Hello everyone I'm new to the forum and a new Harley owner. The project I have I posted a picture of and I do have the complete bike. It is an 1987 Electra Glide Classic. Hoping some will follow my build as I go and help me along the way. A couple of questions I would like to put a newer exhaust on it and I seen someone say about having to switch a tranny mount would like more information on this if possible? Also interested in switching to a newer dash board if its not too much if a pain like the 96+ and the newer hand controls.. And is there any areas I should pay special attention to that might be weak, should replace or upgrade. Thanks your much everyone Derek
Would like to update it some. Planning you black most of the chrome out and do a satin copper paint on it. I will completely rip it down and go through it. Nothing to crazy. Definitely remove some things on it
I can see saving a Shovelhead or older but not an evo. That bike in the picture will never be worth half of what what it would cost to make it presentable and road worthy. As much as I love motorcycles I'd probably scrap that one for weight by the pound and find myself a more worthy project.
I can see saving a Shovelhead or older but not an evo. That bike in the picture will never be worth half of what what it would cost to make it presentable and road worthy. As much as I love motorcycles I'd probably scrap that one for weight by the pound and find myself a more worthy project.
Most of us here have way more in our cycles than they are worth. Value is the wrong way to approach these things, besides, how do you value a labor of love?
Most of us here have way more in our cycles than they are worth. Value is the wrong way to approach these things, besides, how do you value a labor of love?
Well said - whatever we may spend on our toys, it will be money and time well spent!
I can see saving a Shovelhead or older but not an evo. That bike in the picture will never be worth half of what what it would cost to make it presentable and road worthy. As much as I love motorcycles I'd probably scrap that one for weight by the pound and find myself a more worthy project.
You're in the wrong bit for that sort of pessimism! Evo love isn't about money. Even a cursory read of the Evo Forum will show a long series of financially foolish decisions that each of us would (and will) gladly make again!
OP, that looks like an ideal bike for this sort of project. I observe that it still has the original timing cover. Decent chance the motor is untouched.
How much of the story do you know about this bike? It's obviously been sitting for quite a while. Any idea why it was parked? How many miles on the odometer?
You asked about specific things to look for. Main thing I'd get a good look at before getting too far into this is to look for corrosion or cracks on the frame (particularly down at the bottom, in the area in front of the rear wheel) and the swingarm. Much will depend on whether or not you're starting with a good frame. I'd also pull the plugs, jack up the rear wheel and see if you can use it to turn the motor over. If she passes both of those, you're in good shape.
98 has it right: The wiring inside the fairing on those is a nightmare.
Looking forward to watching along as you dig into this! Good luck!
09-30-2018, 07:24 PM
New Electra Glide Project!
Evo love isn't about money. Even a cursory read of the Evo Forum will show a long series of financially foolish decisions that each of us would (and will) gladly make again!