Six weeks ago, I introduced you to DP Custom Cycles and to their Naked Cafe Racer. The Del Prado brothers (Jarrod and Justin) just produced another nice piece of modified old Harley with this 1981 Ironhead Sportster named Top Fuel II. The duo explained to me that the chosen name pays homage to their first hardtail that they did several years back. It has a custom exhaust that they called “Top Fuel” because they were going for the look of Funny Car pipes. Top Fuel II has a similar exhaust, but more compact and adapted for lean angles, yet still has the cool drag racing look.
The Del Prado are huge racing fans – Moto GP, F1, Indycar, NASCAR – and this is where the inspiration for the paint scheme came from. They like to use bright colors that really pop in the sun, colors that you don’t usually see even on very radical custom motorcycles. In this case, they went for the bright blue and white livery that adorned the 1965 NASCAR Champion Ford Galaxie. And for the first time, why not, they dared to paint the bike name and “DP Customs” on the tank in large old school lettering. The finished machine looks 60’s through and through and gets tons of nods amid the ocean of baggers that seem to be taking over the motorcycle scene.
Not only Top Fuel II is a very cool sled made to ride, but contrary to what you you may think, it doesn’t cost a fortune. I was surprised that this bike costs close to $10,000, a more than fair price when you know, like me, the time involved to beautifully re-birth this Ironhead Sportster. A few more details about it. Engine is stock 1000 cc fitted with Keihin carburetor. Harley 4-speed transmission was kept. Springer front end is 4″ under stock. Gas tank was borrowed from a Super Glide. Bike rolls on a 19″ front wheel wrapped in Avon tire and 16″ rear dressed in vintage Firestone rubber. Seat is tuck-n-roll from Bitwell. DP Custom Cycles. (pictures copyright Strahm Photography, courtesy to Cyril Huze)
Simple and pretty cool.
The way Milwaukee should remake them. Like it.
I think it’s hard to make something look simple, great job.
Never thought I would dig white pipes but this one pulls if off!
Good lookin’ bike
This is one of the nicest looking sportsters that I have seen.
Wow, I really like that….great job!
Nice bike! Kudos to the builders.
thats what is nice about the sportster engine , it gives you that vintage 4 valver board tracker look… love it!
Sweeeeeeet!
A damn fine looking machine…my hat’s off to you.
Love it!
Boss Hawg
slick build ,very clean
Are you sure Sr. or Jr. didn’t have any influence on that Build?
Very nice.
Dave Blevins .
Took a look at your sportster .
Great makeover.
HD should be calling for idfeas, Soon
. Fuji
Now that’s more like it guys!
Steve Carr
Neat and inviting for fast spins
So cool.
Wait a minute, that’s not a “Cafe Racer” It will never catch on.
Looks good, nice to see somthing different for a change.
Ironheads are pretty. That’s a pretty bike.
Cyril. you picked again a great bike. Of course you know…
Super sweet!
Nice bike but pipes look silly just my 2-cents
I like it!
Will keep your foot warm.
Cool exhaust. peace
Ned Jarrett 1965 nascar champion , sat on the hood of that car at Martinsville Speedway. Worked for Ned at Hickory in the 80’s. Fine gentleman. I loved those color schemes in the 60’s color coordinated wheels. Oh bring back those days.
Nice and tight package, gotta love the old school bikes.