I just wanted to show the poor-man's mods I've done to my awesome 96 xlh1200

I had a really nice 03 Road King(rode 23,000mi) that I had to let someone take over payments on due to illness. Before that I had a beautiful 05 XL1200C(rode 18,000mi) that I traded in for the Road King. I sold a piece of equipment and had $3,500 to spend on a bike. Could not get a rubbermount 1200 for that price and "settled" for a 96 xlh1200 for $3,100.

I have always heard a lot of negative things about solid mount sportsters, mainly that they vibrate enough to loosen your fillings, but the 96 did not seem to vibrate that bad except the forward pegs( horrible) and the grips at around 70-75mph.

I filled the handlebars with PL Premium Construction Adhesive(like caulk but heavier and is very hard when dry) and put 5/8"x8" steel rod in the ends of the bars which are mounted to 4" curved risers. I like the height of the bars, almost feel like mini apes. This stopped the vibration that I was having at grips.

I built hwy peg brackets coming off the forward pegs to fit me that amazingly do not vibrate at all above idle. I built a backrest/luggage rack set back 3" to give my wife more room. Any work I've done has been on the cheap (except for new grips) and a little at a time because I have sarcoidosis and tire easily.

My brother-in-law gave me a bunch of LEDs and bike had two strips under the tank already. LEDs run through a toggle switch on left saddlebag and a 15amp fuse. I put a chrome skull over matte black cowbell horn cover and put LEDs in the eyes (kids love that thing) blue LEDs around engine and super bright white LEDs underneath an under fenders.

I didn't like the crossover pipe and drilled 1/2" holes in the heat shield for the crossover with matte black ceramic paint behind holes-this looked awesome and I decided to drill all the heat shields. Best $10 mod I've ever seen. I drilled 3/4" holes in the belt guard and tapered it similar but with more holes than one I saw on a nightster and drilled 1/2" holes in pulley cover and painted gloss black with clear coat. I drilled 11/16" holes in the fender supports like I saw on the Sportster 72.

I drilled 3/8" holes in plastic part of stock air cleaner and through the little shield under the filter. This was the best free mod I've ever seen as the increase in power was noticeable. The bike has fairly loud HD slash-cut pipes.

I painted black and clear coated fork lowers, the risers, and the cover over the headlight which had deep scratches in it.

The things I've heard about solid mount sportsters can be altered. This is my favorite bike I have ever had (and it aint gonna get repossessed) I think because she has so much of me in her. She runs like a raped ape, has excellent suspension, corners better than my 05 did and is comfortable. It also looks like no other.

Bobbers are very cool, but my wife rides with me a lot and I like to take long trips. I'm just gonna post this then try to upload before and after pics so I don't have to write it again. I've been lurking awhile and you all rock
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Are we gonna ride or what? Mark

 

Hole-y Heatshields, Batman!!!!

Looks good, out of the ordinary mods for sure.

John

 

Thanks John. I'm broke so I do what I can.
I do have access to a shop though

 

Really great job. I like it a lot.

 

Thanks rhythm- sportsters make an awesome blank canvas

 

Nice job man, has that old school chopper look.

 

Thanks mac
It's a blast to ride