Steve's XL1200 Bobber Build

[EscaladeSteve]

Went back to Ron's tank. It's too awesome not to use. I just need to use a smaller fuel receptacle/gas cap. In all fairness I didn't send Ron the cap, just the bung. but it's too big. HOWEVER Ron made the tank PERFECTLY and it's exactly what I want, so back to Ron's tank.

Not too much progress, some heavy metal work done to clean up the rear section where the swing arm used to connect. It's all molded now. Progress should start picking up now. We're back on this together.

[EscaladeSteve]

Making progress. For about 12 months my project was at my friend Steve's house. I met Steve through Golfish and have enjoyed our friendship for the last couple years. (Enjoyed Golfish's friendship too, although my man went MIA on me!)

Anyhow, Steve is an amazing welder and his bike has won it's share of Easyrider trophys this year and last. - Moving on, Steve works 6 to 7 days a week and in his free time (which he doesnt have much of) he was moving the project forward for me. Steve hand made some cool parts and made some progress on the bike. Steve was out of state for a while, and I travel for work so hooking up was often difficult, and Steve went as far as he could without my in person input. When we got to the point that he couldnt do more without me there, I picked up the project and I'm forging ahead.

I pretty much have all the parts I need, and I'm fortunate to have a full bike shop very close to my office. They primarily build high end scooters, but for a song and a dance, my buddy's helped me finish mounting the seat and gas tank.

I have another friend who builds hot rods who is helping me get everything buttoned up and ready for paint. Here's where we are as of today. I'm shooting to have the bike completed and on the road in about 6 weeks.

In this first picture, Steve made the seat pan, and my buddy Tony next door made the air bag mounts. I'm using a Biltwell seat hinge.


Still need to make a permanent headlight mount, but this is basically how the bike will look.


Here's the bike sitting up on the trailer headed off to my friend Russ' shop. Nice and narrow.

[Captain America]

Great little bobber Steve, I was wondering how it was coming along. I bought an '89 Sportster back in January to commute on(883= 60 MPG) but like anything else I just keep making changes so I haven't gotten to use it much.

[EscaladeSteve]

Thanks Captain, it's been a long time coming. I would love to pick up a deal on another sportster. I had a 96 883 for about a year but sold it, just like the 80-80, just like the goldwing, just like the vstar in the above photo that should be sold by the end of the week.

They come and they go, but they will never be forgotten. This bobber was my first Harley. As they all come and go this is the one I'll hang onto. Even the Cadillac Tramp chop is up for sale now after winning 1st place at Easyriders in my class the last two years.

Still love my bikes...still enjoying life...glad to hear from you Captain, ride the piss out of that 883...

[EscaladeSteve]

I just ordered up an Ultima Ignition kit 53-660

Also ordered a Seachoice 11651 keyed ignition switch (with turn to start, no relay required)

I'm going 22 tooth sprocket up front and 47 rear.

[vision]

Hey Steve,

Did you give any consideration to using both tanks? I remember that you had mounting bungs already in the backbone and that was the reason the tank had to be small but if the sporty tank can fit in that space then throw a couple of the same tabs on it and have it painted up at the same time. That way you can have a higher capacity option should you want to take the bike more the 4.7 miles

[EscaladeSteve]

Ive considered it, but ultimately the tank you made is perfect. The problem for me is that I lack artistic vision. When I first mounted the tank to the backbone it just seemed rediculously small to me, but once more progress was made on the bike I began to realize the tank was actually perfect.

Had I been able to envision the bike in my head I would have realized that from the start, but I had no idea what the bike would look like until recently when more of the parts were mounted. At this point I'm completely happy but back then I couldn't picture it in my head.

I think that's what makes a great artist. The ability to look at a canvas and create an image in your mind's eye. I just can't do that. It's a talent I envy.

[EscaladeSteve]

A buddy of mine knows Todd from Todd's cycle and hooked me up with a sweet deal on a Todd's Cycle ignition switch. I picked up a blem, but I can't see any imperfections. This little unit has a 30 amp breaker built in, and no need for an external relay. It's turn to start 3 position and comes in a handy dandy chromed tube with mounting points. Nice and clean.

Since I'm having a friend finish the wiring off, I figured the easier I made it the cleaner the job and less work for him. I don't mind having this hang off the bike, it's pretty nice.

[EscaladeSteve]

A few more odds and ends ordered up - exhaust header gaskets, fuel filter, sparto style tail light on the way.

I'm a little bummed I'm not going to use my Chopper's Inc Rolling Dice tag light but it's just too bulky to hang off the bike. This bike is nice and narrow and using that tag light throws off the lines. Had to go more traditional.

[EscaladeSteve]

Decided to pull the Devil Tail forward controls and instead go with a little more "camp" so I opted for a set of Chopper's Inc Trucker girl forwards as seen here on "Paulzilla"

[Spade115]

fuck steve I thought you finished this already I was all pissed about missing the thread. o.0 lol

[EscaladeSteve]

haha! Nope not done yet, but man we're so close I can taste it. It tasted like pumpkin seed.

[Spade115]

thats kinda gay man.....coulda said like BBQ flavored seeds but pumpkin seeds really ......The pictures make sense now lol

[EscaladeSteve]

Just got my Fedex delivery for the day. Hot damn I may be able to ride this thing soon.

[EscaladeSteve]

I had a 48 tooth rear sprocket laying around from when this motor was in a chopper frame with a 240 rear. The sprocket is dished so it just wont work for this application. The replacements showed up today. 22 tooth front, 47 tooth rear. It's getting closer...