In 2018, Christian “CT” Newman walked away from the Sportster Showdown in Sturgis with more than a trophy. After earning “Best in Show” at the Led Sled Customs–hosted competition during the annual rally in Sturgis, Newman’s prize was a brand-new, stock Harley-Davidson Sportster—complete with a factory Hypercharger intake.
But the real reward wasn’t the bike. It was the expectation.
The deal was simple: tear it down and build something worthy of future shows. As Newman would later joke, the “prize” felt more like an assignment. Instead of parking a showroom-fresh Sportster in the garage, he immediately began planning its transformation into a purpose-built custom that reflected his stripped-down, mechanical-first ethos.
At the heart of Newman’s build is a signature move that separates this Sportster from the pack: it’s kickstart-only and battery-less. Powered by an Evolution engine, the bike ditches the electric start in favor of a raw, analog experience that’s increasingly rare in modern custom builds.
Led Sled supplied the kicker setup, while Newman handled the magneto conversion in-house—a detail that speaks to both his mechanical skill and commitment to keeping things simple. No battery. No excess wiring. Just fuel, spark, and compression.
It’s a configuration that embodies the do-it-yourself spirit of the custom motorcycle scene, especially among hardcore Sportster and chopper enthusiasts.
Rather than chasing perfection—or draining his bank account—Newman set a clear goal for the project: build a fun, rideable machine while spending as little of his own money as possible.
With support from industry names like Lowbrow Customs, Get Lowered Cycles, Beringer Brakes, Kuryakyn, and 4th Floor Choppers, Newman pieced together a cohesive build without compromising its character.
Much of the design was dictated by parts he already had on hand—wheels, magneto, kicker, forks, headlight, and even exhaust tubing. This parts-bin approach didn’t limit the bike; it defined it. The result is a Sportster that feels honest and intentional rather than overworked.
Every build has its pain point. For Newman, it was the oil tank.
To maintain the clean look and eliminate the starter, he fabricated a tiny custom oil tank that fits neatly into the space typically occupied by the electric start. What sounded simple in theory turned into one of the most time-consuming aspects of the project.
The payoff? A remarkably minimal rear section that highlights the bike’s compact stance and purposeful layout.
Complementing the stripped-down aesthetic is a one-off aluminum fuel tank built by 4th Floor Choppers. Its raw-metal finish ties the entire build together, reinforcing the bike’s industrial, no-frills personality.
Though born from a show-winning opportunity, Newman’s Evolution Sportster was never meant to be a static display piece. It’s a rider’s motorcycle—one that’s seen miles and appearances at respected events like Mama Tried Show and Fuel Cleveland.
Interestingly, the bike has become one of his girlfriend Elizabeth’s favorite machines to ride, proving that stripped-down customs don’t have to sacrifice usability for style.
Even more rewarding for Newman has been the broader reception. While rooted in chopper culture, the bike resonates with riders outside that niche—proof that thoughtful engineering and clean execution transcend categories.
Since completing the Sportster, Newman’s shop life has evolved. A growing backlog of customer projects and a deep dive into CNC machining have expanded his workload beyond motorcycles. Today, he designs and produces CNC-machined components for everything from motorcycles to jet skis and bicycles.
But this Sportster remains a defining build—a reminder that sometimes the best projects begin with a challenge disguised as a prize.
In the end, what started as a “Best in Show” reward became something far more meaningful: a kickstart-only, magneto-fired Harley-Davidson Sportster that captures the raw, mechanical essence of custom motorcycle culture.
And for CT Newman, that’s the real trophy. HB
