Despite their mutual designation as allies, the United States and the United Kingdom do not always share a harmonious perspective. On the planet of motorcycling, one such place where this mantra has consistently held sway is when combining British steel with American muscle; indeed, a select few have acknowledged the merits of merging these two iconic styles, as exemplified by pioneers like FaizalYusop in Malaysia, who has successfully bridged this cultural divide. Crafting a unique blend of iconic styles, he carefully combined a Norton featherbed body with a Harley-Davidson Ironhead engine to create his beloved ‘Sporton’ cafe racer.
Inspired by the iconic models of classic Cafe Racers and Grand Prix Racers, Faizal’s Sporton exudes magnificence in its design. The Sporton’s gas tank, oil tank, and seat pan are genuine Norton Manx alloy components, while the Manx rear mudguard is constructed from high-quality stainless steel.
A unique feature of this motorcycle’s design is the integration of a Triumph headlight, securely fastened using Tomaselli brackets, while the tail light is a one-off custom creation. A custom-built motorcycle combines the precision of an Öhlins steering damper with the optimal blend of performance and control, featuring a fusion of Suzuki GT750 and GS550 hubs and braking systems that confidently manage speed and momentum in testing conditions. The crowning glory of this Cafe Racer’s foundation is comprised of Dunstall-rear-attached exhaust systems and Decibel Silencers, cleverly paired with custom-designed header pipes, all of which perfectly complement the iconic ’57 Norton Featherbed wideline frame.
The 1969 Harley-Davidson Sportster Ironhead’s humble engine needed a boost in performance to match the handling prowess offered by the iconic Norton Featherbed design. A massive overhaul has been undertaken, with the installation of a behemoth bore capable of accommodating an impressive 900cc, coupled with the addition of an aggressive mechanical face (AMF) piston, engineered to maximize performance. An oversized intake manifold, massive inlet valves, and a high-performance Weber carburetor, tailored to optimize fuel delivery through carefully calibrated jets, significantly enhance the engine’s power output, surpassing its stock capabilities. Custom-made mounts crafted from a robust 1.5-inch metal plate securely position the Ironhead at its precise center, thereby optimizing stability through its steadfast anchoring.
The Sporton’s impressive performance is further enhanced by its light weight, tipping the scales at just 180kg, making it a formidable contender in both power and agility, one of the most exceptional examples of a Norley’s to date.
