883R Sportster from Taiwan’s Bike Working Shop…
Back in 2007, the Harley-Davidson Sportster marked its 50th anniversary of production. The bike debuted in 1957 with an 883cc OHV V-twin designed to go head-to-head against Triumphs, Nortons, and other British parallel-twins, both on the road and track.
The all-aluminum Evolution engine replaced the old Ironhead motor in 1986, and a redesigned Evo V-twin appeared in 2004, rubber-mounted in a stronger, more rigid frame. The 883R was the sportier version, equipped with dual four-piston brakes, higher ride height, a 2:1 exhaust, and styling that recalled the mighty XR750 flat tracker — the winningest race bike in history.
That makes the 883R the perfect candidate for a true street tracker build. This one comes from our new friend Bing-Wei Lee of Taiwan’s Bike Working Shop, which has been in business since 2012. The customer wanted a bike that would blend function and style into a custom daily rider.
“Embracing a Tracker style, this design preserves the iconic Harley-Davidson spirit while seamlessly adapting to the demands of everyday life.”
The modifications were pretty extensive. The cast-alloy wheels were swapped with 18-inch Excel rims wrapped in Dunlop K180 street-legal dirt track tires, and the brakes were upgraded with stainless floating discs, custom caliper mounts, and Brembo four-piston calipers. Meanwhile, the suspension at both ends was upgraded with Gears Racing components — a favorite among Taiwanese builders.
Bing-Wei cut and welded the original Sportster tank for a sleeker design, and hand-made the tail section and license plate holder to complement the new tank. The fuel injection was ditched in favor of a Yoshimura FCR-MJN 39 carburetor and Altmann AMM-P3 ignition system, matched with full custom exhaust that echoes the high pipes of the XR750.
The upgrades give “Hunter” a bit more pop, and the modifications resulted in a bike that’s 20 kilos (44 pounds) lighter than the original — a significant seat-of-the-pants boost!
“One of the highlights of this build was transforming a heavy motorcycle into a versatile and comfortable daily ride that anyone can enjoy.”
This 883R street tracker was recently featured in KICK Garage‘s annual custom bike competition alongside some stellar Taiwanese-built customs. We look forward to featuring more of the work of this outfit to come!
Below is our full interview with Bing-Wei Lee about the project, including a build sheet and a few shots before the front number plate.
883R Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Bing-Wei Lee, and I have been running a custom bike workshop called “Bike Working Shop” since 2012. I am deeply passionate about customizing motorcycles and strive to help every client build their dream ride.
My expertise lies in modifying Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Triumph motorcycles. I am enthusiastic about innovative ideas and have a special love for renewing vintage bikes.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883R, Year 2010.
• Why was this bike built?
This bike was a custom project for a client who wanted a ride that retains the Harley-Davidson spirit while being practical and versatile for daily use.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
Embracing a Tracker style, this design preserves the iconic Harley-Davidson spirit while seamlessly adapting to the demands of everyday life.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
• Ｗheels: 18-inch Excel rims (front/rear) and fitted with K180 Dunlop tires
• Handlebars: Raised for better control and a cleaner, minimalist appearance.
• Fuel Tank: Modified from the original 883R tank with custom cutting and welding for a sleeker design.
• Tail Section: Handmade tail and license plate holder maintain a cohesive, streamlined look.
• Frame: Retains the original structure with partial subframe removal, replacing the fuel injection system with an Altmann AMM-P3 ignition system and YOSHIMURA FCR-MJN 39 carburetor for better performance.
• Exhaust: Custom full exhaust emphasizes TRACKER styling.
• Suspension: Upgraded with GEARS front damping and rear shocks for improved handling and cornering.
• Brakes: Enhanced with stainless steel floating discs, custom caliper mounts, and BREMBO four-piston calipers for precise and powerful braking. This modification enhances both the performance and TRACKER-inspired aesthetics of the bike.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
• Horsepower: 56 hp @ 5010 rpm (Original settings)
• Weight: Reduced from 230 kg to 210 kg
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
This bike offers a seamless and comfortable riding experience, making it perfect for daily commuting. It feels like an extension of the rider, providing a smooth and intuitive connection between the machine and the road.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
One of the highlights of this build was transforming a heavy motorcycle into a versatile and comfortable daily ride that anyone can enjoy.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my client for giving me the opportunity to bring this idea to life and my family for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
Follow the Builder
Facebook: Bike Working Shop
Instagram: @king_bike
Nice! I’d ride that!!
Love it! Sweet ride .
Who wants a right leg done extra crispy?
Who likes their right leg done extra crispy
So funny how people love to comment on this. We just did 1000+ miles on our Sportster with high pipes and no crispy leg. But keep armchairing while the rest of us are actually out doing it!
Interesting build……. but 56hp from an 883…… maybe at the crank. You’re looking at approx 45hp at the wheel, which works out to 10lbs per horsepower, about as powerful as a vanilla milkshake.
Needs an auger run through the barrels along with some pistons, cams and serious headwork. Throw a 45mm Mikuni HSR in the works and now we’re in the ballpark of 105hp at the wheel.
Perhaps the engine mods weren’t in the budget, which is cool……. but an 883 is glacially slow.
Cheers