Book Inspired 1990 XL1200 Sportster Chopper

Expletive Build

Hillary Eickhoff had a no nonsense plan when she bought a 1990 XL 1200 Sportster five years ago. Inspired by the book, Halfway to Berdoo, Eickhoff was motivated to build a “Sportster that had a classic 1960s chop aesthetic with no bull****.” Fast forward to today, and with a little help from her friends, Eickhoff's build is definitely by the book. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

Guest Book

Halfway to Berdoo is a unique archive of photographs taken between 1961 and 1965 by Marilyn Ruthe Foster — better known as 'Mother Ruthe.' Friendly with many of the early biker clubs, she became a maternal figure to those who stopped at her house. She also documented most of her guests and their choppers. Those timeless images provided Eickhoff with the direction she needed.

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

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Knowledge Base

Eickhoff's journey began with the basics. In a Lowbrow Customs Spotlight, she outlined her approach. “I wanted to do a lot of the work myself, so I spent the first three years building my knowledge base, learning how to work on the bike.” Tapping a little more power out of the XL's motor, Eickhoff added a Mikuni HSR42 carburetor, a Lowbrow Customs Louvered Air Cleaner and chrome drag pipes. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join in the conversation about this 1990 XL 1200 Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Practical Connection

Rideability was a key consideration for Eickhoff. “I used a Paughco chrome half horseshoe oil tank since it fit the frame perfectly, and I could use a full-size battery — I ride a lot and it’s just practical.” On the battery box, hinting at Eickhoff's sense of humor is a 'Dogpatch USA' sticker from the defunct Arkansas theme park that was based on the satirical Li'l Abner comic strip. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join in the conversation about this 1990 XL 1200 Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Tidy Bits

Minimal and functional define the business-end of Eickhoff's chopper. The handlebars are a set of VEE Mfg 8" Pre Unit Style Bars in stainless steel, capped with white 'Coke bottle' style grips. Moto Iron Slim-line master cylinder and clutch controls help keep the bars tidy. The headlight is a Cycle Standard 5-3/4" unit, and Eickhoff cobbled the mirror from various bits. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join in the conversation about this 1990 XL 1200 Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Wavy Gravy

The Lowbrow Customs P-Nut Mid-Tunnel gas tank got a nostalgic touch. Eickhoff explained, “I decided on the pale yellow since my dad used to ride an old 1960’s Sportster...painted “Panama Yellow,” reminiscent of Coors yellow — easy choice.” The beer-inspired tank sports subtle 'Wavy Gravy' pinstripe flames in vintage white that clinch the 1960s chopper vibe perfectly. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join in the conversation about this 1990 XL 1200 Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Awesome Friends

Eickhoff's build got going after a swap meet find. She elaborated, “Two years ago I got a deal on a Paughco frame at a swap, so with some help from my awesome friends...we tore the bike down and started the build.” Front rolling stock is a 21" XL Custom wheel, and a 16" FLSTF Fat Boy wheel out back — both wrapped in Avon rubber. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join in the conversation about this 1990 XL 1200 Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Time Machine

In 2019, Eickhoff was invited to show off her new ride at the Keystone Collective Bike & Art Exhibit, in York, Pennsylvania. She described the experience as “awesome.” Mother Ruthe passed away in the mid-1990s, and her photographs were only discovered around 2010. Ruthe's images in Halfway to Berdoo are a time capsule, one that helped inspire a dream machine. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join in the conversation about this 1990 XL 1200 Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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