As they often say, the rest is history. From the outset, his focus had been primarily on the tracker genre, collaborating with numerous skilled craftsmen along the journey. Among these was Mel Cary, who had previously worked at Mule before pursuing other ventures. With a background in Top Fuel dragsters and race boats, Mel became Richard's trusted ally, sharing the same workspace.
Their friendship persisted even after Mel left Mule, and they would eventually reconnect professionally. In 2017, Mel decided to acquire his own custom street tracker, but he didn't want to delegate the build entirely. Instead, he aimed to construct the motorcycle himself, seeking Richard's input when necessary.
After locating a pristine Harley-Davidson Sportster with only 240 miles on it, Mel embarked on a weekend trip to Phoenix, Arizona, to secure it. Upon his return to California, the customization process began promptly, with many factory components being replaced or discarded.
The stock wheels, suspension, and exhaust system were among the first to go. Mel opted for 19-inch Morris hoops, widened slightly by Kosman Specialties, and wrapped in Goldentyre flat track rubber. Ducati 996 upside-down forks were installed at the front, along with custom triple clamps, while Penske adjustable remote-reservoir shock absorbers were fitted at the rear, sourced from Mule's parts bin.
Storz Performance provided the tracker-style fuel tank and tail unit, with no fenders present. The rear features LED lighting and a compact license plate bracket, while the front showcases a simple perforated saddle. Upgraded Brembo discs, Beringer calipers, and braided stainless-steel brake lines enhance stopping power, while Rizoma bar-end mirrors and LED turn signals add a stylish touch.
The V-twin engine remained largely unchanged, aside from a Mikuni HSR42 carburetor and Joker Machine air cleaner for improved breathing. Mel crafted a handmade exhaust system from stainless steel, paired with reverse megaphone mufflers. A lithium-ion battery replaced the original gel battery, and Superbike Paint provided a sleek black finish with red tank graphics, earning the custom Sportster the moniker "The Midnight Express."
With guidance from Mule Motorcycles, Mel Cary succeeded in creating a remarkable custom Harley tracker, destined to captivate enthusiasts with its unique charm.