1986 FLT transformation
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Middlesex county CT
The battery was next to the saddlebag, between the swingarm and the saddlebag, behind the oil tank. Where is it now?
Anyway, nothing you can do to that bike will make it stop like a sport bike. You have physics working against you. It weighs around 800 lbs or better with you on it, and momentum is momentum. Maybe with a super gummy race front tire, very aggressive pads and a super strong hand you could approach a stock sport bike on old hard rubber, but be realistic. It's not a crotch rocket.
Anyway, nothing you can do to that bike will make it stop like a sport bike. You have physics working against you. It weighs around 800 lbs or better with you on it, and momentum is momentum. Maybe with a super gummy race front tire, very aggressive pads and a super strong hand you could approach a stock sport bike on old hard rubber, but be realistic. It's not a crotch rocket.
The battery is under the seat. When my daughter wakes up I will get a picture of the mount. Yeah this bike is far more comfortable then a street bike.
Last edited by Rowansdad; Dec 4, 2016 at 02:40 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,816
Likes: 7,847
From: SE Louisiana
You're definitely dealing with someone else's project there.
If the battery is under the seat, it has been relocated. Those don't look like stock bags, either.
For stopping, fitting some better calipers will make a world of difference. Several ways to get there. You can fit late model HD's or even sportbike calipers with an adapter, or go with one of the aftermarket direct bolt-on options.
If the battery is under the seat, it has been relocated. Those don't look like stock bags, either.
For stopping, fitting some better calipers will make a world of difference. Several ways to get there. You can fit late model HD's or even sportbike calipers with an adapter, or go with one of the aftermarket direct bolt-on options.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Middlesex county CT
You're definitely dealing with someone else's project there.
If the battery is under the seat, it has been relocated. Those don't look like stock bags, either.
For stopping, fitting some better calipers will make a world of difference. Several ways to get there. You can fit late model HD's or even sportbike calipers with an adapter, or go with one of the aftermarket direct bolt-on options.
If the battery is under the seat, it has been relocated. Those don't look like stock bags, either.
For stopping, fitting some better calipers will make a world of difference. Several ways to get there. You can fit late model HD's or even sportbike calipers with an adapter, or go with one of the aftermarket direct bolt-on options.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 36
From: Round Rock, TX
That's correct. The latch and hinge system is easier to use than civilian models, but if you mount a tour pak, they don't clear unless you space it about an inch and a half higher.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Middlesex county CT
yeah no Tour pack for this guy. I actually really like the way the latch works it's easy to use with gloves. I am not crazy about the look of the twist patch but I do appreciate the functionality of them.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I had a police bike an they say the whole purpose of that latch was ease of use in gloves...I used to check them frequently since they can be prone to vibrating open. If you don't like the look there's options to replace that set up on ebay but I hear they don't hold as well.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Where to start?!
- Your bags are later spec Police bags, which I also have on my '90 bike. They are more roomy than the stock bags.
- You can glam up your bags with chrome goodies, available widely, including your 'pucks'. Check out various sites for aftermarket Police bike custom items.
- I assume you have a later trans, with the engine oil underneath, to replace the original oil bag? That battery 'tray' is a real dog's breakfast!
- Brakes: easy stuff is to swap to braided hoses, use aftermarket pads, swap to floating rotors. A change of calipers can be more expensive, just how far do you want to go?!
- Suspension upgrades, those worth having, are expensive and will make a brake upgrade even more pressing!
- Change your swingarm cleve blocks for solid bushings.
- To tighten up handling install a True-Track rear stabiliser.