New Limited Edition Custom Motorcycle. The Brawler GT.

The FXR model, because of its rubber mounted engine, is still considered by many as one of the best riding Harley bikes and had many custom builders for many years use it as their preferred canvas. After a long hesitation about what should be its new limited edition model, Dar Holdsworth of Darwin Motorcycles a.k.a. Brass Balls Bobbers, decided that an FXR type frame was the perfect platform for an intense riding sporty looking motorcycle on which the GT label will be affixed and should be deserved.

I precisely remember Dar showing me his “Brawler” still at the stage of a mockup during this year’s V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. Dar, still not sure about its final design had parked his new project in a quite dark corner, still wondering about final geometry and design and testing the reactions of his industry peers. All professional builders will tell you that the creative process is a mixed bag of doubts and certitudes until the client, or in this case the market, prove you right. And yes, it happens quite often that we question each other about a bike in progress even if it’s only to confirm our own original choices… The final geometry is a frame with a 2″ extended swingarm, 28-degree of rake , using a beefy 56 mm inverted front end from Meanstreet and the classic FXR style pair of rear shocks.

Sporty look is emphasized by the use of a camel back fender, of mid controls for an aggressive attitude while riding, of Raptor bars fitted with motocross grips for a racing stance.  I didn’t test ride the bike, but fellow magazine Cycle Source did it for me and the review is very positive.

To summarize, a comfortable  rubber mounted custom motorcycle for long times on the saddle but also a machine conceived to show the street what you are made of…The Brawler GT1 base price is 23,995 when equipped with a standard S&S 96″ engine, the GT2 will come with an S&S 111″, the GT3 will come with an S&S 124″ (shown here) The number 1 model, with already 3500 miles on it, is being debuted this coming Sunday in Sturgis at the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. Brass Balls Brawler GT.

19 Responses to “New Limited Edition Custom Motorcycle. The Brawler GT.”


  1. 1 Dave Blevins Aug 9th, 2010 at 8:13 am

    Very nicely done, in my opinion the FXR frame was always a little awkward looking, but this bike has good lines and a refined but lean look.
    I like it very much.

  2. 2 fuji Aug 9th, 2010 at 9:01 am

    What did someone say about, let the outside builders design bikes for HD. Right on.

    Proof that ther are other concepts that ” will ‘” work.

  3. 3 Doug Wozney Aug 9th, 2010 at 9:03 am

    Dar and I spoke a couple of months before Cincy regarding a ‘version’ of this bike and, like Cyril pointed out, the creative process is never finished until the bike rolls out into the sunlight for the first time.
    Excellent looking piece of machinery from another Gentleman of the Industry and it looks like it’d be a real gas to ride. I think Dar has hit a home run with this. The Gen X crowd should be very pleased to see this.

  4. 4 Donnie Aug 9th, 2010 at 9:05 am

    Cyril launched the idea many years ago. Harley should hire small pro teams of custom builders to work new ideas for the factory.

  5. 5 Larry R Aug 9th, 2010 at 9:06 am

    Kudos, Dar! Pray that all goes well with this model.

  6. 6 jsdiamond Aug 9th, 2010 at 11:04 am

    If you want to see an even more awesome racer-style FX, check out http://www.bigassbike.com and have a look at the two that Gypsy built a few years ago.

  7. 7 raycwheeler Aug 9th, 2010 at 11:58 am

    Dar & Crew,

    Winner. Winner. You have my vote!

    That’s one fine looking, rideable ( key word ), cross-country hot rod.

    Best of luck in todays economy.

    ray usa

  8. 8 Brenda Fox Aug 9th, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    Great Job!

    It’s on my “to ride” list!

  9. 9 fuji Aug 9th, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Any more I grimace when I hear someone say , working outside the box . Its old and it’s stale.

    Darwin Motorcycles and Fred Bertrand Krugger. have presented bikes that are very refreshing to see and put a new spark into the creative minds of the industry. I hope !

    Only wish that I could build a bike. No talent in that area.

    “Most of my money was spent on Motorcycles, Boats, Women, and Whiskey…The rest I just wasted”

  10. 10 martin Aug 9th, 2010 at 6:43 pm

    Now that’s a motorcycle!

  11. 11 Mike C Aug 9th, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    Nice Street tracker!!

  12. 12 Mark Shubin Aug 10th, 2010 at 7:54 am

    Like what Mr. Wheeler says, ridable being the key word.

  13. 13 cwglide Aug 10th, 2010 at 10:41 am

    I like the tail section, and they way you did the tank how its dished at the tail end. Helps your pant leg from rubbing on the tank. Have to rub out the scratches on mine often. Exquist motorcycle indeed, and its ridable! Extra bonus points for that!

  14. 14 J Aug 11th, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Wow- really sharp, really nice work, great price point- best FXR to date.

  15. 15 Steve The Producer Johann Aug 12th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Yep I like the tank too. Nice clean and love the paint job ties everything together and makes the overall bike look well nice. Also reminds me a bit of RSD work as well.

  16. 16 1550tc Aug 13th, 2010 at 9:59 am

    Dar nice bike and to me you should have won your class…..love the look and parts you use, gotta love anything on an fxr frame !!! You have a great eye for styling and detail! Best of all its nice to see a REAL show bike actually ripping around the canyons out here. I respect the AMD guys but most of those bikes are museum bikes. I like yours cause u got on iit and ripped around.

  17. 17 James Simonelli, BAKER Drivetrain Aug 17th, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    I had the pleasure of test riding the Brawler GT in Sturgis and was thoroughly impressed. The top quality components, excellent fit and finish and BBB’s attention to detail make for 1 sweet ride. Handling, braking, shifting, power, riding position, and drivability all get the thumbs up from me. I sure wish the engine was past it’s break in rev limit though, kind of spoiled the fun. I hope I get a re-test in Daytona!

    James

  18. 18 Dar - Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers Aug 18th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    You will James. Thank you and everyone for the positive comments.

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