Is it possible?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,573
Likes: 113
From: Fort Worth, TX
Is it possible?
I'm toying with the idea of buying an old Sportster as a 2nd. bike to rebuild. The plan is to take the engine completely apart and rebuild it. My main question is....
Can someone like me with decent mechanical ability (far from expert) and limited mechanical experience be able to undertake a project like this only using material found on the internet and a Service Manual or are there so many things to look out for that only a person that works on stuff like this everyday can handle, i.e. a motorcycle mechanic?
Can someone like me with decent mechanical ability (far from expert) and limited mechanical experience be able to undertake a project like this only using material found on the internet and a Service Manual or are there so many things to look out for that only a person that works on stuff like this everyday can handle, i.e. a motorcycle mechanic?
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
Big Al, its not impossible depending on your abilities, Would be very helpfull if you had a local buddy that just happens to know his engines and could guide you along so to speak.
And as a maintenance man in industrial for a long time if its your first time doing it take notes if needed and lay everything out as it comes off and pay attention and with any luck at all it will work when you put it back together and you will have learned alot and had some fun.
And as a maintenance man in industrial for a long time if its your first time doing it take notes if needed and lay everything out as it comes off and pay attention and with any luck at all it will work when you put it back together and you will have learned alot and had some fun.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
Very possible,just how bad do you want it.Never forget there are all kinds of people out there that will answer your questions,don't let pride get in your way.You will be amazed how good it feels to climb onto your own creation.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
Big Al mark/label all parts removed. Also take pictures throughout tear down and use for reference when putting back together. Take your time. If your not sure of something don't be afraid to ask questions. Good Luck
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
BA, When marking the parts as they come off mark then inward and outward or some way you'll know how they came off. Some parts have a certain way or side to them.
When I tore my sporty down in 72, I also made drawings of the wiring. Its hard to get a pic that includes all you need sometimes thats clear.
Makes sure the parts table doesn't fall or the kids start grabbing the parts and mixing them up.
When I tore my sporty down in 72, I also made drawings of the wiring. Its hard to get a pic that includes all you need sometimes thats clear.
Makes sure the parts table doesn't fall or the kids start grabbing the parts and mixing them up.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
yeh, I'd say go for it. Older HD motors are about as complicated as a briggs and straton.
I plan on tearing into one myself someday
I plan on tearing into one myself someday
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Lafayette, LA.
One thing Big Al, have the right tools. It makes the build so much easier. I did a fresh top end on my old Triumph a couple of years ago and I don't have that much mechanical ability or tools to do the job. I know this indy who is a wizz on old British and he let me do it at his shop. He advised me now and then and let me use his tools. The tools made the difference between a very decent top end and a disaster.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,573
Likes: 113
From: Fort Worth, TX
Thanks so much guys! I thought I was going to get a lot of "don't be a dumbass, only mechanics should do this stuff"... hahaha
I will definitely take my time, label everything and get the right tools
I will definitely take my time, label everything and get the right tools