harley davidson XL1200 custom motorcycle by thrive

thrive harley davidson xl1200 ‘kuzuri’ custom motorcycle: the jakarta-based thrive motorcycle continues to enhance its reputation as a custom workshop that builds beautiful bikes, such like the unusually square-shaped ‘T 005 cross‘ custom motorcycle. even with that motorcycle’s powerful stance, it pales in comparison to the garage’s latest harley davidson ‘XL1200’ build — dubbed ‘kuzuri’, this majestic motorcycle would take pride of place parked outside pagaruyung palace.

all images © thrive motorcycle

thrive motorcycle’s project kicked off over two years ago when one its our good friend asked if it had a harley davidson engine in stock for a new build — and by coincidence, it had a 2000 ‘XL1200 sportster’. the studio has a bespoke parts division named T/H/R/V, so the V-twin powertrain quickly became proving ground the for a range of new components: namely a new air filter, cam, sprocket and rocker covers. the indonesian garage fitted some to ‘kuzuri’, and then handcrafted more custom parts to try and stretch the design as far it could.

thrive visited a couple of workshops in japan to search for influences and discovered a lot of great bikes at the yokohama hot rod custom show — particularly the ‘traditional japanese’ chopper. the ‘XL1200’ is now named ‘kuzuri’, which translates to ‘wolverine’ in japanese. a custom rigid-frame was ordered from brodonolo custom garage, an eight-hour drive away in central java. once the bespoke frame had arrived, the studio measured and shaped aluminum sheet.

the garage aimed for a design that could be timeless with streamlined looks and details, presenting an image of sleekness and cleanliness. over a matter of several months, thrive fabricated the new bodywork in-house. that meant building a gas tank, the unique headlight surround, the sleek tail unit, the oil tank, and the electrical box. it also chopped the forks to get the low stance it was looking for, while new shrouds enhance ‘wolverine’s’ slim and sleek look. the bike also features a bespoke switchgear and footpegs, and mini gullwing-style bars, while there’s a throttle unit with inconspicous cabling running through the bars, a brakeless front hub, and mooneyes grips.

power arrives at ‘kuzuri’s’ rear wheel via a chain conversion, and there’s even a bespoke chain-tensioner made from an upcycled skateboard wheel. after a few sessions of vapor blasting for the raw metal, the engine was powder coated black, and the bodywork was sprayed in ‘sapphire’ blue and silver. a modified softail rear brake brings the motorcycle to a halt, and the smartest touch is the stylish tail-light hidden beneath the rear fender.