Win this H-D Street Tracker from Colt Wrangler and Gruene Harley!
The Harley-Davidson XG500 — aka the Street 500 — is the company’s first lightweight motorcycle since the 1970s. The bike comes with a narrow-bore version of the company’s 60° V-twin Revolution engine, which offers around 30 ft-lb of torque, along with a six-speed transmission.
Enter one of our favorite young builders, Colt Wrangler, the 26 y.o. Texas young gun behind Colt Wrangler Motorcycles. The good folks at Gruene Harley-Davidson commissioned a race-inspired custom XG500 that could be ridden everyday, enter the odd Hooligan flat track race, and was geared toward the skater/BMX lifestyle. In the end, the collaborators opted for a Street 500 tracker build. Says Colt:
“Street trackers are probably the most versatile of race styled motorcycles in my opinion.”
The bike underwent surgery at Colt’s shop in New Braunfels, Texas. What emerged is the handsomest, most versatile XG500 build we’ve ever seen — complete with a skateboard and BMX rack! What’s more, Gruene Harley is giving away the bike on October 13, 2018, and it’s free to enter!
Street 500 Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Colt Wrangler Lyons and I’m 26 years old. I started Colt Wrangler Motorcycles in 2015. My shop is currently based in New Braunfels, Texas, focused on custom motorcycle design and fabrication. All of my builds are commissioned.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
Harley Davidson XG500 2015
• Why was this bike built?
The folks at Gruene Harley Davidson wanted to build something different from the average custom Harley that you may find on display at a dealership. They also took it a step further by deciding to give it away. On October 13th 2018 there will be a drawing to win this motorcycle. It’s free to enter and you can sign up and find the rules and regulation here:
https://www.grueneharley.com/–the-colt-wrangler-projects
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
Gruene Harley Davidson has always been involved in racing, so something race inspired was a must. Street trackers are probably the most versatile of race styled motorcycles in my opinion. Versatility was a must for everything we wanted to be able to do with this bike. We wanted to build something that could be ridden everyday, was geared for the BMX and skateboarder lifestyle but also could be taken to a Hooligan race every now and then.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
The first thing that had to go was the gas tank. I replaced it with a Sportster 48 tank that had to be modified to fit, but I was able to use the original Sportster fuel pump.
The tail section is made by Saddleman and is built for a Sportster frame. I built a subframe under the seat to raise the seat height and to line up the tank and seat.
The side covers are from a Yamaha XT500. With the side covers installed I was able to keep all of the factory electronics in place.
Next I replaced the factory wheels and front forks with Buell XB parts. The front forks aren’t a direct swap, although the stem is the same diameter the length on the Buell stem is about 3⁄4” too short.
For the chain conversion I used a PBI rear sprocket for the XB wheel and a Ducati front sprocket. (Many Ducati models share the same shaft size as the Harley XG.)
For the exhaust I used the factory headers, cut them down and added an aftermarket muffler.
One piece that definitely stands out is the removable BMX and skateboard rack. It was challenging to make on such a short tail section but I’m very happy with how well it performs and how stable it feels even at highway speeds.
Other modifications include, 1 1⁄8 handlebars, 7” LED headlight, bar end turn signals, integrated LED tail lights under the tail section, reservoir shocks, MX pegs, CNC machined handlebar controls and levers and a steering stabilizer.
• How would you classify this bike?
Street Tracker
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
I really liked how well the XT500 side covers flowed with the overall lines of the Harley.
Follow the Builder
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @coltwrangler.co
Facebook: @coltwrangler.co
Online Store: https://coltwranglerco.bigcartel.com
