock bike, with its owner from Lisbon, Portugal, seeking a fresh, more aggressive look while enhancing some of the bike’s inherent features. The result is a striking motorcycle with a blend of café racer aesthetics and modern technology, fully optimized for both style and performance.

The Origins of the Build: Sportster S 1250 RH

The Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 is a powerful motorcycle, equipped with the Revolution Max 1250T engine, which delivers an impressive 121 horsepower. Designed as a modern sport cruiser, the Sportster S offers aggressive acceleration and torque, making it a favorite among Harley enthusiasts seeking power and versatility. Harley Davidson initially designed the Sportster series to be nimble, light, and easily customizable​.

This build was commissioned by a customer near Lisbon, who had his bike picked up and delivered by the workshop’s transportation service. The goal was to refresh the bike’s look, transforming it into something that would stand out on the streets while still maintaining the performance Harley Davidson is known for.

Key Custom Modifications

The transformation of the Sportster S 1250 RH was comprehensive, focusing on both aesthetic and performance upgrades. Below is a detailed breakdown of the modifications made to this stunning bike.

1. Café Racer Styling: Dome and Headlight Upgrade

One of the first visual changes made to the bike was the addition of a café racer dome. This design element not only enhances the bike’s overall look but also improves aerodynamics, creating a more streamlined profile. The round LED headlight fits perfectly within the café racer aesthetic, offering both modern lighting efficiency and a vintage touch.

Café racer modifications like these are increasingly popular, especially among riders who want to blend classic motorcycle styles with modern performance​. The round headlight and minimalist dome give the bike a timeless appeal, perfect for riders who appreciate a retro design with modern technology.

2. Tracker Handlebar and Odometer Relocation

Next, the bike’s handlebars were upgraded to a tracker-style handlebar, which changes the rider’s posture, offering a more upright and aggressive stance. Tracker bars are often chosen for custom builds because they improve both comfort and control, especially during longer rides or when maneuvering through city streets.

Additionally, the odometer was relocated from its original position to the front of the handlebars. This adjustment not only cleans up the bike’s appearance but also makes it easier for the rider to check their speed and other critical information while on the move.

3. Rear-End Modifications: License Plate Bracket and LED Turn Signals

At the rear of the Sportster S 1250 RH, significant modifications were made to clean up the bike’s look and improve its functionality. The license plate bracket was customized to sit flush with the bike’s lines, giving the rear end a much cleaner look. Minimalist LED turn signals were also installed, ensuring the bike remains road-legal while maintaining a modern and streamlined aesthetic.

4. Upholstered Seat with Red Diamond Stitching

One of the standout features of this custom build is the seat upholstery, which has been upgraded with double red thread stitching in a diamond pattern. This adds a touch of luxury to the bike’s appearance, contrasting beautifully with the aggressive styling of the rest of the build. The diamond stitching also provides extra comfort and durability for long rides, giving the rider a practical yet stylish seat.

Blue Rothmans Paint Job: Inspired by Racing Heritage

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of this custom Sportster S 1250 RH is the Blue Rothmans-inspired paint job. Drawing inspiration from the iconic racing liveries of the Rothmans Tobacco brand, the bike is finished in blue, white, and gold, giving it a distinctive racing look.

The Rothmans color scheme is well-known in motorsports, especially in connection with racing teams during the 1980s and 1990s. By applying these colors to a modern Harley Davidson, the bike pays homage to racing heritage while remaining firmly planted in the present​. The glossy finish adds depth to the bike’s aesthetic, making it stand out in any crowd.

Performance Upgrades: 2:1 Exhaust System by Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde

While the aesthetic modifications are undeniably impressive, the performance upgrades made to this Sportster S 1250 RH are equally remarkable. One of the most significant additions is the installation of a 2:1 exhaust system from the brand Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde. This exhaust is specially designed for Harley Davidson models and comes with several key benefits:

• Sound Regulation: The Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system allows for sound regulation, meaning the rider can choose between a louder, more aggressive sound or a quieter, more controlled exhaust note. This flexibility makes the bike suitable for both urban and highway riding.
• Carbon Fiber Manifold Protector: In addition to the performance benefits, the exhaust system features a carbon fiber manifold protector, which not only adds a layer of protection but also enhances the bike’s modern, high-performance look.

Upgraded exhaust systems are one of the most popular modifications made to Harley Davidson motorcycles, as they significantly enhance both performance and sound​. The Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust on this bike improves airflow, increases power, and offers a more dynamic riding experience.

Why the Sportster S 1250 RH Stands Out

The Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 RH is already an outstanding motorcycle in its stock form, but this custom build elevates it to a new level. Below are several reasons why this bike stands out:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of the Rothmans-inspired paint job, café racer dome, and custom seat stitching creates a visually stunning motorcycle that turns heads wherever it goes.
• Performance Enhancements: The Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system and other performance modifications ensure that the bike not only looks great but also performs at its peak.
• Café Racer and Tracker Blend: The blend of café racer and tracker elements results in a unique design that merges vintage styles with modern engineering.
• Custom Details: Every inch of this bike has been meticulously modified, from the relocated odometer to the custom license plate bracket, ensuring that it remains a one-of-a-kind build.

Price of a Used Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 RH

For a used custom Harley Davidson Sportster S 1250 RH with similar modifications, pricing can vary depending on the level of customization, condition, and market demand. A custom bike with this level of craftsmanship, including premium components like the Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust and bespoke paint job, could typically range from $18,000 to $25,000.

Custom Harley Davidson motorcycles generally hold their value well due to the high demand for unique builds, and the performance enhancements made to this particular bike further increase its resale value.