I came across a 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX for $3000 in the area and it looks to be in great shape from what I saw in pictures on the dudes phone. The top half of the engine has been gone through such as pistons and what not. I will go look at it on Sunday and buy it if all is well. My question is what should I look for on this year and make of bike? Harleys are new to me but for the price its perfect to get cut up and turned into the cafe/brat/board track looking bike ive always wanted to build. Aside from the "its a Harley" comments does anyone have any experience and knowledge about this model? I dont have any pictures to post of it.
Thanks,
Erik
make sure the cylinders are both firing, I've heard they some had issues. Also, clutch cable and oil leak around the transmission. Not giving you a hard time as I too have a Harley albeit an 09. I would offer 2500 if it were me and rest assured there are parts galore. You wouldn't believe the after market on these bikes.
If you can strip off enough weight, it might be interesting. But it's a 540 pound bike, rated at 49 hp (when new) and a 4 speed trans. In it's present configuration, it's going to feel ver short legged.
Thanks, I will shoot the cylinders with a temp gun to check for inconsistencies I'm looking to do something similar to this setup.
http://s201.beta.photobucket.com/user/chiflado/media/8f60deb9c2bdd19bf77e2cb242661acf.jpg.html (http://s201.beta.photobucket.com/user/chiflado/media/8f60deb9c2bdd19bf77e2cb242661acf.jpg.html)
So im going to strip it as much as possible, its been punched out with 10:1 pistons and cams but its still going to be a dog next to the Duc or Busa. It does have the standard issue oily discharge but low and slow might be nice every once in a while. Here's what it looks like now.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8521122476_4ef2f40230.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8521122476/)
xlx (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8521122476/#) by erik.eichhorn (http://www.flickr.com/people/29835492@N02/), on Flickr
who cares if it's slow, purpose is what you're after. Good luck and post progress pics, maybe I'll get inspired.
Progress so far.
I made a 1/4" steel jig to hold the frame square and in place while i cut the frame.
I then lowered the frame rails 3 1/2" and removed the jig.
The last photo shows the small rear fender that will be welded to the frame so there wont be any seams.
I put some plate steel on the frame rails that drop down where the oil tank used to be since I wont be running a traditional fender, just to keep chunky chow from flinging all over the new oil tank and electronics.
I got tons of welding to get done today and will post again once the sheet metal work is done.
So far so good I love the way I sit nice and low.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8564676778_e73e101560.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8564676778/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8564677554_42bded10d9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8564677554/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8563576103_17ba8f53dc.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8563576103/)
You'll have fun.
Still an iron head in 83. They went to alloy on the sporty in 85? Cant remember because I was there! Better run an oil cooler, cant tell on my phone if it has one. Make sure the genny is working well. I had a 75 model, you could cook your dinner on the heads in summer. These things had a form of cassette type gearbox. Was it a Trog or Troog gearbox "door" you could get?
With high comp you need an oil cooler unless you live in Alaska. Use the correct ,high quality oil.
I still want to find an XR or KR 750 in some farmers barn..
Ive had three Harleys, but the Sportster was the most fun..
Memories.
I like where this is going. [popcorn]
Ironhead engine was around until the '86 model year.
+1 on the oil cooler.
Ok the fender is all welded up and the turn signal holes are drilled. Next I need to find out how small of a lithiun battery I can get away with. I am short on room so its between the 8 or 12 cell. I had an 8 in my S4 Monster that worked great, I believe the 8 had 210 cca and the 12 had 510 cca or something like that. I cant imagine this motor is harder to turn over than the Monster right? Once the battery is figured out the welding is done and I can get some paint on it and begin to rewire it. I picked up a Badlands module so I can use the 2 rear light as running, brake and turn signals. Let me know your opinions on the battery. It has a tiny oil cooler on it but I was thinking I can configure one to be incorperated with the front scoop thing that goes in the front of the bike twards the bottom of the frame. I dont know what they are called exactly besides a front scoop thingy I figure heat sinks can be added and possibly hold another 1/2 to full quart of oil if I design it as a crazy shaped oil tank. I have to do some research on that first.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8564371711_73d0ce7b35.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8564371711/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8564369949_ba5efe773b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8564369949/)
I'd go with the bigger battery....
Quote from: eichh on March 17, 2013, 07:57:30 AM
Ok the fender is all welded up and the turn signal holes are drilled. Next I need to find out how small of a lithiun battery I can get away with. I am short on room so its between the 8 or 12 cell. I had an 8 in my S4 Monster that worked great, I believe the 8 had 210 cca and the 12 had 510 cca or something like that. I cant imagine this motor is harder to turn over than the Monster right?
