There are a handful of classics out there that look amazingly ?right.? In that category, we?d put machines like the Norton Manx, the Moto Guzzi Le Mans, and the early Honda CB750s and Kawasaki Zeds.
In the V-twin world the Harley-Davidson XR750 fits into that category. But it didn?t just look good: it was also one of the most successful race bikes of all time. The XR750 won an incredible 29 AMA Grand National Championships, and garnered even more fame as the weapon of choice for Evel Knievel.

It would be borderline criminal to hack up an original XR750, but in Australia there?s a guy who can channel the riotous world of 1970s flat track on the street. He?s the lucky owner of this custom Sportster called ?GAS XR??a clever XR750 replica from Australia?s Gasoline Motor Co. What appears to be a mint-condition historic machine is actually the past reimagined with technical precision. ?This was built for a customer who wanted to honor the XR750?s glorious history, but make it beyond functional for road use,? says Gasoline?s Jason Leppa.

The Gasoline team, with Sean Taylor helping Jason, have used the engine and half a chassis from a modern 883 Sportster. And despite the retro racer looks of this Harley, it?s road legal?with additions like LED headlights, mini indicators, a custom EFI system package, plus the stock niceties such as ABS brakes.
The front is sporting Ceriani-style triple trees and forks, overhauled with a Monotube cartridge kit, and a matching riser clamp ho...