Dell Battle Wins the Modified Harley Class of the J&P Competition in Dallas, Texas

The Dangerous Dezigns cutom Harley at the Dallas, Texas IMS

Dell Battle took home the Mod Harley class at the Dallas, Texas IMS

It’s hard to get much lower than Dell Battle did with his 1991 Harley® Sportster. This is not a character indictment, we mean that Sporty couldn’t get any lower to the ground.

Battle’s ultra-low custom took home the Modified Harley Class at the Dallas, Texas, J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. K&N is a sponsor of the Mod Harley Class at each stop of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.

One look at the resting stance of the Dangerous Dezigns custom sparks questions on how exactly that thing makes it over the smallest of obstacles. Is the dangerous part of the “dezign” what will happen to the exhaust and engine pan when a pebble is encountered? Well no – that’s where the custom suspension wizardly comes in.

he Dangerous Dezigns cutom Harley at the Dallas, Texas IMS

A custom air suspension gives Battle's Harley the low resting posture

Battle built his Sporty with a very cool and clean air ride suspension that raises and lowers both the front and rear to give the Harley that aggressive look when parked. The way the forks work up front is especially cool. The design is reminiscent of a vintage leading-link set-up, but it's actuated with the air ride.

Out back, Battle worked out an ingenious system for keeping that abnormally long chain final drive taut in both the raised and lowered positions. It’s a kind of roller sprocket design that is a play on the tensioners used on long-travel dirt bikes.

The Sportster rolls on billet rims that are high on style and craftsmanship. The fenderless front wheel is tall and exposed, and the rear is a refreshing departure from the trend toward outrageously fat rear rubber. The look is thoroughly retro.

The Dangerous Dezigns cutom Harley at the Dallas, Texas IMS engine closeup

A unified intake and exhaust theme highlight the build

The intricate two-part intake is a fitting match for the blunted exhaust that Battle designed. The unity of the power-train creates a consistency for the ultra-long aesthetics.

Finally, there is that blinged-out paintjob. The maroon, black, and white motif is carried into every aspect of the build from the tank and fenders to the billet wheels. The classic hand-tooled solo saddle and the 72 on the tank speak to the era that was the inspiration for Battle’s design.

Clearly, for Battle, it’s good to have ‘friends in low places.’ K&N congratulates Dell Battle on his unique and beautiful build.

clear

K&N PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY K&N