BIG heavy crankshaft/flywheel assembly, knife-fork rod assembly, staggered cylinder timing means it takes a lot of amps to start cranking over a Harley motor. I get the impression our Duc spins up a lot quicker/easier than our Harleys have.
I too would say go with the bigger battery.
not to second guess your work which is really cool.
but have you thought about making your seat/fender into the actual oil tank and get rid of that round tank?
and be able to fit the larger battery
Tat might make for a rather hot butt!
Quote from: SpikeC on March 18, 2013, 01:04:16 PM
Tat might make for a rather hot butt!
how is that different than a duc sbk [thumbsup]
Quote from: Kev M on March 18, 2013, 10:54:31 AM
BIG heavy crankshaft/flywheel assembly, knife-fork rod assembly, staggered cylinder timing means it takes a lot of amps to start cranking over a Harley motor. I get the impression our Duc spins up a lot quicker/easier than our Harleys have.
I too would say go with the bigger battery.
Yes, again.
I recall reading once that stroker big twins can require as much cranking power as a small block Chevy V8.
You have a stock ironhead Sporty, but the facts mentioned above remain. These are beasts to spin over, as any kick-only Harley owner (myself included) will attest to.
I have rebuilt many iron head sporty motors over the years ,one was timed over a standing mile at 138mph , weak points are oil leaks from pushrod tunnels , use early model cork gaskets , not rubber ,
starter motors are weak point s make sure bendix is perfect and brushes and commutator are clean,
if generator model make sure regulator is in tip top condition or it will get messy and expensive , dead generator and battery etc , kick start conversion is worthwhile
4 speed box should have reinforced trap door and welded supports to output shaft bearings if the motor is tuned as they are very prone to cracking the cases, even as standard
fit a mikuni or su carb for easy tuning and relaibility ,
go for bigger gearing and it will cruise sweetly at 70mph with lttle vibration.
make sure primary chain shoe is in perfect order .change oil regularly fit an aftermarket oil filter and cooler .
watch out for wet sumping it can be deadly to the crank and the oil spring valves in the pump gallery are weak ,,,,, I put inline shutoffs in the feed lines (remember to open before running engine)
keep to standard compression if you want longevity ,
I love iron head sporties but the later evo ones are more bulletproof .
Thanks guys. I ordered the larger one today the 12 cell Ballistic. I have the option of mounting it way up front by the oil filter theres a nice notch that it will fit in to if I mount a plate on the highway peg or next to the main beam between the oil tank and the rear cylinder. The fender had to stay thin for the tire travel since I am still running the shocks, I have an inch of clearance with me jumping up and down on the bike between the tire and fender/frame rails when fully compressed. Thanks Jerrys I will look into all that.
i've wanted an old harley for a while, no garage though :( so just one bike for me. one day...
I painted it this weekend and now for the final assembly. I figured its a good time to tidy up the wires and run new stuff since its apart, so final assembly will be slow going. The turn signals really work nice with the reshaped old frame work.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8591070935_378b21788d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8591070935/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8591072135_5eaf374c93.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8591072135/)
[thumbsup]
This post is really making me want to tackle that bobber project I have been tossing around. My wallet hates it.
Next I need to upholster the seat, throw on some drag bars and mount the new speedo. The tank that came on it doesnt really fit the look I want but Im going to see what it looks like after the upholstery and what some pinstriping does to it. I got it fired back up after installing the badlands modual that controls all the lights and cleaned up all the other ratty wiring. The oil tank fit like a glove and the 12 cell ballistic battery fires it up like a champ. Very happy so far except maybe for the tank.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8613900897_95a81af3ea.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8613900897/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8615008190_6b801209fa.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8615008190/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8614997406_9275eb318a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8614997406/)
How about this version of the venerable peanut tank?
(http://0.tqn.com/d/motorcycles/1/0/2/Z/-/-/Harley_XR1200_tank.jpg)
[thumbsup]
Flat tracker style or small peanut.
You're making me want one again.
I think the peanut has the right shape but man are they small. Ive been eye balling some slightly stretched ones that have a nice taper. Instead of ending so abruptly where it exposes the frame before the seat like the existing. Or maybe its the brown of the seat padding throwing my eye off, I should get that covered asap to see how that ties things toghether. I will hopefully do that by this weekend.
Quote from: alfisti on April 02, 2013, 10:05:00 PM
How about this version of the venerable peanut tank?
