(the OTHER
Sportster...)
The logic underlying this project is simple: If you strip it bare, problems have nowhere to hide. So, I COMPLETELY stripped it. The only problems found were:
1) Burnt cam shims, cam
plates, and cams.
Solution: Replace. Ouch! This one is going
to hurt the wallet a bit.
2) Altered wiring harness.
Solution: Since it is completely removed, it
will be easy to reconstruct according to original harness wiring diagram.
Basically the entire signaling system and taillights are missing.
Bike was running with rear signals and taillight always on; they wouldn't
do anything else.
3) Heavy carbon deposits
on pistons and cylinder heads.
Solution: Clean piston tops, lightly ream cylinders,
replace rings, clean cylinder heads and reseat valves if necessary.
4) Burnt out clutch.
Solution: Was getting replaced anyway!
This type of restoration requiring a complete take down of the bike allows me not only to do a better job in detailing each part, but also to inspect the entire bike at an incredible level of detail that will ensure complete compliance with specifications once I'm finished and will warrant many, many years of breakdown free riding. So I'm taking the long way to make sure I do it right and make sure I only have to do it ONCE!!
Basically I have gone from this...
to this...
to this...
to this...
to this...
all with only ONE OBJECTIVE IN MIND... to one day look
like this...
but ended up with this, so far.
I am still missing the saddlebags and the whitewalls. I've been told by tire experts I will NEVER find white walls for this one. This model used 19" front and 18" rear rims. I am considering painting the letters white as to emulate a white wall as I ride. I will eventually repaint the tank and use emblems instead of decals. Still surfing E-bay to find the right pair. I'll experiment some more with my scanner and image editor to see what I like best.
Pics
as it was being built
Before/After
pics of restored parts.
Bike
when originally purchased.
Condition
of bike after a Phase I restoration.
