Willie Little and his one-of-a-kind 1996 Harley Davidson sporty chopper. PHOTO: TONI WILLIAMS
Willie Little transformed a 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster, giving it a stunning chrome makeover.
The bike features a six-inch oversized springer front end, is lowered an inch at the rear, and boasts a customized sissy bar.
Little, an engineer by trade, undertook the project himself during the COVID lockdown.
He purchased the 1200cc Sportster in 2019 for $5,000, sourcing parts from the United States.
With lockdown providing him dedicated time, he stripped it down completely, replaced the front end, lowered the rear, and crafted his own sissy bar.
Additionally, he swapped the belt for a chain, installed a new exhaust, and enhanced the bike with custom chrome and paintwork.
He also added a small, retro 1950s-style peanut tank that holds about 3.5 liters of fuel.
“That’s just enough to get you to the pub and back,” he joked.
The motorcycle was showcased at the recent Originals Ashburton motorcycle show and shine, hosted at the Ashburton RSA.
About 40 bikes of various makes and models, dating from 1953 to 2025, were displayed both inside and outside the event.
Little completed the motorcycle just in time for last year’s annual November bike show.
Staying true to his Harley-Davidson affinity, his next project is a rebuild of a Pan America.