1990/2003 HD Sporty

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

My Sporty is a 1990 4speeder that I bought new, but the transmission is FUBAR and a new one from Andrews is well over $1000. My Woman’s 2003 5speeder Sporty got totalled when her son borrowed it and an idiot in a cage left turned him. Decisions, decisions, decisions…I bought the wreck back from our insurance company with the intention of making the 5speeder work in the 4speeder frame. And, having my Drag Bike project pass race inspection at the Harley Drags at Little River Dragway this past September 24th 2023. It passed!

What motivated you to start your project?

I’ve been racing my buddy’s 70s era Ironhead Drag Bike since 2009, but have had to share it with his 2 sons so I started looking for a frame to build my own.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?


Never having done it before, I built the entire wiring harness and it works flawlessly, even in wet weather.

What are you most proud of?

Of getting the 5speeder motor to work in the 4speeder frame and of the wiring harness I built.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

Most people like it, especially the ones that know all that I did to it and all I’m planning before it’s completed. The ones that don’t like it, piss on them.

One Comment

  • DAVID TATUM says:

    There has been 3 men I have always looked up to in my life, grandfather, Dad, and this guy my big brother.
    9yrs older then me Took me on my first bike ride and got me hooked, very nice bike , love the motor mod, and the rake looks great. The notice here is well deserved I give it a 5 star in my opinion.

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Submitted by: Danny Tatum

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Specifics

Classification: Full-Custom
Make, Model & Year: HD Sporty 1990/2003
Fondly known as: My Drag Bike
Time spent: However many hours there are from 1990 thru now.
Motorcycle cost: The 1990 was $4500 new and the 2003 was $8000 new..
Money spent: Not alot. Most of the parts came out of my parts bin. The antique Pingle wheelie bar was given to me. Thank you David! I did buy the Pingle wheelie bar wheels and the 10 1/2″ Pingle wheelie bar struts, and the stainless fasteners, the fender, and the cheapie drag pipes.
Engine: HD Sporty 883. As soon as I can afford a Cometic top end gasket kit I am going to install my 1200 pistons & cylinders.
Intake: HD CV carb with/without a K&N filter depending on if I’m riding it to work or going racing.
Exhaust: Cheapie drag pipes
Transmission: 5speeder
Frame: Stock 1990 HD Sporty with 2″ over forks and 10 1/2″ struts makes the rake 50°
Suspension: See Frame
Wheels, tires and brakes: All stock 1990 HD Sporty
Finish – Paint: Cheap Mexican painter in Austin. Powdercoater in Austin.
Accessories: Wheelie bar

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