(http://0.tqn.com/d/motorcycles/1/0/2/Z/-/-/Harley_XR1200_tank.jpg)
Only if there is an XR1200 under it!
I'd find a '90s vintage OEM Sporty peanut tank, assuming you want the petcock bung on the left for clearance reasons.
Here she is outside and upholstered. I'm going to swap tanks with my buddy ironically he was about to order a tank like mine for his bike so that works out perfect. On its maiden voyage Sunday I found that the shocks are shot they would bottom out and there is oil getting past the seals. I guess a few years rotting in a shed will do that. These are 12.5 " so I might go to the 13.5" shocks to gain another inch of clearance just to be safe. Hopefully in the next week or so I can get these parts swapped out and give it another run.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8630191149_c9cd1204e7.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8630191149/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8630191295_a2fb020ba0.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8630191295/)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8630191979_4e6d019aca.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/8630191979/)
[thumbsup]
Quote from: alfisti on April 02, 2013, 10:05:00 PM
How about this version of the venerable peanut tank?
(http://0.tqn.com/d/motorcycles/1/0/2/Z/-/-/Harley_XR1200_tank.jpg)
That's not a tank, it's a plastic cover that goes over a plastic tank.
Quote from: Kev M on April 08, 2013, 07:28:33 AM
That's not a tank, it's a plastic cover that goes over a plastic tank.
Did not know that. I still like the shape.
Quote from: alfisti on April 08, 2013, 10:25:51 AM
Did not know that. I still like the shape.
Me too, at least on the XR and XRX, but I think I'd prefer the more traditional rounded tank on the OP's bike.
Quote from: eichh on April 08, 2013, 06:02:43 AM
Here she is outside and upholstered. I'm going to swap tanks with my buddy ironically he was about to order a tank like mine for his bike so that works out perfect. On its maiden voyage Sunday I found that the shocks are shot they would bottom out and there is oil getting past the seals. I guess a few years rotting in a shed will do that. These are 12.5 " so I might go to the 13.5" shocks to gain another inch of clearance just to be safe. Hopefully in the next week or so I can get these parts swapped out and give it another run.
Hi Eichh, can you give a rough estimate on how much time this took and how much $$$ spent?
-Thx Ferg
I started march 5th the day after I bought it I started disassembling it. The grand total including the bike down to shrink wrap is $3800. I plan on dropping $100 on a nice set of used shocks and that should do it for the time being. But we all know how that goes.
Quote from: eichh on April 08, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
I started march 5th the day after I bought it I started disassembling it. The grand total including the bike down to shrink wrap is $3800. I plan on dropping $100 on a nice set of used shocks and that should do it for the time being. But we all know how that goes.
Nice, thanks. That might be something I can do! You've inspired me.
Its been a while but I got some more work done on the bike new tires (others were dry rotted) I created some decals for the tank and added some engine turned gold leaf to the oil tank. I then cut the pipes that were on it and bought some 1 3/4" conduit at Menard's and created some pipes that I thought would look cool. I wanted them to flow with the swing arm angle with me on it. I bought a 2 1/4" brass pipe on line slit it down the middle and welded some studs to the pipes. I wanted to drill holes all over it but I don't have a Bridgeport, only a drill press so I didn't want to risk the random off centered hole so I left them solid. I then sanded the chrome off the parts of the original pipes and used good ol header paint to make them black. I may do powder coating over the winter. I had to adjust the carb a bit but now shes dialed in. I will say that sitting as low as I do on this thing it can corner like a a sportbike I was impressed, hence the new tires once I realized I can push it in hard turns. Next I need to do something with the air cleaner cover. I would say the bulk of the work is done for the time being, its probably the slowest bike I've ever owned but it is a lot of fun to run around on.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/9113646403_5cb40e5a74.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/9113646403/)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9113653099_076fc347d4.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29835492@N02/9113653099/)
Not sure I'm feeling the gold heat shield thingies, but the rest is cool! [thumbsup]
Ditto about the gold stuff, otherwise very nice job with your bike.
I got its newer brother [evil]
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/9234/yr5j.jpg)
I think the heat shields are just the right touch with
The gold decals. Beautiful work. I wish I had the
Talent and ambition ...
I plan on letting them weather and look old, I just had to polish them to get the few scratches I put in while cutting them. They are a bit bright right now. The other option I was thinking of was masking off some scallops and using acid to etch the metal and painting them black.
Very cool bike! Would like to see more pics of it. [thumbsup]
I think the gold looks great.