In a surprising twist, the donor bike for this custom build was not a Harley, but a 1999 Buell S1 Lightning. Giacomo, the mastermind behind the project, wasted no time in transforming the bike into a unique creation. The front end received a modified Benelli aftermarket race fairing, complete with dual mismatched headlights – one clear LED module and one retro-style item with a yellow-tinted lens.
Moving towards the rear, a custom fuel tank cover made of fiberglass was added, featuring leather pads, a flush-mounted filler cap, and badges that cleverly combined the Buell and Harley logos. The subframe was reworked to accommodate a boxy tail unit and a black leather seat, stitched with red thread for added contrast. A bespoke front fender completed the updated bodywork.
For rear-end illumination, a circular aftermarket taillight was seamlessly integrated into the bike’s attire. LED turn signals were positioned lower down, attached to an aluminum license plate holder just below the tail. The cockpit area received clip-on handlebars from Tommaselli, along with bar-end mirrors for a clean and uncluttered look. Giacomo chose to keep the OEM dials, but had them repositioned to his liking.
In terms of performance, the V-twin engine was equipped with new breathing equipment. An eye-catching vintage-looking air cleaner handled the intake, while custom high-mounted exhaust plumbing took care of the combustion by-products. The exhaust system featured heat-wrapped headers, a drilled heat shield, and dual SuperTrapp silencers stacked on top of each other. To optimize fuel mapping, a Power Commander module from Dynojet was installed, allowing the engine to make the most of its upgraded intake and exhaust.
The front brake of the Buell S1 received a complete overhaul, with twin floating discs and high-grade Discacciati calipers. The suspension, however, was left untouched as it was already satisfactory. To bring the project full circle, the bike was painted in a striking black and orange color scheme, reminiscent of the VR1000 but with a unique twist. Instead of symmetry, the right half of the motorcycle was painted orange, while the other half was finished in black. This unconventional approach adds to the overall appeal of this incredible custom build.
