The Australian custom motorcycle builder Deus is best known for its SR and W650 customs, but its occasional forays into Harley-Davidson territory have been equally successful. Here’s the latest, based on a 2007-model Harley Sportster. Dubbed the Bald Terrier—no, I don’t know why—it’s essentially a remake of Deus’ 2009 V Twin Cafe Racer. And that’s a good thing.
The stock 21- and 16-inch wheels have been replaced by 19- and 18-inch items, which improve the visual balance of the bike. Deus also fabricated a new rear subframe, rear fender and seat unit, giving the Harley Sportster a shorter, more muscular stance. Other fitments include Tingate clip-ons, new brake calipers and rotors, and customized Storz rearsets. The exhaust is a modified Vance & Hines item and the shocks are from Ikon.
The tank is a heavily modified SR400 unit, which conceals the fuel pump and is secured by an alloy strap. Up front, the fork sliders have been black hard chromed—an inspired choice that really lifts the aesthetics of the bike.
The motor now breathes through a Performance Machine “Super Gas” air cleaner, which hides a free-flowing K&N Filter behind a stainless steel wire mesh screen. Deus has fitted a Power Commander V fuel injection module to increase horsepower still further, using test runs on the dyno to optimize its performance.
As with all Deus motorcycles, the Bald Terrier is completely road legal—with blinkers, a mirror, a speedo and a registration plate to prove it. It’s also a commissioned build, so it’s not for sale. But if you want something similar, I’m sure Deus would oblige.
