Harley Davidson 1200 Roadster Desert Wolf

The Harley-Davidson 1200 Roadster Desert Wolf is a Sahara-proven custom adventure motorcycle built by El Solitario MC, one of three modified Sportsters that crossed the Sahara Desert on the Desert Wolves expedition, a machine transformed from a street roadster into a sand-capable endurance bike without losing the Harley DNA.

The Story

El Solitario MC is a Spanish collective known for building motorcycles that are ridden hard and far, not kept behind glass. The Desert Wolves project took three modified Harley-Davidson Roadsters into the Sahara on a single expedition, proving the builds across the most demanding terrain available. This 2017 Roadster is the machine that came back from that trip. Every modification on the bike exists for a reason that was tested under real desert conditions: extreme heat, deep sand, remoteness, and the need to keep moving when stopping means being stranded. It crossed the Sahara. That provenance is not marketing copy. It happened.

The Build

The base 1200cc Sportster engine was fed through a Screaming Eagle intake and a SC-Projects 2-in-1 stainless steel exhaust, with ECU remapping to improve power delivery in heat. A Rekluse automatic clutch was fitted, along with a left-hand brake lever, to prevent stalling in deep sand where the rider's hands are occupied with balance and navigation. Wheels were swapped to Kineo 19-inch rims shod with Dunlop flat track tyres, which provide grip on sand that road rubber cannot match. Suspension was upgraded at both ends: Ohlins Racing TTX forks up front and custom Ohlins Racing rear shocks. Bark Busters carbon fibre hand guards and Easton fat bars protect rider and controls. Lighting is handled by PIAA LED headlights and a FIA-approved F1 rear light. The alloy gas tank, custom rear fender, headlight guard, alloy skid plate, and PVC front fender were all fabricated specifically for this project. A custom luggage rack carries a Kriega OS-18 bag made from Dyneema. Pivotpegz footpegs complete the package.

Specifications

• Builder: El Solitario MC
• Model: Desert Wolf
• Base: 2017 Harley-Davidson Roadster
• Engine: 1200cc V-Twin
• Power: 70 hp
• Weight: 255 kg (wet)
• Clutch: Rekluse automatic
• Wheels: Kineo 19 inch
• Tyres: Dunlop flat track
• Exhaust: SC-Projects 2-in-1 stainless steel
• Intake: Screaming Eagle with ECU remap
• Front suspension: Ohlins Racing TTX forks
• Rear suspension: Ohlins Racing custom shocks
• Hand guards: Bark Busters carbon fibre
• Bars: Easton fat bars
• Headlight: PIAA LED
• Rear light: FIA-approved F1 light
• Luggage: Kriega OS-18 with Dyneema, custom rack
• Skid plate: Custom alloy

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