The Powerbrick team has once again pushed the boundaries of custom motorcycle design with their latest creation, a cafe racer-inspired transformation of the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. This build is a testament to their engineering prowess and a bold departure from the factory's cruiser architecture. What makes this project particularly fascinating is the team's ability to take a heavy, muscle-bound cruiser and turn it into a sleek, corner-carving cafe racer, all while retaining the bike's original identity. In my opinion, this is a prime example of how a well-executed custom build can elevate a motorcycle to a whole new level of performance and style.
The transformation begins with a complete rewrite of the bike's chassis geometry. By replacing the low-slung factory rear section with a custom subframe, the team has achieved a perfectly flat, traditional cafe racer bone-line. This architectural shift has reconfigured the ergonomics, putting the rider into a committed, forward-facing stance. One detail that I find especially interesting is the custom seat by Silvermachine, which features a clever opening to provide tool-free access to the adjustment knobs of the custom TFX rear shock absorber. This level of attention to detail is a hallmark of Powerbrick's work.
The front end has also undergone a severe eviction notice, with the stock conventional forks and bulky clamps being discarded in favor of a pair of track-ready Öhlins inverted front forks. This upgrade has given the bike an aggressive riding position and a minimalist Koso digital dash, seamlessly integrated into the top triple clamp. The controls are finished to an elite standard, utilizing high-end Brembo Corsacorta master cylinders and an updated hydraulic clutch conversion.
However, the real headline of this build is the terrifying upgrade bolted to the side of the Milwaukee-Eight motor. Powerbrick has supercharged the 117-cubic-inch V-twin via a Rotrex C38 system, machining a full set of covers from a solid billet aluminum block. The primary cover was engineered to house the integrated drive pulleys and oil reservoir to feed the blower, all equipped with polycarbonate windows to view the freshly upgraded internals. While the supercharger is technically rated to support up to 300 horsepower, Timothy notes they are tuning it conservatively with a 250 horsepower target, effectively doubling the Low Rider's original output.
On almost any other custom motorcycle, the exhaust system would be considered the crowning achievement of the build. However, on a machine this heavily modified, it almost plays a supporting role. The team fabricated a pair of custom stainless steel drag-pipe-style exhaust pipes that snake tightly along the right side of the engine block, terminating in a raw, aggressive exit that barks with absolute authority. The entire project is tied together with Powerbrick's now-signature monochromatic silver and vibrant racing red colorway, delivering a subtle, timeless aesthetic that looks fast even when sitting perfectly still on a show stand.
In my opinion, this build is a testament to the team's engineering prowess and a bold departure from the factory's cruiser architecture. It is a prime example of how a well-executed custom build can elevate a motorcycle to a whole new level of performance and style. The fact that this supercharged beast was snapped up by a single private collector before the doors of the Bike Shed London Show even closed is a testament to the global demand for such radical visions for American muscle.
