Shawn Hallas' Hardtail Sportster Chopper

When I found out this was Shawn Hallas's first build I really had a hard time believing it... The seamless blend of period parts, 70's long bike style and a modern Sportster drive train, seemed to show the attention-to-detail of a much more seasoned builder! The over all look and feel of this machine is perfect in every way to my long bike loving eyes. I guess passion and motivation can make magic happen. Knowing that it's a first attempt makes it that much better and should inspire new builders and old salty dogs alike.

In a short phone interview Shawn explained how he's been inspired by what he is seeing on Chop Cult and the general work together positive vibes of grassroots builder culture today. He went on to say he was actually "anti social media" until a friend turned him on to "The Greasy Dozen" so when Shawn sent me these words on Facebook I knew I wanted to keep an eye on a guy that was this fired up.

 

"It’s so good to connect with like minded custom bike enthusiasts. You may not believe me, but if you ask my friends, they'll tell ya, I avoided Facebook for a long time, then my buddy called me up and told me about The Greasy Dozen and it lit a fire under me to join the ” rest of the world”. Lol. Thanks guys!"

 

Shawn made it to the final round table for the Greasy Dozen and though he did not make the final cut he remained animated and involved accepting a roll as an "associated builder" and he even offered up a free paint job for one of the Dozen. Its stories like this that make me feel we are living in very special times in motorcycling. The "GOOD OLD DAYS" are right now my friends.

Shawn asked me include a thank you to his wife Nicole for trusting him to not burn the house down and to his kids Micah and Trinity for there help. Far too many guys play the "lone wolf" card when talking about their build and I thought is was classy of him to include the family.

I'll be keeping an eye out for more work from Shawn; with a first build this strong I'm sure we will see more from him.

Owner: Shawn Hallas

Location: Lancaster, Ohio

Engine: year and make, model, modifications: 1999 Harley Davidson XL1200C, stock engine with chopped cam cover and chopped tranny sprocket cover.

Frame:  Paughco  frame 2 1/4" up, 0" out,  with 40 degree neck rake.

Fork:  14" over narrow springer (unknown manufacturer) / extended super narrow 39mm front end at the ready (in case the springer is not to my liking), with Wargasser triple trees, extended fork tubes    from Old Bike Barn, and shaved lowers c/o Dale at Meadows Moto Machine.

Tire/wheel size and style:   front wheel: 21" spool laced wheel with Avon speedmaster MK2 rubber, rear: 18" rim, duals flange hub laced with Buchannan stainless spokes and Coker classic "firestone" 4.50 18 (diamond tread).

Favorite thing about this bike:  The overall 60's chopper style with modern drivetrain.

Next modification will be: Next season adding a Led sled Kick start kit, painting the frame light blue flake, and possibly adding that wicked super narrow front end.

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc:  Modified Paughco frame to accept Mooneyes oil bag, clear coated frame, chopped Cam cover and sprocket cover, Showclass ignition cover, crusty vintage Bates style mirror, Narrowed Wassel style tank with custom flake paint by myself, Kustomtech brass clutch lever, stainless super narrow rabbit pullbacks, dual Hella headlights, "Jesus on the dashboard"... I mean tail light, cloth covered wire to headlight and tail light, Haifley Brothers King and queen seat, 4' sissy bar, NOS Wassel ribbed fender on rear (raw steel) , custom brass Anderson style front pegs, custom brass wheel spacers, and brass evo breather bolts all from Dale @ Meadows Moto Machine, custom leather saddle bag and fuel sling from Jrod @ Hardluck Designs, all custom Bracketry done by me with angle grinders, blowtorches, drill press, and various other garage tools. big Thanks to Jairime @ Metal Fab Mafia for the help with fab work, and Kevin @ Driven for the help with wiring, rear pegs are Biltwell Anderson style pegs,  grips and whiskey throttle are Biltwell as well, last but not least way cool Chopper Dave's air cleaner.

Follow Shawn Hallas's shop Alchemy Garage