James Roper-Caldbeck is one of our favorite Harley builders. Mostly because his creations are a million miles away from the metalflake baggers that populate the mainstream magazines.
James is famous for his clean, stripped-back bobbers, but that might change soon. ?Last year, I got a rather sheepish email asking if I would ever build a café racer,? he tells us.

?It?s sometimes a little monotonous building just bobbers and choppers, so I quickly said yes. I?ve always loved the late 70s XLCR 1000 too, and that became my inspiration?even in the way the bike has been photographed.?

James decided not to go the obvious route with a Sportster, but with an FX Super-Glide. ?I found a stock-ish FX, but it had an 80ci S&S motor and a five-speed transmission?very nice.?
?To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing,? James admits. ?But I knew I wanted it black, with a fairing, and to look f—ing mean!?
James is being far too modest about his abilities: He?s turned out one of the best-looking sporty Harleys we?ve ever seen.

His bikes are always beautifully balanced, with just the right stance and not a part out of place?and he?s done it again, despite working with an unfamiliar style.
He started by fabricating a new seat pan and cowl from scratch, which houses a Triumph taillight. The inspiration here was the high tails of superbikes: ?I was think they look very tough, and wish I could have got it even higher.?

The tank is actually the original FX tank with a few...