Last bike I had with a chain was a Kawasaki Drifter. Had to adjust that sucker every 250 miles. No more chains for me.

 

Chains on Sportsters have value in two areas.
- Changing gear ratios quickly and easily.
- Higher powered motors. I'd draw the line at about 100hp. Beyond that, there is potential for broken belts if you drag race or do a lot of fast starts off the line.

Other than these two reasons, a chain is necessary on a Sportster.

 

Great looking bike!
I have a few questions if you don't mind:

What rear shocks are those? Do they ride ok? Did you have to modify anything else when going to 15" long?

Where did you get the longer front fork tubes? Did you just have to add an internal spacer to make the springs works?

What size tires are you running?

I've been looking for another bike project for a while. I've got an early80s Bmw airhead that is too far gone to build at this time, so I've been leaning that direction, but then I see this, and yesterday rode a '48 and I'd really live to do a vtwin....
Thanks

 

Thanks! Glad you dig it...

Rear shocks are Harley.. no modification and they ride great.. little soft but nice. The front has spacers and the tires are 150/70/17 in the rear and 100/90/19 in the front.

 

Found on another site... Built for the same purpose. Not mine, just sharing in case you are looking for additional ideas....

 

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing

 

Little update... rode a good 200 miles yesterday and it was solid the whole time. Hit wet and dry pavement, as well as a couple dirt roads. Bombing around with the family and friends...



Here's some pics of the finished exhaust wrap.. also did an oil change.. I run Amsoil Synthetic

 

Nice Garlits badge

 

Thanks!

 

Chopped the rear fender last night and wired up a new brake light. I want to round it out a little more and then weld up a rear fender rack. Just something I can bungee a bag or something to.