Battle of the Kings: Thunder 38

With over 150 customs based on the Sportster Roadster on one page, things can get a little repetitive. While I want to see something performance based and functional, I also want to see something different. There are a couple bikes that went real minimal, just changing up the paint or exhaust and seat, and calling it there. You won't see those bikes featured here.

Harley-Davidson Grenoble, France wanted to do something different with their Battle of the Kings bike, while honoring H-D's resurgence of the performance based Roadster. Well they pulled it off. Not only is the term "Supermoto Sportster" somewhat absurd due to the nature of lightweight supermotos and heavy-ass Sportsters but we figured the look would turn into a brat/ cafe sort of thing half the time. Such is not the case. With a slight lift in the rear, number plate replacing the headlight, shortened front fender and second higher dirt-style fender, and most importantly for the stance- the 17" wheels.

Along with the slight lift, the builders added a pulley to keep tension on the belt. A signature of the supermoto look, and almost guaranteed to burn your leg at some point, is that epic looking pipe. Also impressive is how seamlessly they worked it into the cut fender and stock fender struts (something that tends to be cut off of custom Sporties quite quickly).

Even if it does weigh about twice what a typical supermoto does, it still looks like it would be an absolute blast to ride.

Head over to Harley-Davidson's Site to see the rest of the bikes and vote now!