Hotrod Super Custom Sportster by Fred Kodlin - cyrilhuseblog

Fred Kodlin's New Custom Sportster From the Italy Motor Bike Expo.

First in line to unveil his new project at the 2017 Italy International Motor Bike Expo (MBE) was Fred Kodlin. His Sportster 1200 was commissioned by Custom Chrome Europe for their yearly “Bolt-On And Ride” program. This program includes 5 custom bikes built by some of the best builders, all working with complete freedom of style but being required to use parts distributed by CCE. Particularity of this “Bolt-On And Ride” program is that each of these bikes is available all year long to members of the press for evaluation with real life road testing.

Some may be very surprised to see the name Fred Kodlin associated with a custom Sportster. These last years Kodlin, with his co-designer and co-worker son Len, had focused his efforts on very radical baggers (yes with tall front wheels), and of course on the creation of custom parts to fit them. But those who, like me, know him since a very long time have seen him build many top creations based on all main models of the Harley line. As a matter of fact, and little known by Americans, Kodlin has already released a few months ago during Intermot a complete line of stylish bolt-on Sportster components now distributed by Custom Chrome Europe, with some of them featured on this new Sportster 1200 project.

Fred Kodlin’s interpretation of this Harley model implied a full scale makeover. Although, per “Bolt-On And Ride” rule, the factory frame can’t be altered, bike stance was changed with a new set of wheels replacing the 2 factory 16”. In front was installed a RevTech Nitro Black 19 x 3” and in the rear a wide RevTech Nitro Black 18 x 5” with matching 11.5” disks, and respectively dressed in Pirelli “Night Dragon” 120/70 ZR 19 and Pirelli “Night Dragon” 180/55 ZR 18. Such a wide rear wheel required the fitting of a new Kodlin proprietary swingarm that can be swapped on all 2004-up rubber mounted Sportsters and able to accept a 200 mm wide tire. Suspension was upgraded with a set of black Progressive Suspension 970 Series shocks.


Bodywork was modified using Kodlin’s “Racing” rear fender (there is also a “cafe Racer” version), a front fender from CCE TXT and an “improved” Sportster tank also from CCE that has been fitted with an Arlen Ness pop up gas cap. Handlebars are a Kodlin creation already used on many of his projects. They are of the type 1-piece bar/risers, made from solid steel due to their custom application also on heavy bikes, with a design inspired by the moped sport bars of the 70’s. Speedo housing was welded to these bars.

The shopping list also includes. Performance Machine 5 3/4 headlight, Avon grips, Roland Sands hand controls and mid-mounted foot controls, Ness oval mirrors, CCE rubber fork boots, CCE stainless horn cover, Kodlin’s solo seat, Kodlin’s front spoiler, Kodlin’s 2-in-1 system Racing exhaust system with upswept short carbon mufflers, a set sold with heat shields included, Kodlin’s stripe indicators, Kodlin’s side mount license plate holder, etc. And to make sure that nobody forgets that this creation was commissioned by Custom Chrome Europe, paint job uses the the custom parts distributor colors and lettering. Fred Kodlin Motorcycles. (photography @ H. Roesler for C. Huze)

Fred Kodlin Just Unveiled A New Custom Sportster