1996 XL Sportster Becomes 'Steel Unicorn' Chopper

Resounding Yes

Virginia Cagney's build started with a question and a “do-it-yourself-or-leave” attitude. First introduced to motorcycling as a passenger, she quickly became a rider and then a bike builder. Watching her future husband work on his 1978 Ironhead hardtail, Cagney asked herself a pivotal question, “I wonder if I could do that?” Her 1996 XL1200C turned chopper is a resounding 'yes.' 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

Welding Practice

Inspired by her mother, Cagney learned to weld at just the age of eighteen. She explained, “Growing up, my mom had a...steel unicorn she welded when she was sixteen at summer camp. I never knew any other females who knew how to weld except for her, and it stuck with me.” After welding classes and lots of practice, Cagney began to think about chopper designs.

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Hardtail Styles

Cagney acquired a donor bike and rode it in stock form for a couple of months. She explained, “I was talked into buying a skull-covered ’96 Evo Sportster, and all I wanted to do was to change everything about it.” With the bling removed, she turned her attention to the frame. “Next thing I knew, I was comparing hardtail styles and prices.” 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Simple Custom

She settled on a rear section from 47 Industries located in Raritan, New Jersey. The weld-on hardtail gave the Sportster a classic chopper stance with 2'' stretch and a 2'' drop. Adding to the look is a set of spoke rims, 21'' in front and 16'' out back. A simple Cycle Standard five-inch wide Steel Flat Trailer Fender supports the tall king/queen custom seat.

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Dime Stack

Cagney tackled the hardtail installation with confidence, mixed with a bit of hesitation. She elaborated, on the learning curve, “ I realized how careful, and delicate you must be in order to stack clean steel dimes when TIG welding. She also admitted being “afraid of doing something wrong that might cost me my life when I got this bike out on the road.” 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Perfect Job

Sorting out the gas tank was a defining moment for Cagney. The 2.2 gallon Axed Chopper tank came with two fuel tap bungs, but one needed to be removed. Using all of her skill, she carefully cut and patched the bottom of the tank where the bung had been. Pressure testing the tank at a friend's shop revealed a perfect job with no leaks — much to everyone's amazement.

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Flip-Flop Funk

It took Cagney six months to finish the chopper project. Like most custom builds, she admitted that it turned out nothing like what she had in mind. She also confessed that the flip-flop paint job might be better suited to the cars on MTV's Pimp My Ride. Although, Cagney said that the paint “brings out the funk” in the best possible way when she goes for a ride. 

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Steel Unicorn

Since the build, Cagney has ridden her 'Steel Unicorn' through rainstorms and across deserts. There are days when she wants to build it all over again. Although, she reflected, “Other days, I want it as a relic of my twenties and to take it out for a long ride to see what will happen next.” For more backstory, check out Virginia's Harley: a Girl's Bike on YouTube.

Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs.

>>Join the conversation about this Steel Unicorn Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with service and maintenance of your bike, check out the how to section of HDForums.com