If you’ve seen Steve McQueen’s iconic 1971 film Le Mans, you’re probably familiar with the phrase: “Racing is life… anything that happens before or after is just waiting.” Hence the name of this Harley Sportster cafe racer customized by Lord Drake Kustoms.
Inspired by and dedicated to this film and its star, this custom bike references one of the greatest cars in racing history: the Porsche 917 “GULF.” Steve McQueen drove this car, numbered 20, in the aforementioned film Le Mans.
In this way, Fran Manen (owner of LDK) demonstrates his passion for Steve McQueen, the GULF colors, and the legendary Porsche. He was clear about creating the first unit of a limited series of café racers inspired by iconic cars and bikes from the world of racing… This first bike is called “Racing is Life.”
The manufacturing process of this Cafe Racer.
It is worth noting that the rear section of this motorcycle is handcrafted from a sheet of metal, including the two upper curves of the tail.
As Fran Manen tells us, he continues explaining:
The original 11.7-liter tank of a Sportster Custom has also been cut on the sides, and the walls have been inverted to create the interior cavities of the entire tear-shaped design.
This is a very effective solution to recreate the space that, in classic sport bikes, was left for the rider to place their knees, aiming for a position as integrated as possible to improve aerodynamics.
And all of this is closely tied to the inspiration that led Fran Manen to paint it in these colors, so characteristic of racing. However, after receiving requests for similar models, he has decided to paint them differently, while always maintaining a common theme: racing.
Le Mans ’66
Finally, we wanted to recommend a film that, although more recent, also pays tribute— in some way— to that Steve McQueen classic. It is “Le Mans ’66″ (also known as Ford v Ferrari), based on a true story and starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. This time, you can enjoy the races and rivalries between Ford and Ferrari.
Technical Specifications
- Name: Racing is Life
- Unit: 1/5 (limited edition of 5 units)
- Style: Café Racer
- Brand: Harley-Davidson
- Model: Sportster 883
- Engine: 883 cc
- Transmission: Converted to chain by LDK
- Foot Controls: Advanced, modified by LDK
- Brakes: DNA brake discs
- Front Wheel: 19″ with custom Fat Daddy tires
- Rear Wheel: 18″ with custom Fat Daddy tires
- Fuel Tank: Manufactured by LDK
- Front Suspension: Modified by LDK
- Rear Suspension: Raised +3” with air cushions
- Front Fender: Manufactured by LDK
- Tail Section: Metal construction by LDK
- Seat: Manufactured by LDK
- Exhaust: 2:1 Vance & Hines
- Air Filter: S&S
- Instrument Cluster: Digital speedometer with RSD mount
- License Plate: Bracket manufactured by LDK
- Lighting: HD dome front headlight, integrated rear light in fender, LED indicators front and rear on triple clamps and shocks
- Other Modifications: Clip-on handlebars, grips, levers, fuel cap, footpegs, spark plug wires, spark plug covers, mirrors…
