I've got this very nice 01 superglide that I really like but don't ride as much anymore except for short runs and around town. I was thinking of selling it, but then I kind of thought about doing some mods to it and make it kind of a 70's chopper look. I know where I can get a 14" over 5 degree rake springer front end for it at a good price to maybe start with.

Ideas? Suggestions? Or am I just nuts for doing this to an already great bike?

Here's a pic as she sits now.

Thanks for any constructive or otherwise replies!

LiiT

 

That is a nice bike. Good year for Twin-Cams too.

Honestly, just my opinion, Dynas don't look all that great with rake and springer front-ends. There are a few that came out OK after a lot of money, but for me, the Dyna frame and rear shocks just rob all the appeal of a chopper.

Now, if you could trade it for a Softail, that's a different story. Low seat, slam the back, stretch the front and get ready for a lot of attention during your short runs.

On a side note, I bet you could get a pretty penny for that thing just the way it sits. A lot of guys really dig the solid crank, Timken bearing and carb setup. You could probably get enough to buy a similar year Softail AND have some cash for the chopper work. Just food for thought.

 

I have to say I agree with SLV...

I like the idea of making my 05 Super Glide look like an old chopper too, but the kind of stock rake and trail, the neck angle, the exposed suspension and other bits that kind of kill the vibe. If anything, you could turn it into a mean bobber!

 

[quote=SLV;12640306] A lot of guys really dig the solid crank, Timken bearing and carb setup. quote]

SLV, I just bought an 01 FXD and I'm looking for more info about it. Can you explain how the solid crank and Timken bearing are different from what others may have in their bikes?

 

If you do those mods you will limit the number of buyers that are interested in it plus you will never get the money you spent back on the sale. If you want to sell it, sell it the way it is. Perfect time of year to get the max out of it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm not sure what I'll do with the bike.

Perhaps the idea of selling it to get closer to what I want is the best idea so far. It really is a great bike and maybe just needs someone who will appreciate it. I really like the simplicity of these bikes. That's what appealed to me about it in the first place.

Aw hell maybe I'll just sell it and try and find an evo softie to add to the garage!

LiiT

 

I put the chrome covers on my 02 silver engine cases and it just popped! You could drop a 95" kit with mild cams then stiffen the suspension a little and you could enjoy some serious ridin'.

 

Recently bought an Evo Softail and love it. I feel cramped on the Dyna now and the Sporty even more so.

 

[QUOTE=hamcentral;12640611]Ham,
Later in production, I think 2003, HD changed to a crank that has the throw-weights pinned to the shaft as opposed to the one-piece (more expensive, but more reliable) design. A pinned crank has potential for the throw-weight to migrate on the shaft and cause anything from minor vibration to serious engine damage. These things typically manifest themselves in higher states of tune. As power increases in a power-built motor, a welded crank is essential to keep the beast in line.

The Timken bearing is a more expensive, better performing bearing that maintains smoother operation and superior durability.

The '01 Twin-Cam engine is at the crossroads where the design had matured and HD started designing cost savings instead of reliability or performance.

 

I'm always on the lookout for a great deal on a bike. Any bike as long as it's a Harley. I will buy, sell, swap, on bikes, farm equipment and dang near anything else. That way I can work toward what I want for myself and try to make a buck or two in the process. I enjoy the art of the deal.

I've put a few thousand miles on this dyna and that has pretty much always been the issue with the stock setup on this bike for me. Let's face it, they don't really design stock setups for bigger people, they're for the "average" size person. Forward controls and a better seat that would support my 6' 3" 245 pound butt would be some of the first things to do.

Thanks again guys. I appreciate your input. There is a world of good info on this forum.

If you ever take a notion to ride toward Natural Bridge or Red River Gorge drop me a PM or something. If can get away for a couple hours I'll show you some great rides through the mountains. Plus you'd be doing me a favor as I'm always looking for an excuse to get off the tractor and on a bike!

LiiT