I just picked up a 1991 FXRS Low Rider and need some input. First of all the stupid question... Are the front forks 35mm or 39mm? Every where I read says there 39mm, but I talked with someone who told me they're 35mm. So I really need to know... OK, with that question out of the way I need some idea how much someone would charge to strip the bike down to the frame and build it back up again. I had a bike shop quote me $2,500 to do it, so I need to know what's a fair rate to do this. I also want to know what to do concerning the engine. I happen to have a brand new 99 chrome and black Evo that I want to put in the bike after it's work on. Along with the engine I also have a set of new black Screaming Eagle heads, and a S&S E carb. All of these items I bought 12 years ago, LOL. I want to replace the pistons and cam, but I do not want to bore out the engine. I need to know what pistons/cam to go with, compression ratio, etc. I also need to know what I'm looking at labor wise to do the engine work.

I know the engine part of my project will be a tough question to answer concerning the cam/pistons, but at least try...

 

I can't help ya with the other stuff but yes, the front end is 39mm.

-Chris

 

Post this on the evo forum. That's where the evo bikes go for the engine questions that aren't twin cam

 

Might be a little far fetched but you could always measure them...

 

Does anyone know what's the going rate for tearing down a bike to the frame and rebuilding the bike back up again??? The bike shop I'm thinking of using quoted me $2,500 to do the job.

 

What did he say he would do exactly?
Is that labor cost only?
When you tear down a 25 year old bike, a lot of wear parts may need to be replaced. You won't know what you need till you get into seals, worn wires, cracked tires, possible mechanical issues etc.
Are you going back 100 percent stock?
Any performance upgrades?
Repainting it?

 

"Book" rate for insurance teardowns (frame replacement,) averages about 32 hours if I recall my bike shop days, so $2500 isn't out of line, but that's just for labor. (I sure it will look & run great but you'll never get your money out of it IMO.)

 

The $2,500 is for labor to strip the bike down to the frame and rebuild it. The price does not include any parts. They said if I were to strip the bike down and have them rebuild it then they would charge me time and material to rebuild the bike. I do have a Harley service manual for the bike and I'm not in any rush so I was thinking about doing the work myself. After all it doesn't look like rocket science to tear down and rebuild my FXR. Besides I do have a technical type of background. I've replaced timing belts, master brake cylinders, as well as repairing copiers, computers, and printers. However items like remounting engines, rear wheels, etc. I would seek help so I don't screw it up, just a thought... Input?

First of all the bike runs great! It shifts better then my old 03 FXDL. I want to strip it down so I can build it back up as MY custom. Lots of chrome, powder coating the frame a different color, etc. If all I wanted is a good running FXR I could just add stuff and call it a day, but I want to build my dream bike and do it the right way, much like someone would do with a frame up restoration of a car...

 

Do as much as you can yourself. If you're on the edge about whether you can do something, read about it and try it. The worst case scenario is you have to take it to a pro because you can't do a given task which you are prepared to do now anyways.

As long as you have something else to ride now I say take your time and enjoy the process. You'll have a lot more pride in the bike at the end of the day if you built it. You'll probably save money too. I'm sure you'd learn a ton.

If your objective is to get it road worthy ASAP for this season, then maybe you consider outsourcing.

 

The bike currently runs great after a little TLC after I got it, new K&N air cleaner, cleaning out the carburetor, etc. As for the riding season I live in Southern California, most EVERY day is a good riding day... LOL The bummer is when I dive into the bike, but that's half the fun... Besides I can put that kind of money into rebuilding the motor...