The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 - A Dream Bike
Many women riding motorcycles these days started out as passengers. Tik is one of these women. Her journey with her Harley-Davidson Sportster started at the beginning of 2011 when she decided she was ready to move from the passenger seat and ride her own motorcycle. She'd signed up for a big bike riding course, but couldn't wait to find that special motorcycle. So before she even had a license, her husband bought her this 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 which was waiting for her out in the garage.The Harley-Davidson Sportster had come to her fully customized by her husband. It featured a Fat Bob-style tank, different handlebars and paint. But Tik saw what the Harley could be, She loves classic styles, and wanted the motorcycle to have an old-school look to it. She changed over to a different fuel-tank, a few other items, and changed the paint to a black base with flames. Actually, the day she finished the big bike riding course was the day her Harley Sportster was finished with the new parts and paint, ready to ride.
She rode the Harley like this until last week, when she ran into a friend whose own Harley Sportster looked, according to her, looked better. He was anxious to share with Tik the modifications he'd made since she'd seen it last. Tik was so impressed by the work on her friend's Harley that she contacted some parts sellers that supplied the customization parts. Since that day the 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 is again without a fuel tank as it's send away for another specialized paint job.
Tik wanted a whole different look, and for the Harley to be ready for the next time she would meet her friend. Her husband, was full prepared, having researched the parts Tik had wanted to be replaced. Tik had searched and downloaded pictures and descriptions of everything. Her husband, who works himself in the motorcycle industry, presented her with just enough choices that she didn't feel overwhelmed, but had just enough selection to help her decide. Tik feels a lot of custom motorcycles tend to look the same after awhile. She wanted to stay with the old-school look, and to really bring out the Harley's profile.
Admittedly, Tik had never been completely comfortable riding her Harley Sportster XL1200. The front end felt heavy; it had a 45-degree rake when she first saw it. But the front end had never been adjusted to compensate for the rake. It was almost too short for the motorcycle, and the frame actually slanted downwards at the front. This made for heavy handling. Therefore, front end needs to be modified to solve this problem.
