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
Topher
HardLuckDesigns
Stuelke
Halfdeadin
bill
jamiZ187
Zooligan
Crying9s
Spade115
budmat
dertyD
EricTheB
ThatdamnRocknRoll
steffan
NHMike
MegaDON666
Mark
FerrumDiscipulus
Rahim
dangermouse
CRFyou
nobattfxr
I admire, and respect the engineering, innovative, brilliant. Looks to address many of the old problems with Sporty kickers. I'm interested in buying one right now. PM me with cost/availability. My brother Joel will probably want one too. This is set up is long overdue.
BillyT
I like everything about it. If I was gonna get into a sporty, or any HD, I would want it real similar this one, Evo and all.
TS
gyro
KENDALL
squirts
ran
Psychophilly666
themetalshop
It's not a patina paint, it is a red primmer look.
Love the kicker.
Sawbones
ZGerman
badmojo
davidabl
Sportster ever seen..Maybe just the "first"
davidabl
True also of their "mercury.'
motomotard
MTW
Hedstrong
NoBikeRyan
christpuncher
misterhorsepower
riotontheroad
Ansutton21
Ansutton21