You’ve seen the old Harley Davidson WL models, decked out in olive drab and used by the military in WWII, really neat old machines. The original WL engines were reliable but not ideal for riding around on today’s roads, combined with 3 speeds and a foot clutch, you had an interesting, but very vintage ride.

Well, today I receive an email from France with some really sweet photos, showing what looks for all the world to be a perfectly restored WL, but on closer examination is a thoroughly modern 883 wrapped in WL bodywork. Francis, who goes by the tag Milwaukee Belle, has been a fan of the old 45s since his first in the 1980s. He’s restored many and some remained totally barn fresh, but he wanted to build a tribute to the old 45s, with all of the appearance of the old bikes but completely modern and street legal in every other way.

Equipped with a 12 volt electrical system, modern lights, modern brakes, modern switchgear, including electric start and a trusty Sportster 883 V-Twin engine, it looks so old you almost don’t notice all of the modern touches. Yep, looks good.

This is really well done, he can keep his real 45s in the garage and take them out for show, but if he wants to ride and still have the look, all he has to do is fire up the 883 XWL. Cool!

Link: Milwaukee Belle



