A “Naked Tracker” from Indonesia’s Tiba Tiba Garage…
Since 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has remained one of the world’s most highly customized motorcycles. With the big V-twin engine and less weight than larger H-D machines, the bike begs to be transformed into a bespoke ground-pounder. The vast majority of Sportsters are done up in the chopper or bobber tradition — nothing wrong with that — but for our money and sweat equity, we’d rather have a tracker or scrambler.
After all, the Sportster bears resemblance to the most successful flat track bike of all time, the legendary XR750, and today, Sportsters are a common sight on dirt ovals around the world, running in hooligan classes. What’s more, the Roland Sands Super Hooligan series has created a national championship for these bikes here in the States, and we’re now seeing them compete in not only flat track, but enduro!
Today, we’re proud to feature an XL1200 Sportster from Anto Be, owner of Tiba Tiba Garage in Makassar, Indonesia. The country has become a glowing hotbed of custom motorcycle culture in the last several years, and Anto wanted to put his part of the country on the moto-culture map:
“I wanted to create a concept that was different from the others, and at the same time I wanted to show that Makassar city folks have talent in the world of custom culture.”
Anto went with an almost skeletal design that draws from flat track and vintage enduro traditions, emphasizing the burly wheels, tires, and engine, while showing off a ton of fabrication and bespoke bodywork — the kind you’d expect on a show bike.
Though the small tank and big engine will certainly hinder the range, this bike was intended to make a statement — to show the vision and skills of Makassar builders and Tiba Tiba Garage in particular, which it certainly does. What’s more, Anto Be says the bike remains comfortable to ride:
“The bike looks fierce, but when you ride it, it feels comfortable.”
Below, photographer Muhammad Afiddin (@afiddinm) gives us the full story on the build.
“Si Jungkit” Sportster: Build Story
Words by Muhammad Afiddin (@afiddinm).
I want to talk about the motorcycle that many people dream of, namely the Harley-Davidson. The cruiser-style motorbike is indeed a favorite to be made into a custom machine. However, this Harley-Davidson is completely different.
It’s from different from Anto Be, who is the owner of Tiba Tiba Garage in Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia. Whereas most of the H-D’s are custom-made in the chopper or bobber style, this one is a tracker.
“Basically, I wanted to create a concept that was different from the others, and at the same time I wanted to show that Makassar city folks have talent in the world of custom culture.” –Anto Be
Now, to realize his vision, AntoBe built everything from scratch. The frame was modified while prioritizing precision and quality, and the body parts and other items are almost all custom made.
“I wanted this bike to look a bit naughty but remain kind, meaning the bike looks fierce, but when you ride it, it feels comfortable.” –Anto Be
A tracker has to have sturdy legs, of course. The front wheel is 18″ with 120/90 rubber and for the rear is a 17″ with 170/60 rubber.
The front suspension consists of a an upside down fork from a Kawasaki KLX150BF, and the rear shock is from a Triumph.
The most difficult part was making the frame, which had to be precise and comfortable for the rider’s posture.
As for the body, this motorbike has a vintage trail style, with a minimalist design.
“I deliberately made a minimalist design on the body to highlight the engine and the frame, which is sturdy and doesn’t leave an elegant impression.” –Anto Be
Now, after everything has been done, Anto Be gave his motorbike the nickname “Si Jungkit,” which means a “tempting circus.”
Follow the Builder
Builder, Anto Be: @anto_be_cbm__bsm
Workshop, Tiba Tiba Garage: @tibatibagarage
Photographer/Writer, Muhammad Afiddin: @afiddinm
