Typically, first-time bike builds serve as a foundation for more complex projects to come. While they may have a slightly rough exterior, Occasionally, we receive an email that is so well-crafted it warrants a round of applause from the get-go. While expectations are high, a standing ovation may be excessive.
Scott McKee’s inaugural foray into custom motorcycle building saw him meticulously crafting his own bespoke cafe racer. The successful outcome aside, it’s truly remarkable how he collaborated with his matched donor to achieve something extraordinary. While Harley-Davidson’s models, such as the Scott’s Sportster, are known for their reputation of being challenging to customize. This unique posture stems mainly from their curved bodies and receding cruising gait. Thanks to Scott’s keen eye and well-balanced selection, he has skillfully worked out the kinks in this Harley’s design.
As the global COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Scott found himself with an unexpected opportunity to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Secluded within his storage space, surrounded by his beloved ’79 Suzuki GS750 cafe racer and Harley-Davidson Sportster, he pondered the idea of creating something distinct. As I savored the sleek lines of my desired cafe racer and felt the raw power of its American V-twin engine purring beneath me, it was clear that the time had finally come to launch this exciting new project into high gear.
Initially, he would focus on securing a reliable donor to get started. Choosing not to tamper with his existing ride, he instead decided to stick with his current cruiser-styled Harley. Given his affinity for motorcycles, he decided to purchase another, knowing that even the most well-stocked garages can always accommodate one more ride. He successfully found the results he was looking for with the purchase of his ’07 Sportster in its entirety, transformed into a sleek and rugged Bobber.
“In his day job as a telecommunications district supervisor, Scott notes that his novel was a labor of love undertaken during his free time.” With precision and dedication, Scott invested just a few hours each evening between May and October, meticulously crafting his bespoke motorcycle project without sacrificing an inch of creativity. Ron McKee’s father has operated a paint and physique supply store for over four decades, exposing him to “a wealth of fascinating experiences” throughout his life. Alongside his father, he jointly co-owns and operates McKee Motorsports. Over the past couple of years, my father and I formed McKee Motorsports, a competitive Modified Stockcar racing team. We design, manufacture, and maintain high-performance open-wheel racing cars that rely on powerful Chevrolet 350 engines for their propulsion. The experience of building custom motorcycles had instilled in me the confidence to take on riding one.
Inspired by the creative builds he’d stumbled upon in cycling blogs, Scott cobbled together a concept that harmoniously combined parts from various bikes that resonated with his personal style. Initially, he focused on refining the Sportster’s handling and addressing its stability issues. Utilizing a Cognito Moto fork conversion kit specifically designed for a Suzuki GSXR front end, this modification was successfully implemented. The Harley-Davidson Burly Model’s renowned expertise in suspension was leveraged to create a custom rear end conversion, featuring 15-inch Stiletto shocks. To complete the setup and achieve a thoroughly retro aesthetic, Scott incorporated additional Cognito Moto components, specifying 16-inch spoked rims to give the bike its characteristic vintage vibe.
Bodywork plays a crucial role in achieving the desired aesthetic with a Harley-based cafe racer. Despite countless attempts, an H-D peanut tank will never live up to expectations. Conscious of this limitation, Scott sought an alternative solution and found a viable option in Thailand. Markus arranged for Omega Racer’s team to craft a bespoke alloy Mugello gasoline tank, complete with a Monza-style filler cap, and had it filled with fuel upon request. Unlike a traditional Harley-Davidson tank, the Omega Racer Mugello features a unique design that drops down onto the spine of the motorcycle’s body, tightly embracing the V-twin engine. The tank’s design significantly enhances the bike’s overall aesthetic, resulting in a distinctly sportier appearance for the Sportster. With the purchase of the tank, Scott also obtained a sleek and stylish Roland Sands Design tail section to complete his motorcycle’s custom makeover. The RSD tail offers a seamless pairing with the Omega Racer tank, mirroring its design with striking similarity. Despite the decline of sitting time on the body, it’s clear that this pairing is a match made in heaven.
As the bike’s sleek profile came into balance, Scott shifted his focus to outfitting it with the right gear. RSD was renowned for its meticulously assembled assortment of components, earning recognition for this exceptional collection once again. These features embody the rear-set footpegs, air cleaner, and a sprinkling of cosmetic upgrades. On the cafe racer, clip-on style handlebars are securely fastened to the GSXR fork tubes, providing a commanding position for the rider. Meanwhile, a sleek Motogadget speedometer, cleverly recessed into the top triple tree clamp, ensures an unobstructed view of the road ahead. With a comprehensive makeover, the vehicle’s lighting system has been further enhanced by incorporating state-of-the-art LED solutions courtesy of Harley-Davidson experts at Drag Specialties.
With its quintessential cafe racer aesthetic matched by impressive performance capabilities, Scott’s Sportster proves that form and function can harmoniously coexist. The Two Brothers Racing Comp II exhaust and free-flowing air filter are optimized through a carefully calibrated Energy-Level Dynojet Energy commander that manages the engine control unit to maximize performance.
The company’s future, Scott entrusted entirely to his father. Ron and his team at Customized Automotive elegantly combined the Porsche 911’s Gentian metallic blue hue with subtle accents of black and fiery crimson, perfectly harmonizing with the vehicle’s sleek rear shocks. Yellow highlights accentuate the wheels and headlight lenses, harmonizing with the GSXR forks’ aesthetic. But the pièce de résistance remains Scott’s bold, 2009 stock car-inspired decal on the Sportster’s rear end.
“With its distinct uncooked rumble, the V-twin engine is a major draw for many enthusiasts, including Scott, who appreciates the unique customization options that come with owning a Harley.” With a garage full of such magnificence, it’s no wonder why.
Images by Mike Kuhn Racing
