Ellaspede, a renowned name in the custom motorcycle world, often caters to the preferences of its regular clientele. However, their latest endeavor is a remarkable exception, undertaken in collaboration with Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson, a Brisbane-based dealership with a vision to expand beyond factory offerings. Together, they embarked on a journey that would transform a humble 2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500 into a striking custom motorcycle. This article delves into the evolution of this remarkable project, exploring the modifications, inspiration, and the synergy between Ellaspede and Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson.
The Birth of a Custom Vision: The project began with the selection of a 2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500 as the donor bike. This marked the starting point for a significant transformation, set to redefine the bike’s aesthetics and character. Ellaspede, known for their expertise in crafting distinctive customs, had a clear vision in mind. The idea was to strip away most of the original bodywork, making room for a new design language that would harmonize with Harley’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary elements.
Design and Modifications: One of the most striking features of this custom build is the repurposed fuel tank from a Sportster Seventy-Two. Mounted with custom hardware, it commands attention and sets the tone for the bike’s entire look. Inspired by Harley-Davidson’s FXDR model, Ellaspede introduced a beautifully crafted aluminum tail section, seamlessly integrated to support a solo seat. An LED taillight graces the bike’s rear, while proprietary aftermarket blinkers find their place on the subframe tubing. To keep the rear end uncluttered, the team added a swingarm-mounted license plate holder, a convenient bolt-on solution available in Ellaspede’s catalog.
Performance and Mechanical Integrity: For this custom project, Ellaspede made the strategic choice to retain most of the motorcycle’s mechanical components in their stock form. The suspension, brakes, and engine internals remained untouched, preserving the bike’s mechanical DNA. The original alloy wheels were also retained, in line with the goal of maintaining the bike’s core integrity. The most notable performance-related modification was the replacement of the stock exhaust muffler with a shorter aftermarket silencer from Vance & Hines, adding a touch of individuality to the bike’s soundscape.
Refining the Rider’s Experience: As part of their commitment to refining the riding experience, Ellaspede replaced the mid-mounted foot pegs with forward-placed foot controls, designed in-house. This decision was driven by the desire to ensure that both aesthetics and functionality align seamlessly with the custom’s look. While the cockpit area retains most of the factory components, one striking exception is the addition of new underslung mirrors. The bike’s headlamp, exposed after the removal of the front fairing, is flanked by LED turn signals identical to those fitted at the rear. A simplified wiring harness connects the bike’s electronics, ensuring a streamlined and efficient electrical system. Michelin Scorcher 11 tires wrap the original wheels, promising reliable road grip and performance.
Aesthetic Brilliance: The custom Harley-Davidson Street 500 boasts a visually appealing color scheme that combines a light silver base with vivid orange highlights. These accents extend to the turn signal lenses and fork reflectors, creating a visually cohesive design. A touch of black paint on the gas tank adds depth to the scheme, although the cryptic “EXG” branding remains open to interpretation. It’s possible that “EXG” holds a subtle reference to the collaborating entities’ initials, adding a personalized touch to this exceptional custom build.
Conclusion: The collaboration between Ellaspede and Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson gave birth to a custom masterpiece that brilliantly redefines the 2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500. The project’s success lies in the seamless integration of custom elements, all the while preserving the bike’s mechanical integrity. This custom transformation captures the essence of Harley-Davidson’s heritage while infusing contemporary aesthetics. It stands as a testament to the innovative potential within the custom motorcycle realm, where vision and expertise converge to create extraordinary two-wheeled artistry.
