Front end fitment question 2001 on a VL frame
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,819
Likes: 7,455
From: OH
[QUOTE=Scott_, all I am looking for is a safe and as reliable bike as possible. [/QUOTE]
Then I`d consider keeping the modern F.E. so I could have real brakes !
Had a UL/ VL with 4 speed mongrel years ago , I replumbed the oil system back to the original tanks as they were "there".
You have the option of just adding cylinder oil tank and hiding a small modern battery in a repop tool box.
Since VL dashes were spendy and hard to find , I fitted late model individual warning lights ( OIL /GEN / NEUTRAL /HIGH BEAM ) into a repop headlamp shell.
As you mentioned the exhaust had to be custom made and it`s TIGHT on the front cylinder
Had the frame "crossbars" and f-boards so I fitted foot shift and hand clutch
The bottom "shoe" of the VL frame made a convenient place to run / hide the wiring harness
That`s all I remember
GOOD luck
Then I`d consider keeping the modern F.E. so I could have real brakes !
Had a UL/ VL with 4 speed mongrel years ago , I replumbed the oil system back to the original tanks as they were "there".
You have the option of just adding cylinder oil tank and hiding a small modern battery in a repop tool box.
Since VL dashes were spendy and hard to find , I fitted late model individual warning lights ( OIL /GEN / NEUTRAL /HIGH BEAM ) into a repop headlamp shell.
As you mentioned the exhaust had to be custom made and it`s TIGHT on the front cylinder
Had the frame "crossbars" and f-boards so I fitted foot shift and hand clutch
The bottom "shoe" of the VL frame made a convenient place to run / hide the wiring harness
That`s all I remember
GOOD luck
Last edited by eighteight; Jan 2, 2024 at 01:57 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 2,228
From: College Station, TX
I've seen aftermarket conversion kits to use timken syle bearings on the early sterring hear that used roller bearings. But I've never used anything like that to offer any any thoughts on. The early Iron Sporties also used roller bearings, but again, the part of the bearing cup that pressed in the frame is larger with the timken bearings. So that part of the cup would have to be designed / made smaller or machined down, which makes me wonder how much strength would be lost.
Hope you will continue to post pictures as you progress on this project.
Paul
Hope you will continue to post pictures as you progress on this project.
Paul
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,576
Likes: 7,953
From: Long Island, New York
PS I am 6' and a bit of change, I ride a WL all over the damn place. I think you would be just fine with a VL frame, would be more room than what I have, which is plenty, good luck.
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