Scott ‘T-Bone’ Jones has carved out a reputation as one of the scene’s top chopper builders. His portfolio is jaw-dropping, and littered with impeccable vintage Pans and Shovels.
But race bikes? That’s a whole new bag for T-Bone’s shop, Noise Cycles. Looking at this stunning Harley-Davidson Street XG750 flat track racer though, he’s clearly jumped in feet first.
“Noise Cycles, for some years now, was all about street bikes,” says Scott. “Then I got hooked on racing. A lot of my focus has been on racing—it’s like a new fire in my heart.”
While fielding a 1965 Harley XLCH in the Hooligan class, Scott got the call to join the official Harley-Davidson Motor Company ‘Harley Hooligans’ team. That meant it was time to upgrade—so he picked up a 2015-model XG750 from his nearest dealership, and proceeded to transform it from a street bike into something that could handle the tight tracks that he’d be thrashing it on.
Harley-Davidson’s pro race bike—the XG750R—uses the same engine as the Street XG750. But the geometry is vastly different, and Scott was limited in what he could do to bridge the gap.
“The stock bike is closer to a chopper than a dirt tracker,” explains Scott. “In the Hooligan class we can just about change everything, except cutting and changing the neck angle.”
“So I sat down via text message with Hunter Klee and figured out some geometry. The front end, rear shocks, seat and tail, tank and wheels all had to be changed!”
To get the numbers right, Scott fitted a set of GPS Racing triple trees with a five millimeter offset up front. They’re now holding a set of Yamaha R6 forks, with a pair of Works Performance Tracker shocks holding things up out back.
As per flat track convention, the Harley now rolls on 19” hoops; Scott picked Roland Sands Design’s attractive ‘Traction’ race wheels, and wrapped them in Dunlop rubber.
Up top, he reworked the rear of the frame with new shock mounts, and a subframe for the new tail section. The flat track-specific seat and tail unit are from Saddlemen, and there’s a neat block-off plate underneath to tuck away any stray electrical bits.
You might recognise the fuel tank as being a Sportster item, but that’s only half the story. It’s been cut open and now acts as a cover—there’s a custom-made stainless steel fuel bladder underneath, equipped with the XG750’s original fuel pump.
As for the engine, it’s standard—but it now breathes through an S&S Cycles air cleaner. For the exhaust, Scott kept the stock headers, but added a new end section and an old dirt bike can.
The rest of the build is an exercise in considered parts selection. You’ll find Biltwell Inc. footpegs, Noise Cycles flat track bars, and a clutch lever and grips from Pro-Taper. There’s also a new quarter-turn throttle, a Motion Pro kill/start switch, and a Chassis Design gas cap.
The Harley’s also been converted from a belt to a chain drive, with a front sprocket borrowed from a Ducati Multistrada. As per the rules there’s no front brake, but the rear’s been treated to a Honda lever and master cylinder combo.
Scott kept his race livery simple and in line with the company’s colors, roping in Ryan Evans for decals, Matt Ross for paint and Jen Hallett for pin striping and lettering. The execution is flawless; this XG750 could easily pass for a factory racer.
Not only does the XG750 now look and steer a lot better than stock, but it weighs a lot less too. It hasn’t been on a scale yet, but early guesses as are hovering around the 100lbs-off mark.
“It’s a fun bike with a lot of torque,” says Scott, “much different than my 1965 Harley XLCH I was running against these guys. This thing is very responsive, and I’m hoping to put it out front soon.”
Good luck out there, T-Bone. As for the rest of you: get out there and support your local flat track scene!
Noise Cycles Instagram | Photos by Brandon ‘Gonz’ Gonzalez
Scott would like to thank: My wife, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Hunter Klee, RSD, Saddlemen Seats, Biltwell Inc., Works Performance, Team Noise Racing, Juan Arceo, Brandon Gonzalez, Todd Canavan.
