There’s a staggering number of aftermarket Harley-Davidson Sportster parts on the market, and nobody knows this better than Jimmy Chou. His father started a company in Taiwan back in 1983, that handles manufacturing for a number of top aftermarket brands. So Jimmy literally grew up around motorcycle parts.
Then, a couple of years ago, he had the idea to start developing some of his own designs. Inspired and motivated by the likes of Winston Yeh at Rough Crafts, Jimmy launched Fangster.
This 2009-model Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster showcases what he and his team have been up to. It also proves just how far you can stretch the Sporty with the right mix of parts—if, like Jimmy, you know what works and what doesn’t.
Remarkably, there’s not much cutting or welding on this sharp street tracker. Instead, it’s been pieced together from off-the-shelf items, along with a host of custom parts that Fangster are looking to put into production in the future.
For starters, the Nightster’s low-slung stance is gone, thanks to a clever mix of suspension components. Fangster installed a new Rebuffini front-end, complete with adjustable inverted forks, yokes, a steering stem and a front brake. There’s a Kodlin Racing swingarm out back, hooked up to a pair of 14” Progressive 970 series piggyback shocks.
Next, a set of 18F/17R wheels were laced up and shod with Pirelli MT 60 RS tires. Fangster slapped a Rebuffini brake caliper on the back to match the front, and upgraded the system with new Galfer discs. And they converted the Harley to a chain drive.
The bodywork looks custom, but it’s actually a full ‘Ronan’ kit from Saddlemen in the US. Made from fiberglass, it includes tank covers, side panels that wrap around the oil tank, a flat track tail section and a seat pad, all designed to complement each other. Other than having to hack off the rear fender struts, it’s a total bolt-on affair.
Up top are a set of Thrashin’ Supply Co. handlebars, fitted with a Domino throttle, Magura controls and Motone switches. Lower down you’ll find rear-set foot controls from Roland Sands Design. There’s also two-into-one Vance and Hines exhaust and a Speed Merchant skid plate.
Every other part is a Fangster prototype—and the team has clearly been busy, because the list is extensive. It starts with smaller bits like the side stand, handlebar risers, bar-end mirrors, foot pegs and tiny LED turn signals. And it includes more obvious changes, like the flat track-style headlight nacelle.
Fangster produced the front and rear sprockets too, along with a machined front sprocket cover. Hiding under the hood are a handmade coil bracket, a custom engine mount and a stabilizing bracket.
The engine is dripping with custom trim—including primary, valve, pushrod and rocker box covers. There’s also a custom cam cover, featuring the weight-saving cut-down style that you’ll find on race-prepped Sporties.
Standout pieces include the Fangster air filter and gas cap, which show off a more modern design than we’re used to seeing on custom Harleys. That aesthetic carries through to parts like the matching derby and points covers.
We’re digging the fresh, modern vibe that Fangster have captured here—and their unapologetic use of orange on this build. Not does it look hella fresh for a 13-year-old Sporty, but it’s pretty much the perfect blueprint for a V-twin street tracker.
