Shawn’s a thinker and a tinkerer, and he’s always dreaming up better ways to build a mousetrap. He says that he made over 40 modifications to his stock bike over the course of eight months. It features an ’88 Harley Twin Cam engine. His brother Yancey lent a hand with adding 203 cams and push rods and changing out the trans. Shawn exchanged the stock pipes for some sweet Ultima Big Growls and replaced the exhaust. He switched out the stock handlebars with pullback drags and added a sissy bar and risers, which were lying around his home garage. He made the backrest from scrap and upholstered it himself. Hog City Customs wrapped the seat. Adding to the H-D’s swell look are the stretched tank and a front chin spoiler.

But the most unique modifications are the small ones – Shawn moved the document tube below the seat for and behind the passenger peg for easy access (which a few folks have declared “genius), and placed the tool bag mount within arm’s reach. He custom cut the fenders, which he said, “get a lot of compliments.”

The coolest touch is the one-of-a-kind, handmade mesh breast plate that Shawn added to keep dirt and debris out of the engine. “It really trips people up,” Shawn said. “It’s fun.” Shawn said that hand-forming the 3/16” aluminum was the biggest challenge of the build, but adds, “It was worth it.”

Billy Upton at Crossbone Custom in Springdale, Arkansas applied the finishing touches, custom painting the bike and adding the subtle tribal graphics.

The Softail is Shawn’s daily ride, his bar hopper and his long distance transportation. He’s put 23,500 miles on it so far. “The brake’s a little soft, but it’s a very enjoyable ride,” he said, adding that the cycle averages 48 to 50 miles per gallon, whether his wife Virginia is on the back or not.

This is Shawn’s first Harley. He also owns the fantastic ’08 Iron Horse chopper that was featured on this site not too long ago. He’s extremely happy with his two cycles, and said he has no plans for another build, “unless Virginia wants one.”

 

SPECIFICATIONS
Name of bike: Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FSXTI Owner: Shawn Hutchinson Year/Make: 2006 FXSTI Fabrication: Shawn Hutchinson Assembly: Shawn Hutchinson Build time: 8 months Engine: 88 Twin Cam H-D Cases: H-D stock Rods: H-D stock Pistons: H-D stock Cylinders: H-D stock Heads: H-D stock Cam: 203 H-D Screamin’ Eagle Ignition: stock Carb: fuel injection Pipes: Ultima Big Growl Air Cleaner: Stock with K&N Filter Transmission: Ultima 6-speed cassette, stock case Primary: H-D Clutch: H-D Frame: H-D Rake: H-D Stretch: H-D Forks: H-D Fork length (+ or -): H-D Additional rake in trees: none		Front wheel: Ultima Rear wheel: Ultima Front Tire (size and make): 21 – 90/90 Avon Rear Tire (size and make): 18 – 200 Avon Front Brake: H-D Rear Brake: H-D Fuel Tank: Independent Gas Tank Co. Oil Tank: H-D Fenders: Rear: H-D, Front: custom cut from blank Handlebars: 8″ pullback drag Risers: 1″ custom scrap Sissy bar: my custom scrap Headlight: H-D with extension bezel Taillight: H-D custom, smoked Hand Controls: H-D Grips: H-D Foot Controls: H-D Pegs: H-D Electrical: H-D Painter: Billy Upton Color: my pick from color map Graphics: my idea Polishing: mine Seat: My modified stock, covered by Hog City Customs Favorite aspect of bike: Gets 48-50 MPG with two riders. Special thanks to: My wife, Virginia Story