XLCRC Project Upgrades - Hot Bike Magazine

04. The sharp razor blade cut through the foam like a hot knife carving its way through butter.
04. The sharp razor blade cut through the foam like a hot knife carving its way through b
05. The hand-formed seat pan has recessed areas for the bike's electrics, and uses the stock mounting fixtures.
05. The hand-formed seat pan has recessed areas for the bike's electrics, and uses the st
06. The revised custom seat was fit onto the bike and the foam was marked to get an idea where the cover's seams would be placed.
06. The revised custom seat was fit onto the bike and the foam was marked to get an idea

07. Saddlemen put an access hole in the seat for the Sportster's seat screw so it's hidden, yet easy to reach. The access hole also makes a handy stash pouch for the bike's registration, too.
07. Saddlemen put an access hole in the seat for the Sportster's seat screw so it's hidde
08. Here's the finished seat. There's also a gel insert for comfort, and the bottom is covered similar to the company's production seats.
08. Here's the finished seat. There's also a gel insert for comfort, and the bottom is co
09. To give the XL Custom gas tank the look of an alloy tank, I had H.M. Elliott treat it with aluminized coating.
09. To give the XL Custom gas tank the look of an alloy tank, I had H.M. Elliott treat it

10. Phil Whetstone sized some sample graphics that we considered to dress up the "alloy" gas tank.
10. Phil Whetstone sized some sample graphics that we considered to dress up the "alloy"
11. The vinyl-decal application taking shape. Here Phill airbrushed color during the early stages of application.
11. The vinyl-decal application taking shape. Here Phill airbrushed color during the earl
12. Close, but no cigar. This graphic looked good on paper, but after Phil applied it, we both decided it wasn't right. See what we came up with next issue.
12. Close, but no cigar. This graphic looked good on paper, but after Phil applied it, we

13. Stock Harley fenders don't fit tight enough to the tire, so I set out to give XLRCR's front fender a new fit.
13. Stock Harley fenders don't fit tight enough to the tire, so I set out to give XLRCR's
14. After measuring and marking, holes were drilled slightly above the existing fender-mount holes.
14. After measuring and marking, holes were drilled slightly above the existing fender-mo
15. A straight line was then drawn between the old holes and the new marks, and the excess metal was cut off and the burrs were ground off before final prep for paint.
15. A straight line was then drawn between the old holes and the new marks, and the exces

16. The modified section is shorter than original so that the fender will sit closer to the tire for a cleaner look.
16. The modified section is shorter than original so that the fender will sit closer to t
17. Ideally the fender would fit even closer, but the fender's radius contrasts too much with the tire's profile. That's pretty much it for the mods and fabrication. Next issue we'll show you the final outcome of the XLRCR.
17. Ideally the fender would fit even closer, but the fender's radius contrasts too much