The Keeper – Cody Wilson’s 1998 Sportster Chopper

Builder: Cody Wilson (@thrash_em_cycles)

Location: Alliance, Ohio – USA

Bike: 1998 Sportster 1200 – “The Keeper”

Photos: Keean Elliot (@landmark_imagery)

Some builds are more than just bikes — they’re pieces of family history, forged in the garage with the same hands that once gripped throttles before us. For Cody Wilson, a 32-year-old HVAC technician from Alliance, Ohio, motorcycles are a tradition that runs deep in his blood.

Cody grew up surrounded by bikes. His grandfather rode a 1971 Shovelhead, which was eventually passed down to him after his passing. His father also rides, and together they made sure motorcycles weren’t just a hobby — they were a way of life. “I’ve been riding since I can remember,” Cody says, “so pretty much forever.”

Naturally, building choppers became the next step. Cody’s first project was a 2001 Sportster 1200, and over the years he and his father have been building Sportster-based choppers together, sharpening their skills while keeping the family tradition alive.

His latest build, however, is different. Nicknamed “The Keeper”, this 1998 Sportster 1200 is exactly what the name suggests — a bike meant to stay with him, not one to pass along. “Me and my father have been building Sportster choppers for about six years, and I wanted to build one I was going to keep. Hence the name,” Cody explains.

The fabrication and welding were all done by Cody and his father — something he proudly credits to the lessons passed down from his grandfather and dad, both lifelong black-thumbed builders. The project came together in about three months, most of which was spent perfecting the look and waiting on parts to arrive.

Among all the details, Cody’s favorite feature is the chain sissy bar — made from logging chain he picked up at a local hardware store. It’s raw, heavy, and undeniably unique, perfectly matching the spirit of the build.

With fresh paint laid down by Cody himself, The Keeper is more than a motorcycle. It’s a symbol of legacy, family, and the kind of craftsmanship that keeps the old ways alive in garages across America.