Doug Jones - Rainman Garage XL1200 Chopper Build Spotlight

Doug “Rainman” Jones built this 2005 XL1200 chopper the hard way. Five years in a home garage, late nights after work, and a whole lot of figuring it out as he went. No shortcuts, no fluff. Just a real bike built to ride.

Builder Profile

Doug Jones is 32 years old out of Greenville, South Carolina, where he runs a small garage setup called Rainman Garage. Before all this, he grew up in South Jersey riding mini bikes, dirt bikes, and skateboarding. From early on, he was drawn to garage-built machines. Not perfect bikes, but ones with character.

The Bike

The bike started as a stock 2005 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Custom. From there, it turned into a full hardtail chopper built around simplicity, function, and real-world riding.

Parts & Build Breakdown

This build is a mix of aftermarket parts and a lot of making things work together that weren’t really meant to.

• Led Sled hardtail rear section
• Lowbrow Customs solid motor mounts converting it from rubber mount
• TC Bros springer front end
• Lowbrow shotgun pipes
• Tuck and roll springer seat
• Pre 2003 style rear brake master cylinder
• S&S air cleaner and CV carburetor
• FNA Customs headlight

Parts and support came from Deadbeat Customs, Biltwell, Burly Brand, LC Fabrications, Drag Specialties, J&P Cycles, Twisted Choppers, Kabar Knives, Bones Wheels, and David Stone Metal Engraving out of Indonesia.

On top of that, a lot of the bike is custom. Handmade mounts and brackets are everywhere, along with pieces that had to be cut, modified, and reworked just to make everything function right. One of the standout details is a handmade skateboard wheel chain tensioner.

Performance & Setup

This wasn’t a performance build focused on horsepower. It was built around reliability and rideability. Doug converted the bike from rubber mount to solid mount so the hardtail and chain drive setup would work properly without chain slap or unwanted movement.

The end result is a bike that’s light, nimble, and responsive. It’s stripped down without all the extra bulk, but still rides right. It’s raw, but dependable.

Built in the Garage

Doug handled most of the build himself using a Harbor Freight MIG MAX 215 welder and basic tools. Cutting, grinding, welding, and figuring things out as he went.

His wife was there to help when he needed an extra set of hands, and his kids were involved whenever they could be. His brothers in Last Disciples MC also played a role, helping with ideas, direction, and keeping things moving.

Paint & Finish

The paint was done by Charles Tyre out of Rusty Nuts Originals in Greenville. His tank lettering helped tie the entire bike together.

Doug also worked with the natural patina of the bike over time to shape the look he wanted. He even stepped into new territory doing copper leaf pinstriping himself, something he hadn’t done before.

The Process

This wasn’t a quick turnaround build. It took about five years. Doug was working as an apprentice in the elevator union, handling family responsibilities, and then getting into the garage late at night whenever he could.

The biggest part of the process was problem solving. Nothing went exactly as planned, and that’s what gave the bike its personality. Adapting, reworking parts, and figuring it out along the way is what shaped the final result.

On The Road

Riding this bike is exactly what you’d expect from a true chopper. It’s raw, connected, and stripped down to what it needs to be. You feel the road, the motor, everything.

More than anything, this bike represents a time in Doug’s life. It’s something he built when he didn’t have much, and something he’ll never get rid of. It’s already been across the country and back, and it’s just getting started.