Scrambler Inspired Miller Time Sporster

Scrambler Inspired Miller Time Sportster

Published by Cyril Huze December 5th, 2016 in Builders and Customs.

Since I used the word Scrambler in this feature headline, let me anticipate your reactions, and write the true definition of what was and what is now a Scrambler motorcycle. Originally, Scramblers were off-road motorcycles mostly used for motocross racing. They died in the 70’s, now replaced by modern lightweight motocross bikes racing on MX tracks. During the last 15 years, custom builders re-invented the Scrambler using modern cruisers as platforms, chopping them, extending the swingarm, increasing rear suspension travel, often using knobby tires although these machines will never taste dirt nor do jumps. It’s all about nostalgia and attitude, no more about off-road racing. A “new” style now so popular that, as you know, all major manufacturers have launched their own interpretations of the modern Scrambler. And they are all hot sellers…
Among today’s factory machines easy to “Scramblerize”, the Sportster, in all its factory offerings, from to Iron 883 to the 1200, is one of the top choices. And if you are a Harley dealer with a custom department, it’s a must choice, especially if you focus on attracting younger customers.
Now in its 7th Year, Shaw Speed & Custom, the custom wing of UK Based Dealer Shaw Harley-Davidson, has quite a successful track record regarding creating modern custom Scramblers. And customers, corporate or individuals, ask for this style again and again. Miller Time featured here is the latest example of what can be accomplished and is a the 3rd part of a trilogy saluting the very publicized 2011 and 2012 custom “Scramblers” that put Shaw Speed on the custom scene map.
Evidently, the cost of customization to produce such a gleamy Scrambler for the road exceeds the price of a new Sportster 1200 CA on which it is based. Still, it’s a great inspiration for those with a much lower budget. As an official Harley dealer preserving the factory warranty for its clients, the stock frame was not structurally modified, nor the motor or tranny altered. After tearing down the Sportster to bare frame, Shaw Speed And Custom started the Scrambler makeover, reaching a modern Scrambler stance thanks to adding a longer swingarm and fabricating a a new rear end with mini fender and custom support rods holding the run/brke/turn lights.
Gas tank is a rare piece found at RSD, one of the shop preferred US vendors. H-D suspension was swapped for an Ohlins race front end and Ohlins shocks. Most of the rest of the job is cosmetic, replacing many original parts with the custom bolt-on ones offered by Roland Sands Design and Performance Machine, working on steel and aluminum metal finishes and colors, with a special mention for the tedious job of customizing the wheels with the Miller Time graphic. Rim art at its best requiring to de-chrome the H_D wheels and to “de-spoke” and “de-nipple” each wheel before painting, then re-lacing the wheel with spokes tightened to spec without damaging the paint….The main custom parts used on this project are listed below. Shaw Speed And Custom.

Tech Sheet
Gas Tank Roland Sands Design
Tyres Front Michelin Anakee Wild 120/70/19
Tyres Rear Michelln Anakee 170/60/17
Master Cylinder Front Roland Sands Design
Rear Master cylinder Roland Sands Design
Handlebars Street Fighter
Grips Performance Machine
Internal Throttle K-Tech
Rocker Cover Roland Sands Design
Air Breather Roland Sands Design
Taillights Colorado
Derby Cover Roland Sands Design
Timer Cover Roland Sands Design
Engine tuning
Harley-Davidson Screamin Eagle Stage 4 Heads
Pistons Screamin’ Eagle
Camshafts Screamin’ Eagle
Tappets Screamin Eagle
Handlebar Switchgear. Performance Machine
Swingarm Harley-Davidson/SS&C
Footpegs Roland Sands Design
Shifter Peg Roland Sands Design
Solo Seat Shaw Speed & Custom
Rear Shocks Ohlins
Front Forks Ohlins
Exhaust Shaw Speed & Custom
Custom Paint Image Design Custom UK