Shawn wasn’t the first person to technically own this bike, but since it was a family member who originally bought and customized it, it’s always been part of his family technically. “My uncle, Alan Fuller, bought it, customized over a six-month period, and I ended up buying it from him,” said Shawn. Sounds simple and all, but like everything, it’s never that simple. The story goes that Shawn’s uncle originally bought the XL1200 for his wife to ride and built it accordingly to make it easy for her to ride which included something you don’t see everyday. “The bike has an automatic clutch and she hardly ever drove it so he decided to sell it to me,” he said. Unfortunately Shawn wasn’t around during the build so he’s unsure what brand it was, but the odds are good that it’s either from Grandeur Cycle or an EFM unit in case you were thinking about one for yourself. 

 

   The more you look at this bike, the more you realize that Uncle Alan really put some time and effort into this build. The 240/40×18 rear tire just doesn’t bolt into the place where a stock 150mm tire on a 16” wheel lived and obviously required a new 18” spoked wheel to fit the fat rubber. What was done to expedite fitment this is also unknown to Shawn, but it looks appropriately tubby and that’s ultimately okay. “Again, I’m not sure about the details of the rear tire installation, I wasn’t around the bike much until it was completed,” said Shawn.  Up front, Uncle Alan stayed with the stock 21” wheel, but it now sits between a set of Wide Glide forks according to Shawn.  

 

  As for bodywork, the only thing Uncle Alan left stock was the oil tank. The fuel tank and fenders were modified to meet new dimensions and evolving tastes. Originally a solid black paintjob morphed into a burnt orange and black finish, it’s got just enough sparkle to make you appreciate the change while it enhances the flow of the new bodywork. 

 

   Uncle Alan also switched out the stock bars for Z-bars, added a suction-cup passenger seat with an AIRHAWK cushion, and a set of passenger pegs before turning his attention to the engine. In all honesty, the 1200cc XL engine is actually stock save for the 2-into-1 exhaust and appropriate tuning and provides more than enough power as far as Shawn goes. “It is dependable, has never given me any serious problems, not only has great speed, but gets up to a fast speed quickly,” he said. “It rides and handles great, smooth on corners, comfortable ride, and is a very stable motorcycle. I love everything about it.”   

 

  Man, when somebody sums up their customized ride by saying, “I love everything about it,” there’s not much left for me to say. On that note, I’m going to bow out and go for a quick ride before it gets too cold. See ya.