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Sporster
#600954 10/07/2020 9:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
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chy Online Content OP
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I am getting close on my Sportster project. A few more bugs to work out and we should be good to go.
I learned a lot and had lots of fun.. Knowing pretty much nothing about Harleys, it was quite a learning experience for me. I've always tinkered with jap or modern British bikes so this was well out of my comfort zone. Just what I needed though as I needed something to dive into for awhile. I worked on it most every night after work and most of the weekends for a couple of months. It was fascinating wrapping your head around 1957 technology that had evolved till 1983... some different approaches to engineering to be sure.
I wasn't sure how the project was going to end up so I just let it be what it wanted to be and it basically ended up as a survivor bike. I'm pleased with how it turned out.. looks good (to me), sounds good.. runs good, I was surprised how light it feels on the highway to be as heavy as it is to get off the side stand. I had wanted a Sporty since I first saw "Then came Bronson" when I was a kid... it took me a few years but I guess I finally went for it.
Impressions? Cool bike.. love the vintage feel and look. Wouldn't want to ride too far.. more of a bar hopper I guess. I'd take the BA any day as far as ride handling and looks but it is a neat toy.
I'll try to post some pics.

Re: Sporster
chy #600956 10/08/2020 10:40 AM
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Looking forward to the pics. I have been thinking about picking up a 2000 - 2003 solid mount. We'll see.

Re: Sporster
chy #600957 10/08/2020 12:09 PM
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Speaking of vintage stuff I just picked up a really nice late 30s Triumph girder front end for that modern hard tail I am building. Only paid $500 and it's clean! I just hope it's long enough, they are pretty short and I really don't want to alter the frame.

How much disassembly did you have to do on the engine and trans? Did you look for cracks where the outer cam bushings are?


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Sporster
The_Dog33 #600958 10/08/2020 12:23 PM
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I took it all the way down to the frame but did not remove the engine. I figured I'd run it for a bit and see what happens. I had the r/s cover off but everything back there looked good.. nothing jumped out at me though not being familiar with the breed I really didn't know what to look for.
I've given up on the carb.. too far gone I guess.. I couldn't get the low speed jet out to clean it so the idle tends to fluctuate. . Luckily SS makes a shorty carb I found on E bay for about 50 bucks, hopefully that will get things sorted out. Thought I had an oil pressure problem but from what i've read they really don't hold a lot of oil pressure.. a new sending unit is on the way so those are my biggest concerns.
Before and after pics are posted in the gallery..

Re: Sporster
chy #600959 10/08/2020 12:40 PM
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Look at the check ball in the oil pump, common issue. Make sure you get a small enough carb for it too, a very common mistake made on those was to try and put too much carb on it. I have always been an antique Brit mechanic but most of my friends are HD and a couple own shops so you can't help but pick up some stuff.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Sporster
chy #600960 10/08/2020 1:59 PM
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Looks like she cleaned up real prudy. A man can never have too many scoots. smile

Last edited by mikemm03; 10/08/2020 2:00 PM.

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