Did you think we were going to ignore all of the Harley-Davidson Sportsters from this year’s Yokohama motopalooza? Of course not. There were lots of XL-based bikes in evidence at the Mooneyes event across the Pacific this year, and it would be a crime not to share ’em with you.

Harley-Davidson brought the Sportster into the world in 1957 as a midsize brother to the larger Big Twins. It was a reaction to increasing pressure from European imports after World War II. Since then, the bike has remained the longest-running production platform in The Motor Company’s history. Its lower price tag also makes it a good way to create a righteous custom scoot without murdering your bank account.

This year’s event in Japan packed an excellent cross section of the possibilities to be explored with Sportsters. Vintage restorations, dedicated racebikes, and choppers showed up in force, based on either Ironhead or Evolution motors. Take a look.

Form and function working together to create one great-looking Sportster.

Jeff G. Holt

Think of this Ironhead as a dirt chopper.

Jeff G. Holt

Change Smile Cycles’ sweet Ironhead Sporty.

Jeff G. Holt

Sun Motorcycles, putting the “sport” in “Sportster.”

Jeff G. Holt

When was the last time you saw an Ironhead with an inverted fork and fat front tire like this one?

Jeff G. Holt

You can’t get much cleaner and leaner on a bike than no seat and no headlight.

Jeff G. Holt

A 1976 Ironhead chopper created by Beard Brothers Cycle Company. Freeflow Kustom Paint went to town on it.

Jeff G. Holt

In contrast, Asterisk Custom Works gave us this road ripper of a Sportster.

Jeff G. Holt

You could say this Ironhead chopper is long on style. See what I did there?

Jeff G. Holt

Hell no, they didn’t skimp on the shiny with this Sportster chopper!

Jeff G. Holt

Dig the oil and gas tanks on this rigid.

Jeff G. Holt

Hot Bike’s Ed Subias would go to town on this scrambler.

Jeff G. Holt

The zombie baby in front is almost as sick as the dual carburetor setup and oil tank on this Sportster. Almost.

Jeff G. Holt

Wheels and Waves’ vintage Ironhead.

Jeff G. Holt