The Limpnickie Lot in Daytona was packed with neat bikes and innovative parts built by people who love custom motorcycles. One standout device was showcased on a bike built by the crew at Led Sled Customs: a kickstart conversion for the ubiquitous Evolution Sportster. Now, before you go hatin' with comments like "Why would you do that?" Think about the impracticality of riding a chopper in the first place.

Many of the modifications we make in the name of style often result in a more difficult machine to operate in one way or another. Why jockey shift instead of the proven hand clutch? Why an open primary when all that spinning meat grinder shit loves to bite your ankle? Why such a small tank when a set of 5-gallon fat bobs would give greater range? Why a magneto when perfectly good electronic ignitions exist?

Sometimes the added difficulty makes a bike more enjoyable. If this wasn't the case, we'd all be riding stock modern bikes. Being able to ditch the starter (even though this bike still has one) lightens things up, and kicking your bike to life after tuning it perfectly provides satisfaction no button could every duplicate. 

Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1996 Sportster 1200

Frame: Ledsled Rigid

Fork: Ledsled Narrow Springer

Chassis mods: Up 2", Out 2"

Tire/wheel size and style: 21" Front, 16" Rear, 40 spoke

Tell us about the kickstart conversion. What parts does it include? Includes main shaft, kicker cover, kicker arm, and kicker pedal

How does it work? Replace main shaft. Kit includes custom made Ledsled gears that you install- then put the kicker cover on

Is it hard to install? This would be a good evening project

Rough retail price, and when do you think it'll be available? Price and availability coming soon

Favorite thing about this bike: I really like the whole bike, but obviously the kicker

Next modification will be: I have some new things in the works…

ledsledcustoms.com