Chris Tope, co-founder of Utopeia Moto Company in Texas, has once again showcased his unique flair for building offbeat scramblers with his latest project: a Harley-Davidson Baja 100 scrambler dubbed ‘The Mojavian.’ Known for his quirky, detail-rich builds, Chris was given free rein to create something truly special for his latest customer—and he delivered a bike that combines retro style with modern craftsmanship.
A Two-Stroke Harley-Davidson with Italian Roots
Chris’s passion for two-stroke engines led him straight to the Harley-Davidson Baja 100, a rare 98 cc off-roader produced by Harley’s Italian partner, Aermacchi, from 1969 to 1972. This model, designed to break into the small displacement off-road market, has remained a unique and somewhat forgotten chapter in Harley-Davidson’s history. When his customer agreed to the idea, Chris set out to build what he imagined as the original Pan America of its time.
The Baja 100 that Chris found for this build is registered as a 1973 model and was equipped with a rare 125 cc kit that Harley sold back in the day. The motor and original five-speed transmission were carefully rebuilt, with upgrades that included a high-performance ignition, a Dell’Orto carburetor, a modified K&N filter, and a handmade expansion chamber from Jemco Exhaust Systems. To improve cooling and reduce weight, Chris drilled the head’s fins and polished the engine covers, ensuring that this bike is as functional as it is beautiful.
Custom Frame and Suspension Work
Chris began the build by de-tabbing the Baja 100’s frame and reinforcing the factory welds. He extended the swingarm and added a custom luggage rack, then finished everything in a prismatic whiskey bronze powder coat. This eye-catching finish extends to the original Webco spark plug holder, which carries a spare set of plugs in the same color.
The suspension received a full upgrade as well, with restored Ceriani forks up front and new Hagon shocks at the rear. The original 21F/18R wheels were powder-coated and re-laced to the original drum brake hubs with shiny new Buchanan’s spokes, all wrapped in fresh Maxxis rubber for a smooth ride.
A Tribute to the Baja 100 with a Utopeia Twist
The tank of ‘The Mojavian’ pays homage to the original Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Baja 100, but with a distinct Utopeia Moto Company twist. Chris drew inspiration from the boho 70s Toyota style, resulting in a multi-faceted tank livery that features a sandy texture under a smooth gloss clear coat. Executed by Kacey Elkins at Krossover Customs, the paint also includes a shimmering mirage effect within the stripes, adding to the bike’s desert-inspired theme.
The custom saddle, crafted by Dane Utech at Plzbeseated, features a memory foam pad and brown suede upholstery, providing both comfort and style. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Chris’s work, and it’s evident in every aspect of ‘The Mojavian.’
Earthy Materials and Intricate Details
Chris has a reputation for incorporating earthy materials into his builds, and ‘The Mojavian’ is no exception. The front number board is a handmade olive wood piece that Chris spent hours stabilizing to prevent warping or cracking over time. The client’s favorite number was inlaid with copper epoxy resin, adding a personalized touch to the bike.
The luggage rack also features olive wood inlays, with a leather bag dubbed the “tool taco” by Chris nestled below it. The cockpit is adorned with classic Webco handlebars, Joker Machine controls, and CNC-machined throttle and clutch tubes from the late Mark Atkinson. The grips, lathed from Australian banksia pods and inlaid with copper by Greg Madrigal, add another layer of uniqueness to this already one-of-a-kind bike. The bar-ends feature antique engraved copper pennies, and a 1921 Liberty Dollar engraved with a rattlesnake coiled around a skull pays homage to the bike’s desert theme. Custom valve stems with real rattlesnake rattles set in resin complete the look, making ‘The Mojavian’ a true work of art.
Performance Meets Style
While ‘The Mojavian’ is undoubtedly a visual masterpiece, it’s also built to perform. The 125 cc Harley-Davidson hop-up kit gives the lightweight 198-pound two-stroke bike an incredible power boost. Chris jokingly warns that if the motor doesn’t knock you off, the exhaust will either burn you or blow out your eardrums. With its blend of style, power, and craftsmanship, ‘The Mojavian’ is a bike that demands attention and respect on the road.
Chris Tope’s latest creation is more than just a custom motorcycle; it’s a testament to his ability to merge history with modern innovation. ‘The Mojavian’ stands as a tribute to the original Harley-Davidson Baja 100 while pushing the boundaries of what a scrambler can be.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Harley-Davidson Baja 100 (1973) with 125 cc kit |
| Engine | 125 cc two-stroke, high-performance ignition, Dell’Orto carb, modified K&N filter |
| Transmission | OEM five-speed |
| Exhaust | Handmade expansion chamber from Jemco Exhaust Systems |
| Frame | De-tabbed, reinforced, extended swingarm, whiskey bronze powder coat |
| Suspension (Front) | Restored Ceriani forks |
| Suspension (Rear) | New Hagon shocks |
| Wheels | 21F/18R, powder-coated, Buchanan’s spokes, Maxxis rubber |
| Handlebars | Classic Webco |
| Controls | Joker Machine controls, CNC-machined throttle and clutch tubes |
| Grips | Lathed from Australian banksia pods, inlaid with copper |
| Special Features | Olive wood number board, copper epoxy inlay, engraved 1921 Liberty Dollar, rattlesnake rattles set in resin |
| Weight | 198 pounds |
