Taking a heavyweight West Coast cruiser and forcing it into the aggressive, corner-carving mold of a cafe racer is a monumental engineering contradiction. Yet, that is precisely the challenge Timothy Somers and his team at Powerbrick Performance embraced. Fresh off the success of their metric masterpiece—the BMW K1100RS streetfighter dubbed ‘Dominance’—the Dutch custom workshop shifted its sights to American iron, completely overhauling a brand-new 2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S.
In its stock form, the Low Rider S is a heavy, torque-heavy cruiser that firmly dictates a laid-back riding style. Stripping away that DNA to achieve the flat, committed posture of a track-focused machine required nothing short of a complete structural and mechanical reinvention.
Heart of the Beast: Forced-Induction Milwaukee-Eight
Instead of merely tweaking the factory 117-cubic-inch V-twin engine, Powerbrick elevated the powerplant to hyperbike territory. By integrating a Rotrex C38 supercharger system, the team essentially doubled the factory output, targeting a conservative but terrifying 250 horsepower (despite the blower’s 300-hp capacity).
Packaging this forced-induction system was a massive undertaking. The intake air is pressurized, routed across the engine block, and cooled via a custom intercooler before feeding into a massive 90mm throttle body. To house the blower’s oil reservoir and integrated drive pulleys, Powerbrick milled a completely bespoke primary cover, along with matching cam and clutch covers, from solid billet aluminum. Polycarbonate windows offer a clear view of the upgraded internals, while custom stainless steel drag pipes and a Raceport blow-off valve provide an aggressive, whistling soundtrack.
Re-engineering the Chassis and Stance
With 250 horsepower on tap, the factory cruiser geometry was rendered obsolete. The team eradicated the original low-slung tail, installing a rigid CNCPT aluminum subframe to create the signature flat bone-line of a traditional cafe racer.
The centerpiece of the rear transformation, however, sits just below the subframe: a stunning single-sided swingarm carved from two solid blocks of billet aluminum. This custom piece slightly extends the wheelbase for drag-strip proportions and introduces dramatic negative space to the rear. To capitalize on this weight reduction, ultra-light Rotobox carbon fiber wheels shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires were bolted on.
Ergonomics were equally prioritized. Silvermachine crafted a bespoke leather and Alcantara saddle featuring a clever central piercing, granting the rider instant, tool-free access to adjust the hidden TFX rear shock absorber.
Precision Handling Up Front
To balance the radical rear end, the heavy factory forks and triple clamps were scrapped. Powerbrick installed premium track-ready Öhlins inverted forks, secured by CNCPT triple trees.
The cockpit was entirely redesigned around low-slung clip-on handlebars, forcing an aggressive forward lean. A minimalist Koso digital display was integrated directly into the top clamp, keeping the rider’s view incredibly clean. Braking performance was drastically upgraded using Brembo M4 radial calipers controlled by Brembo Corsacorta master cylinders. Tying the futuristic front end back to its Milwaukee roots, the team consciously chose to retain the iconic factory Low Rider S headlight.
An Undeniable Debut
Finished in Powerbrick’s signature monochromatic silver paired with vibrant racing red, the motorcycle looks blindingly fast even on a display stand. Unveiled alongside ‘Dominance’ at the Bike Shed London Show, this supercharged marvel proved the universal appeal of Somers’ vision: the bike was acquired by a private collector before the event doors even closed.
🔗Powerbrick Performance | @thepowerbrick
