With a name like Colt Wrangler, it’s safe to assume that the man is from Texas and probably a bit of a cowboy. Hot dang if you aren’t right on both counts—Colt has been riding broncos and bulls competitively since he was a kid. But what you’re less likely to guess, is that this young cowpoke is also one of the most impressive motorcycle builders to emerge from the US custom scene in recent years.
Since Colt Wrangler Motorcycles was founded in 2015, Colt has established a distinct design language of his own. Recognizable by their high-level sheet-metal work, his builds exist in perfect proportion and hold high-performance details for those that know what they’re looking at—or even better, for those lucky enough to ride them.
We have featured Cole’s bikes before. But with more time to work on his latest project—a 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster—he’s taken his personal style to new heights.
Colt had just started the Harley Sportster project, working in collaboration with local Texas truck builders Vintage Vendetta Garage, when Roland Sands Design announced the Dream Build-Off. This was a competition for local shops and backyard builders, with new motorcycles from BMW, Indian, and Royal Enfield as prizes. The Sportster was originally supposed to be a street-ready scrambler, but with this added motivation, Colt went back to the drawing board.
Working on a limited budget, Cole had to focus on fabricating unique parts from scratch, relying on his skills and expertise, and just a little help from friends. Cole tore the Sportster down to its frame and got to choppin’.
The frame’s original neck gusset was completely cut out, and replaced with a smooth, tubular steel neck gusset. Along with new motor mounts, it’s completely change the front of the bike’s aesthetic. The lower motor mount was relocated to fit a new custom-fabricated aluminum oil tank too, which now sits in front of the engine, between the frame rails and right in the wind.
With the oil tank now tucked neatly in the front, the Sportster’s battery was relocated to underneath the swingarm with an LC Fabrications basket, cleaning up the visual space behind the engine. All of the bike’s wiring was tucked into the frame, and the other electronics were stashed neatly into the aluminum seat and tail section.
The custom gas tank and tail section were modeled in foam, then in wire, then formed out of aluminum. They’re not painted because Colt says he’s proud of them and doesn’t want to cover his handiwork. Who can fault him?
The announcement of the Roland Sands competition meant that this build would be given some great exposure, so Colt reached out to some of his favorite brands for support. Lectron provided a full carburation system, while Lyndall Brakes came in with high-performance stopping power.
As one last favor, Tony from Allied Racing donated a space Trac Dynamics swingarm—because who doesn’t have an extra one of those lying around? As Colt says, “It only takes a few parts like that to really elevate a build.”
A set of new-old-stock 19”, 7-spoke Harley-Davidson wheels from the 1970s was sourced, with hub conversions from Vulcan Engineering to work with the newer Sporty. This gives the bike a taller street tracker stance, which tends to limit tire options. So Colt went for sidecar tires typically used on Ural models, to get the proper sizing and tread pattern.
The forks were shaved and lathed, so there’s no front brake. They were then taped off and vapor-blasted, and polished to get the nice contrast stipe detail. A used Brembo master cylinder and caliper from an old Ducati were bought for the rear and made to fit.
Silverback Moto bent a set of custom handlebars with integrated risers and internal wiring. Colt then added an internal throttle that runs through the frame to the Lectron carb, mounted with Prism Supply breather bolts and brackets, and capped with a Speed Dealer velocity stack. Controls are about at simple as can be with little more than a starter, kill switch, and a switch for the new FNA Cycles’ Pancake Lights, which are nice and bright with high and low-beam function.
Colt worked smart with the new exhaust system, by buying a set of cheap stainless headers on eBay, cutting them down, and re-welding them together the way he wanted. He then modified another set of old mufflers he had, and fabricated a stainless mount that attaches at the upper rear shock mount.
Unsurprisingly, the Sportster took top honors in the Dream Build-Off’s over-1,200 cc category, sending Colt home with a brand new BMW R18. He’s also now taken on a full-time job as the lead fabricator with Revival Cycles. So we’re excited to see what the future holds for this bright young cowboy, and for Revival Cycles with his amazing talent at the helm.
Colt Wrangler Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Isaiah Carrasco
