The XL Forum Sportster of the Month - August 2005

Stephanie Barr's - 2004 Customized 883

Owner - Stephanie Barr  - Anderson, South Carolina

Builder - Pete Schulein - Anderson, South Carolina

(ALL PHOTOS BELOW ARE LINKED TO THE ORIGINAL SIZE)

This awesome 04 883 belongs to Stephanie Barr and was modified to the state it is currently in by no other then XL Forum Member Pete Schulein, A.K.A. Jimmyheadgear.

In todays world of flashy customs with bright and crazy paint schemes that cost ten of thousands of dollars, Stephanie's Sporty is an Oasis of refreshingly pure and simple design.  I am sure that you will agree that the solid black of this hot rod 883 enhances the beautiful shape of the Sportster engine.  When reviewing the photos that Pete sent, my eyes could not help but be constantly drawn to the motor.  The solid back also helps to bring out the small amount of chrome that is put on this bike in all the right places.

Pete himself is 40 years old and has two Sportster in his stable.  The 2004 883 of Stephanie shown here and a red 2005 883 Low for himself.  Pete has been riding Sportsters for a little over a year and a half now.

When ask about why he chose a Sportster Pete does not hesitate to tell you, "The Sportster, as it's name implies, is a quick and nimble bike".

But why should we take Pete's word that the new rubber mount Sportys are "Quick and Nimble"?  Maybe it is because he is a man that has, in the last 30 years, owned the following bikes:

1976 Yamaha YZ 80 dirt bike - Yellow

1977 Kawasaki KX 250 dirt bike - White

1973 Yamaha RD 350 - Red

1979 Kawasaki KZ 750 - Blue

1981 Kawasaki KZ 900 - Green

1989 Kawasaki Ninja 900 - Black

1993 Honda CBR600 F2 - Blue & Red

1996 Honda CBR600 F3 - Smokin Joe’s racing colors, Yellow & Purple

1998 Honda CBR900RR - Purple & Chartreuse

1999 Honda CB 919 - Flat Black

Yup, for 30 years Pete has been riding and messin' around with motorcycles in the dirt and on the street so I am pretty sure we can take his word when he says that the Sporty is a nice ride!

As a matter of fact Pete has only had a short break from riding during the 1980's when he was playing around with his 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo!  I think we can all understand that.

Pete's future plans for Stephanie's Sportster is to slap on 240 rear end and Baker 6 Speed. 

As you can see of the photo to the right that will make this Sporty turn heads on every street!  I don't know about you but I can not wait to see photos of that.

I asked Pete if there was any other bike he could have besides a Sportster his answer was, "It would have to be a Boss Hoss, c’mon who wouldn’t want a V8 powered bike?" 

That may be so but Pete also stated  that his dream is to build the lightest Sportster. Pete said, "It would use little or no steel. Only light composite materials for the frame, wheels, handle bars, and  accessories.  The motor would be some sort of all aluminum 88” v-twin.  I’ve always wanted to have a Sportster that was as light and as fast as a sport bike".

From seeing the list of Pete's previous bike I completely understand his dream and I am sure that someday will will be seeing what he has come up with!

When Pete is not busy riding or tinkering on Sportys or other motorcycles he enjoys digital photography, computers, music and his dog Zoe

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© 2005 - The XL Forum - Bert Linson

Photos copyright and courtesy of Pete Schulein