V-Twin Mechanic: Spacester - the futuristic Sportster
France's sole representative in the 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building is Bernard 'Buck' Massart, of V-Twin Mechanic, the builder of Spacester.
Buck's futuristic looking Sportster began life as a '87 XL1200 before he stripped it down to just an engine and transmission. Before even beginning work on a new frame Buck turned his attention to the motor, filling the space between the V with extension to the cooling fins and relocating the carb to a space that would later be covered by the gas tank.
With the engine now disguised, Buck began fabrication of the frame and bodywork, which blend seamlessly into each other.
To complete the build he grafted on the USD front end from a Yamaha R1, shortened by 3in, and a pair of Suzuki wheels with his own fabricated perimeter brakes.