Ya know, I was talking about some stuff I want to do to my bike, and my buddy says, ya know, you can put another $5K into that 1987 and have it the way you want, or sell it and add $5k and get a newer twin cam....(Which of course I'd have to personalize to make my own)
Well, I figure, It's my first Harley, (To which he said he missed his first one too, for about 10 minutes after he got on his new one) and I've done replaced and personalized most every thing on the bike, It's worth more in sentimental value than I could get for it from any ruch fool with more money than brains, 84 horses, and 90 Ftlbs of torque at the rear wheel (Dyna standards) So why not put the 96" Jugs on (with my stroker kit that'd put me about 103" I believe) and get her painted the way I want it. I mean hell if I had money coming outta my ***, I'd go buy a S.E. Ultra, But I'd still keep and probably do a full frame off restore on my FLHTC. Am I just stupid and sentimental?? I mean hell in 3 years it'll be a classic (25 years old)

Opinions?

 

Mud: Thanks, the reason I am thinking most of this stuff is because if you are in the primary for the stator might as well do the SE comp. If you are in for the IPB may as well do the cases and get that chrome iner I have always wanted. And if I go in for the tensioner shoes then may as well do the bearings and go with the S&S gears and check the crank runout at the same time.

The true tracks, fork rework & brakes are all safety items that flat out just protect your azz IMO.

I am just starting to feel like this is the way the bike should be put together if I am keeping it for the very long term.

 

Exactly...I vote for making it your own. I am kind of bonded with this bike as it has never broken down on me, never leaked, runs like hell, and fits me perfect. I don't like breaking in new stuff anyway worrying about the warranty and all. Plus the newer bike you buy the more EPA crap is on it that you have to rework to get it the way you want it.

 

I stand by my previous statement. Don't go messing with things that work Fine. If you want to upgrade the suspension, do it because you want it to look or perform better. It's not going to make it any "safer". Either way you look at it, you'll be straddling a 70hp, 600lb bicycle surrounded by 2 and 3 ton vehicles. Brakes, sure! All the other, "while you're in there" upgrades you are talking about...what is your reason for tearing into the primary or cases or Anything for that matter if there is nothing wrong??

 

I agree with some others here and anything assembled at the factory is best and opening up your cycle may make it less bullet proof anyway.
Change what makes you feel good and let the rest last as long as God intended.

 

For what it's worth. I did all kinds of upgrades to my 06 Ultra. I ended up with many of the engine mods you suggested. Seamed each one created another problem that required another upgrade. By the time I was done I hated that bike and couldn't stand looking at it. As soon as I got it to run properly I sold it. Threw 7K out the window before I learned my lesson. My new 09 Lowrider will get some slipons and luggage and that's it. Listen to CountryPunk.

 

On my 01 the only thing which I have replaced were the Cam tensioners with Gear driven cams, other than that after 78K miles it's still running fine. When it's time to rebuild the top end, I may look at some of the other options which you have planned, but why do them now??

Respects,
Ed

 

If you've got the cam chest open, think about adding this one - S&S Crankcase Breather Valve

Actually, I am in the camp that says leave well enough alone ...

I've been thinking of getting some high performance heads, 50mm throttle body and Andrews 44 grind cam, but figure that while I'm in the motor, there's a bunch of other stuff I could do to further enhance (bulletproof) it .... [Not least of which is adding a few cubic inches!]

But ... I've got almost 20,000 miles and have been pretty pleased with it so far ... I'm actually thinking that in another 20 - 30,000 miles I might be able to justify it ....

R/
'Chop

 

Yeah, thanks guys....think I'll just do the true tracks for now then and maybe upgrade the front forks. Just thinking since the weather sucks so bad I need to do something.

 

Whats IPB?