Harley-Davidson may have dropped the Evo Sportster from its range, but that doesn’t mean it’s going away any time soon. The ‘old’ Sporty remains one of the most versatile platforms that the Motor Co. has ever built—as evidenced by the myriad ways in which it’s been customized over the years.
This custom Sportster from Taiwan’s 2LOUD Custom proves our point stylishly. It started life as a 2013-model Harley Sportster Seventy-Two—a mild take on classic Frisco-style choppers that came from the factory with a peanut tank and mini-ape bars. But 2LOUD’s Ma ‘Max’ Yicheng has skillfully transformed it into a laid-back street tracker.
The commission came from a client who had inherited the Sportster after his father passed away. As a professional car customizer, he wanted the Seventy-Two transformed into a custom machine that he could hold onto forever.
The Seventy-Two’s stock layout prioritizes style over comfort, so the goal was to improve ergonomics while also putting a modern spin on the bike’s aesthetics. Given the owner’s love for automobiles, Max worked a little hot rod styling into the Sportster too.
Max tweaked the Seventy-Two’s stance by swapping its 21F/16R wheels for a more balanced 19F/18R set with aluminum rims. They’re shod with Pirelli MT60 tires; dual-sport items that work well on the street, but allow for decent gravel grip. The OEM front forks remain, but the rear end is now propped up on longer shocks from the Taiwanese brand GJMS.
A Beringer brake caliper and disc do duty up front, with the stock Harley caliper grabbing the rear wheel. The Sportster still uses a belt drive, but it’s now adorned with a 2LOUD guard.
Moving to the bodywork, Max modified the Sportster’s fuel tank to reposition it, then topped it off with a pop-up filler cap. A custom-made flat track-style tailpiece and seat pad sit further back. The tank and tail harmonize beautifully, while gently paying tribute to the iconic XR750 flat tracker.
The tail section bolts to a pair of mounting tabs that sit where the rear fender struts used to. Poking out the back is a 2LOUD license plate mount, fitted with a pair of Motogadget LEDs that act as taillights and turn signals.
A lot of work went into tidying up the Sportster’s cockpit. It now wears a set of 2LOUD handlebars, fitted with a new throttle, Beringer controls, and vintage-style switches with hidden wiring. New grips, Oberon mirrors, and Motogadget bar-end turn signals are also present.
A tiny Motogadget speedo sits front and center, sunk into the top handlebar clamp, while a small center-mount headlight hangs from a handmade bracket out front. Max ditched the Seventy-Two’s forward foot controls too, replacing them with CNC-machine items from Roland Sands Design.
The Sportster’s engine is still standard, but it now breathes through a custom air cleaner. Other upgrades include a two-into-one exhaust from Two Brothers Racing and a ThunderMax ECM to optimize performance.
As we’ve come to expect from 2LOUD, the Sportster’s finishes are tasteful and well-judged. The chromed engine pops hard against the gloss black paint, with delicate silver stripes drawing the viewer’s eye from front to back. Perforated upholstery on the seat gives it a high-end automotive feel.
As smooth as an oil slick, 2LOUD’s Sportster Seventy-Two is a reminder of how much potential the venerable Evo Sporty has. If only Harley had built them this good when they had the chance.
2LOUD Custom | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Double Photography
