In 2021, Harley-Davidson revived a classic nameplate with the release of the Sportster S model. This aggressively-styled sportbike provides the perfect platform for custom builders to unleash their creativity. One stunning example is the brutally modified Draker S built by Spanish garage Lord Drake Kustoms.
With its slammed stance, massively wide rear tire, and imposing color scheme, the Draker S exemplifies the attitude possible when customizing the Harley Sportster S. This road-legal machine demonstrates the bike’s vast potential beyond stock form.
Harley Reintroduces the Sportster S
The Sportster name has been part of Harley-Davidson’s lineup since 1957. In 2021, Harley aimed to revitalize interest in the Sportster with the release of the muscular new Sportster S model.
Powered by the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T V-twin engine, the Sportster S boasts 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft torque. This powerful sportbike can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.
With its tight chassis, upgraded suspension components, and sharp styling, the Sportster S represented a major upgrade over previous Sportster models. It signaled Harley’s intent to compete in the performance motorcycle category.
The Stage Set for Customization
Despite being highly capable in stock form, the Sportster S presents ample opportunities for custom shops to make it their own. Its combination of classic Harley styling cues and contemporary sportbike attributes make it the perfect canvas for imaginative builders.
Lord Drake Kustoms – Unleashing the Draker S
Based in Spain, Lord Drake Kustoms is known for their slavish attention to detail when customizing Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This skill is on full display with their menacing Draker S build.
Starting with a factory-fresh Sportster S, Lord Drake aimed to amplify the bike’s attitude with carefully planned mods. The result is a Sportster transformed into a pavement-shredding monster.
Massive 240mm Rear Tire
The eye-widening centerpiece of the Draker S is its expansive 240mm wide rear tire. Lord Drake claims this is one of the first Harley Sportster models adapted to fit such a wide tire, requiring significant modifications.
The voluminous rubber is mounted on a custom spoked wheel for old-school style. Combined with the beefy front tire, this gives the Draker S a planted, muscular stance.
Custom Bodywork and Components
Beyond the massive rear rubber, Lord Drake has enhanced the Draker S with myriad custom touches:
- Shorter custom fender shows off the rear wheel and tire
- LED turn signals integrate cleanly into the bodywork
- Compact headlight cowl adds mystery
- Custom handlebar for comfort and control
- Reworked subframe maintains bike’s proportions
- Hand-crafted seat with meticulous stitching
- Unique license plate mount attached to the swingarm
Performance Upgrades
While retaining the stock 121 HP Revolution Max engine, Lord Drake optimized performance with these upgrades:
- Custom free-flowing exhaust system
- Aftermarket front and rear brake discs improve stopping power
- Suspension reworked for the wide rear tire
The handling capabilities match the engine’s brute strength.
Striking Color Scheme
Lord Drake finished off their menacing creation with a paint scheme that melds old-school style with a contemporary color palette.
Gloss white dominates the bodywork, contrasted by matte black engine pieces and wheels. Vibrant orange graphics on the tank and side covers provide eye-catching detail. The orange pinstripes and badges tie the loud colors together into a cohesive visual theme.
The gloss/matte contrast combined with the loud colors result in a bike that grabs attention.
A Road-Legal Beast Ready to Unleash
Rather than just a show pony, Lord Drake made sure the Draker S meets requirements to legally ride on public roads. Owners can fully experience the Performance potential of this modified Harley.
While the cost to commission a Draker S build remains undisclosed, Lord Drake states they can customize Sportster models to customer specifications.
More Custom Sportster S Builds Coming
The Draker S shows off the possibilities unlockable when customizing the Harley Sportster S. We are sure to see more examples of builders unleashing the full potential of this impressive factory platform.
With its combination of styling, power and handling prowess, the Sportster S seems ripe for transformation into extreme customs. The modifications by Lord Drake illustrate what’s achievable when this capable bike is taken to imaginative extremes.
Other shops are certain to follow their lead, producing more outrageous Sportster customs that unleash the model’s beastly attitude. We can’t wait to see how far these creators will push this newly revived Harley legend.
The Sportster S has opened the door for some wild interpretations; it’s now up to builders to walk through. If more customs like the Draker S emerge, the future looks promising for Harley’s radical new Sportster.
