# Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 “The Warrior” by Studio Motor

- Link: https://custommotorcycles.info/harley-davidson-sportster-the-warrior-by-studio-motor/
- Published: 2015-07-06T10:00:30-04:00
- Author: Manny Costa

[View Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 “The Warrior” by Studio Motor Photo Gallery](https://custommotorcycles.info/harley-davidson-sportster-the-warrior-by-studio-motor/#photogallery)

Studio Motor’s “The Warrior” takes a 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 in a 
markedly different direction. Rather than layering catalog accessories over the 
factory silhouette, the build replaces much of the motorcycle around its retained
engine with a custom frame, tall spoked wheels, chunky tires and a compact solo 
layout. The result reads as a scrambler-inspired Sportster, but its blue-and-silver
paintwork and carefully shaped bodywork keep it from becoming a simple retro exercise.

## A taller, more purposeful stance

The proportions do much of the visual work. Studio Motor lists a 19 x 2.50-inch 
front wheel and a 16 x 3.50-inch rear, fitted with 4.00-19 and 5.00-16 Firestone
ANS Military tires respectively. Those reported sizes give the front end a light,
elevated appearance while the broad rear tire adds visual weight beneath the short
tail. The spoke rims and open space around the engine reinforce the off-road reference
without hiding the Sportster’s familiar V-twin architecture.

A custom frame is central to the transformation. It follows the visual language 
of the original frame closely, yet the simplified rear section leaves room for a
narrow solo seat and a tubular luggage rack above the rear fender. Twin rear shocks
remain visible, while the shortened tail and small offset rear lamp make the motorcycle
appear compact from the side.

## Custom details with a clear visual job

At the front, a Showa upside-down fork supports a handmade two-lamp headlight assembly.
The stacked lights sit in a simple rectangular panel, creating one of the build’s
strongest identifying features. A Khrome Werks fatbar, Billet Specialties controls,
Avon grips and EMGO bar-end mirrors complete a cockpit that looks wider and more
utilitarian than the standard Sportster arrangement.

The tank carries the strongest piece of the paint scheme: a broad silver band interrupting
the deep blue finish, with a Harley-Davidson emblem mounted over the side. Matching
blue panels sit beneath the seat, including a large “69” graphic that adds a competition-
inspired note without overwhelming the restrained bodywork. Komet Studio is credited
with the paint and airbrush work.

## The familiar engine remains the anchor

Studio Motor retained the XL1200 engine while changing the surrounding presentation.
Black finishes on the cases and frame contrast with the polished air-cleaner cover,
and the front exhaust headers are wrapped before merging into a Dan Moto two-into-
one competition system. The exposed mechanical layout gives the motorcycle its visual
identity: this is still recognizably a Sportster, but the frame, suspension, wheels
and bodywork no longer follow the cruiser template.

“The Warrior” is therefore best understood as a complete custom interpretation rather
than a lightly modified XL1200. Its strongest choices are structural and proportional—
the raised front end, substantial tires, stripped rear section and handmade lighting—
while the paint ties those changes together into a single, coherent design.

_Source: [Studio Motor](http://www.studiomotor.com/?p=2237)_

## Photo Gallery

[⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  1⌉⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  1⌉[
 [⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  5⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-The-Warrior-5.jpg) [⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  2⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-The-Warrior-2.jpg) [⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  4⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-The-Warrior-4.jpg) [⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  6⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-The-Warrior-6.jpg) [⌊Harley Davidson Sportster The Warrior  3⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-The-Warrior-3.jpg)