Old Skool Harley-Davidson Sportster 

I GOT my first bike when I was five-years-old, a Suzuki JR50. Since then I’ve owned many dirt bikes — 80,125, 250 — and two go-carts, but I was more involved in the car scene, owning and customising more than 20 cars from which one was featured in a car magazine.

Peter Fitzpatrick is my uncle (FC Holden) and him and his two boys definitely have the car scene covered. I didn’t want go down that path so I decided to customise bikes! Hopefully, it can become a family thing and I’ll be able to pass this bike down to my son Kobe and him to his son.

My first stop was to Pulford Race Engines to have a chat with Peter Pulford on his thoughts on the style I wanted. I wasn’t interested in being like everyone else and building a fat tyre, unrideable show bike. I wanted an old school/new school type scenario that I could ride and show! He was excited because he likes that style also!

After much talking and planning and internet searching, we found the Malibu Custom Cycles frame and front-end and it all started there!

It wasn’t a smooth ride, as you’d know if you’ve ever built a bike. Some of the things I wanted I couldn’t have; and some of the things Peter wanted, I said no to, but after many hours and time spent, I think the end result really speaks for itself!

It weighs in at around the 200 kilo mark and it’s about to go back to the shop for the engine to be done — I’ve asked Peter for 100 ponies at the wheel —so we’ll see how that turns out!

Thanks to all the boys at Pulford Race Engines for putting up with me being in the shop every five minutes, and Peter Pulford for all your help and guidance and beers and advise; it’s been a real pleasure, thanks mate. And to my beautiful wife Lisa for putting up with all my crap and supporting me throughout this build; love you, babe. And my most treasured possession, my son Kobe; without you in my world, this world isn’t worth a thing!

words by Paul Fitzpatrick; photos by George