Following a career of designing original equipment manufacturing (OEM) components for various corporations, Taiwanese designer Jimmy Chou ultimately managed to achieve something distinctively unique. With connections to some of the country’s most esteemed builders, including Winston Yeh of Tough Crafts, he believed he possessed a unique offering that set him apart from the rest. By prioritizing innovation and the desire to differentiate Harley-Davidson offerings from others, he unveiled his own Fangster aftermarket products line, leveraging his personal expertise.
“Fangster’s tumultuous three-year history parallels the thrill of riding a motorbike – a challenging yet exhilarating experience,” Jimmy remarks. “The objective is to create a unique archetype, encompassing a distinct outlook and emotional resonance, where the bike becomes an authentic reflection of one’s identity without sacrificing excellence, value, or visual appeal.”
After dedicating several years to cultivating his craft, Jimmy decided it was time to unveil his impressive body of work. To turn his vision into reality, he decided to design and build a motorbike that had been the focal point of his aspirations prior to introducing his first model – a Sportster-inspired street tracker.
Harley Trackers aren’t something new. The iconic 1970 Harley-Davidson XR-750 revolutionized the AMA championships following its debut. Despite this, the title still holds the record for the most wins in the history of AMA racing.
Since the Tracker’s debut, passionate Harley enthusiasts have been meticulously crafting their own customized road-legal versions of this iconic model. The sleeker Sportster models, perennially favored for their agility, were always the most logical choice for this endeavor – Jimmy’s Harley-Davidson Avenue Tracker build being a prime example.
Built upon a robust 2009 Harley-Davidson Nightster 1200N foundation. As expected, the Nightster is replete with embellishments drawn from the Fangster elements catalog.
The comprehensive detailing of Fangster components integrated into the Sporster features an exhaustive collection of engine cosmetic enhancements. The record comprises a Fangster sprocket cover, cut-off cam cover, original-equipment (OE) major cover, billet tap cover, OE rocker field cover, and pushrod cover. Jimmy also fabricated his own custom bracket to reposition the coil and installed the engine within the vehicle’s body frame, relying on a high-quality Fangster entrance mount bracket and an XL-stabilized body bracket for added stability.
Without a minimal number of unique components, no custom construct can fully exist. Jimmy and his team have incorporated various custom features, conceived and crafted at Fangster’s headquarters. With its sleek jet-black and metallic tangerine paint job perfectly complemented by custom components featuring vibrant, sun-kissed orange anodized finishes. These components collectively embody the derby cowl, level cowl, and air cleaner assembly.
With the engine installed, Jimmy has successfully merged his personal touches with those from various aftermarket suppliers to complete the Nighster Tracker’s transformation, showcasing his unique fusion of style and performance.
With the old controls replaced, he upgraded to Thrashin’s 1.1-inch low-bend handlebars for the inventory bars. To give his bike a distinctly race-inspired aesthetic, he has successfully incorporated several high-performance components, including a Fangster bar-end mirror, a Domino fast throttle, discreetly designed Moto 3 black billet gear shifters, and Magura HC3 brake levers. The bars are properly positioned by mounting them on Fangster 1-inch quick risers. The rider opted for a unique set of foot controls from Roland Sands Design, specifically the SMB Sportster Rearsets in their Black Ops variant, but he didn’t stop there – he further personalized them with vibrant anodized orange inserts.
The most significant styling overhaul was achieved when Jimmy refashioned the Nightster’s silhouette through his meticulous modifications to its bodywork. Saddlemen’s Tracker conversion package powers the latest setup with innovative seat and bodywork design. The Saddlemen LS Tracker tail unit and diamond-stitched seat adorn the unaltered frame of this motorcycle, sitting comfortably in place. Angular saddlemen’s faceted covers have been added, further accentuating the contours of the tail unit. The brand-new gasoline tank is brought to you by Saddlemen, but rather than a complete replacement, this is actually a high-performance composite cover designed to simply slip over your bike’s existing unit. A one-off Fangster filler cap rounds out the fresh new design.
To further refine the bike’s racing aesthetic, Jimmy has paired each entry and rear fender. The entrance trim features a sporty plate-style headlight surround, incorporating a built-in LED lighting element; additionally, a Pace Service Provider’s protective skid plate shields the underside of the engine from debris and dirt. To ensure optimal road performance, discreet Fangster LED flip indicators have been installed on the handlebars and atop each rear shock absorber.
Jimmy had been desperate to avoid owning a motorbike that masqueraded as a Tracker but behaved like a Sportster, and so he’d gone to great lengths to ensure that scenario remained a distant possibility.
At the rear of this bicycle, two Progressive 970 Collection Piggyback Shocks in glossy black are positioned, measuring 14 inches in length. Bolted to a custom-built Fred Kodlin Racing swingarm, this setup is capable of accommodating a massive 200mm rear tire. With the entrance finish having undergone a comprehensive transformation through the application of Rebuffini Nexo 5.0 inverted forks, the overall design has been significantly elevated. The custom-built combination of wheels, crafted by Fangster, features an attractive 18-inch to 17-inch spoked blend. Wrapped in Pirelli’s MT60 RS rubber, these tyres deliver a perfect blend of grip and performance, serving up equal measures of both. With the incorporation of a Rebuffini RR108 Radial Brake Caliper and Galfer Cubiq rotors, stopping power has undergone a significant upgrade.
The primary objective of this project was not to significantly boost energy output from the large engine. Jimmy fitted two modifications that could significantly enhance his bike’s performance on unpaved terrain. With the Fangster’s sprocket conversion kit installed, the Nighster’s gear ratio has been recalibrated, and power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a high-quality EK 530 chain, ensuring seamless energy delivery. With a Vance & Hines 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust, the bike is not only aesthetically enhanced but also given a menacing sonic signature.
As an advertising device, this traditional format undoubtedly proves effective in elevating the Fangster brand. Despite this, Jimmy notes that the bike now sits significantly taller, a factor that likely holds greater importance for us. “It boasts exceptional throttle responsiveness and an exceptionally comfortable driving position.” The car’s braking system boasts impressive predictability, allowing for seamless transitions into sharp turns. With a deliberate shift of body weight, navigating corners becomes an exhilarating experience.
