And by “Grunt”, we don’t mean what you do when you’re having sex. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2012/07/10/grunt.
In 2005, Roland Sands created a bike that was intended to be “a great handling, super fast stock based Sportster with a super aggressive look.”
Based on the specs and images we’ve seen of the bike, we think the folks at RSD were successful in their endeavor.
Introducing Grunt (or should it be The Grunt?), a build which started off as a 2000 Harley Davidson Sportster and ended as a true Roland Sands build with enough attitude to match its name.
Notice something missing under the seat? Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2012/07/10/grunt.
Our favorite part of the build? The gas tank and exhaust. According to the official article on RolandSands.com:
Ultra tight modified gas tank and all steel tail section gave it the punk sportbike look and narrow feel. We eliminated the battery box and oil tank from under the seat so we could run the exhaust under the tail section. This not only gave us ample length and ground clearance for the exhaust but also effectively lowered the center of gravity of the bike moving the oil and battery down as low as possible on the chassis.
Check out this picture of the bike during the build. It shows more detail on the customized gas tank and exhaust built into the tail:
The exhausts should throw flames. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2012/07/10/grunt.
Here’s the complete list of mods based on the spec sheet sent to us from the folks at RSD:
RSD + James Crosby bodywork fabrication
RSD modified Honda tank
Road race foam seat
Airtech Streamlining – GSX-R 1000 front fender
Moon aluminum – low mount oil tank
Zipper’s CNC ported heads, oversized valves, bored cylinders, camshafts, lifters and pushrods
Zipper’s/Wiseco forged pistons
S&S Super G Carburetor
Intake S&S cut and drilled by RSD
RSD custom polish stainless steel exhaust thru tail section
Daytona Twin Tec ignition
Baker 6-speed transmission
RSD/PM prototype hydraulic clutch conversion
Track Dynamics aluminum swingarm - modified by RSD for 200mm tire
Debracketed, Custom top motor mount bracket, heavily braced and modified for strength
Gold anodized PM Revolution (17″ x 3.5″ front, 17″ x 6.0″ rear)
PM Contour Radial Mount front caliper
PM 125X4R Bottom Mount rear caliper
PM Contour grips, switches, hand controls, foot pegs, brake and shifter tips
RSD/PM custom rearsets (foot controls)
Geoff Giles custom billet triple trees
RSD custom “hooligan style” cross-drilled handlebars
Stock V-rod headlight with RSD custom fabricated mount
Front suspension – Ohlins R&T Forks (custom black anodized)
Rear suspension – Ohlins 14″ roadrace shocks w/ external reservoirs, adjustable rebound & compression dampening (dual)
Custom paint by Airtrix – Chris Wood
Powdercoating by Concept Powdercoating
Tail light hidden behind mesh in tail section
You know, a typically “simple” build for the guys at RSD. Sheesh.
Wonder how many wheelies Roland Sands has done with this bike? Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2012/07/10/grunt.
For more information/photos on Roland Sands Design and the Grunt build, you can check out their official website at http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2012/07/10/grunt.