Bros Justin and Jarrod Del Prado work together 6 days a week without fighting, just discussing ideas, have very complementary skills and share the same taste regarding custom motorcycles (they are always race inspired), the way they should be built and perform. They are both fanatical about details, always making sure each square inch of their bikes demonstrates quality. One-off creation after each other, and without spending much time traveling from rally to rally to network with the media and promote their creations, they have demonstrated over and over that they are very solid builders. In my opinion DP Custom Cycles is one of the most underrated custom shops in the US.

The W got started when DP’s seat upholsterer called up the Bros to see if he could stop by the shop for a few beers. He had been doing motorcycle seats for them for a couple of years and has become a very good friend. After a couple of cold ones, he said that he was actually there to order a bike! He had been quietly studying DP’s bikes while they were in his upholstery shop for seats, and he told them that he was really impressed with their style, quality and attention to details. Of course Justin and Jarrod were excited at the idea of building him a bike. While some ribs were on the smoker, the trio talked design. Only few requirement were made by the new friend/client. Basically, just asking a bike fitting his morphology and making sure it would be a lot of fun to ride.

For this project the donor bike was a 2002 Harley Sportster immediately stripped down to bare frame, motor pulled apart. The 1250c engine was souped out, performance improved thanks to Revolution Performance cylinders, forged pistons, Andrews cams, and heads ported by Duffee Motorsports. Spark is provided by Dynatek’s single fire ignition and coil. Cam cover and sprocket covers were trimmed and coated in Cerakote, as well as the primary and rockers.

After all the gnarly factory tabs and knuckles had been cut off and smoothed, a new rear sub-frame was fabricated. A tail section and belly pan were formed from sheets of aluminum. A low mounted chin spoiler/oil tank was also fabricated from steel while a new fiberglass gas tank was ordered from Aristech. Rear suspension was improved with 14.5″ Progressive Suspension 970 shocks. Font fender mounts were cut off and fork tubes went on the lathe to be highly polished. Triple clamps, fork brace, and low sets were source at Chainsikle. Hand controls and front master cylinder are by ISR.

A lightweight Trac Dynamics swingarm replaces the stock heavy steel unit. Notice the Ballistic lightweight battery box placed under it. Nothing means more custom than your own unique set of wheels. The Del Prados designed the 7-spoke alloy wheels machined by Thomason Performance and decided to wrap them in Pirelli Scorpion tires. Conceived to go fast, the W needed to stop fast. Mission accomplished after installing Brembo calipers and floating rotors. The Moto-GP style exhaust and the way it is routed to exit through the tail section is one of the most interesting parts of this build. Inside the tail section and underneath the seat pipes are wrapped in heat shielding. And yes, it all stays properly cool while riding.

Evidently, client and owner of “Unique Upholstery” in Scottsdale, AZ did his own seat, mixing leather and Alcantara. The silver metal flake, black, white, and Neon Red paint job was performed by Walkers Way. The Del Prados told me that the W, so-called because “Unique Upholstery” first letters are double U (W), is a ton of fun as soon as you crack the throttle. Easy to believe them. DP Custom Cycles.

#Moto #Bike #Custom