Two issues we rarely function on this website are Harley-Davidsons and Scramblers. Actually, currently we’re defying that trend. In a post-apocalyptic landscape, Michael Bates from Stillwater, Minnesota, has crafted this remarkable Harley XL1200R scrambler, redefining the notion of rugged individualism. What’s the point of making a drastic departure from tradition just to accommodate some arbitrary novelty? Because of our admiration for Michael’s accomplishments, we strive to be fair in our judgment. He could have easily designed a generic, off-the-shelf solution, reaped the benefits, and called it a day. He has actually acquired the capacity to accomplish this feat. While some might see his creation as a bold statement, others may view it as a confounding curiosity. This bold transfer has undoubtedly sparked widespread criticism from armchair experts on social media platforms. I wholeheartedly commend such architectural endeavors. They foster a culture of continuous growth within each tailored setting, facilitating open communication among participants. What I love most about Michael’s XL1200R ‘Overlandr’ is the infectious enthusiasm it instills, leaving me with a perpetual grin.
With 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, Michael, a skilled product designer, has honed his craft by transforming his innovative ideas into practical consumer products through designing, machining, die-casting, and forging processes. He subsequently leveraged his skills in tandem with his passion for motorcycles by joining Kuryakyn, a leading provider of Harley Davidson aftermarket components. Under the banner of Combustion Industries, he currently produces proprietary components and offers consulting services to various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), leveraging his expertise in a new capacity. I enjoy being part of the industry. According to Michael, when you find something that truly resonates with you, you’ll never have to worry about working again.
As part of his entrepreneurial endeavors, Michael prefers to maintain a tailored mission statement that is always in flux. The XL1200R Overlander was Combustion Industries’ inaugural project, allowing its creator to fuse two long-held passions into a singular vision. “I have a soft spot for classic science fiction,” he admits.
As a nod to his childhood fascination, he drew inspiration from iconic sci-fi films like Star Wars and Blade Runner, where inventors often cobbled together contraptions from repurposed household items or cleverly concealed special effects. Michael notes that while the components themselves may not have been aesthetically pleasing, their creative repurposing to function as intended was indeed impressive. They ultimately sought a design that was surprisingly industrial in its aesthetic.
Having outlined a clear path for construction, he endeavored to identify a suitable donor. After dedicating countless hours to honing the model’s performance, a Harley-Davidson emerged as the obvious choice, and a 2007 XL1200R offered an ideal starting point. “I opted for the 1200R because of its more substantial footprint and enhanced power delivery courtesy of its superior compression engine design.”
Michael’s concept didn’t align with any existing tailored formats. As a substitute, it will outline a clear and distinct objective, akin to the precise missions of starfighters within the Star Wars galaxy.
Michael explains that the vehicle was designed as a lightweight reconnaissance automobile, implying that compactness, even armor, and speed were essential requirements. With those considerations in mind, he tore the bike apart to its bare essentials.
The initial step in the rebuilding process was ensuring the correct placement of the driving position. Michael fitted a set of 16-inch RFY shocks to the rear, elevating the chassis for increased ground clearance on unpaved terrain. With subsequent installation of Protaper Journey bars, he was able to confidently navigate the bike while standing on its pegs. Following this setup of comprehensive footpegs and rugged Avon Trailrider tires designed for adventure riding.
Michael retrieved a dusty, decade-old tank of indeterminate provenance from the depths of his storage area, where it had lain undisturbed for ten years, its surface begrimed with a thick layer of mud. After securely fastening the component onto the body, he turned his attention to integrating the EFI pump into the overall system. “I successfully installed an engine fuel injection (EFI) plate on the underside of the vehicle.” Because of its extremely low profile, the gas pump required a reduction in height of one-quarter inch, which proved surprisingly tricky to implement. Before Michael could modify the pump, he needed to study precisely how it had functioned previously. After conducting a thorough analysis, he successfully resolved the issue and ensured that all components functioned seamlessly in accordance with the original manufacturing facility configuration.
For the rest of the bodywork, Michael turned to a do-it-yourself approach. The uniquely designed entrance and rear fenders were crafted using the basic tools available at his disposal in the workshop. With his vision in mind, Michael embarked on a creative journey, scavenging parts from various Harley-Davidson models to craft a retro-futuristic masterpiece, ultimately combining components to achieve a distinctive 1970s-inspired aesthetic. “With a nod to its heritage, Ovrlander combines components from four distinct Sportster models,” To enhance Overlandr’s rugged aesthetic, he incorporated Superlow wheels, XR aspect covers, sprocket, and other innovative components through a fusion of diverse thinking. He further bolstered the vehicle’s utilitarian look by installing a bash plate to the chassis, crafting a gasoline can rack for the rear, and designing a custom Mustang seat that showcased his personal touch.
Without a doubt, Overlandr is meticulously incorporating numerous components from the esteemed Kuryakyn catalogues.
This motorcycle features a distinctive mesh-covered engine, along with ergonomic details such as levers, a stylish Dillinger-bar finished mirror, and grippy controls, topped off by a bolt-on headlight. To maintain a sleek, stripped-down naval aesthetic, bulky lighting was sacrificed for the discreet yet functional Kellerman alternatives. The dual-function rear lights serve as both a visual indication of braking and an alert system for potential hazards, thereby contributing to a safer and more organized driving experience. For evening-time missions, there is also auxiliary lighting from.
The 1200cc American V-twin engine purrs smoothly with enhanced airflow courtesy of a high-performance Kuryakyn Velociraptor air cleaner, complemented by SC Mission mufflers precision-coupled to custom-designed exhaust headers, optimizing the bike’s overall efficiency. However, it’s the meticulous paintwork that Michael believes lends the Harley its unique perspective. As sleek as starfighters soaring through galaxies, this vibrant orange and powder blue palette is unmistakably otherworldly, evoking the futuristic charm of Star Wars’ iconic droids and spacecraft. The reconnaissance vehicle appears to have acquired a battle-hardened patina through cleverly applied paint aging effects, suggesting it’s had a long and storied history in the field.
Sure, it’s uncommon. It’s unclear what you’re referring to, but let me try to rephrase that statement in a more concise and direct manner: Sure, this text violates all fundamental principles of writing. I’d love to help you with that!
Michael, an enthusiast of the Combustion Industries Harley-Davidson XL1200R Overlander, has decided to list his bike for sale to finance his next adventure, which promises to be just as captivating. Visit his website for additional information if that’s something you’re interested in doing.
COMBUSTION INDUSTRIES
