I'm back--This time with a 1983 Sportster
 

I just picked this up off Craigslist.
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/...pse7623d74.jpg

I've rebuilt many old DOHC Hondas, but this is my first Harley Davidson (I do not count the 54 KH basket case as I never did anything to it). It currently runs, but has no front brakes and needs a starter rebuilt. I have the starter parts on the way, but found that the front brake lines are obsolete. I'm trying to find an alternative to them.

I plan to paint it some kind of metallic green--something along the lines of HD's Radioactive Green.

With some research, you can probably build a dual front brake line from individual hose parts with a junction and the right ends.

https://www.denniskirk.com/harley-da...gs-and-related

Nice bike, BTW.

You need these two manuals ...
99484-85 Factory Service Manual
99451-85A Factory Parts Catalog

Use Google and eBay searches.

Nice bike! have fun, eh.

Thanks! Wait until you see it when I'm done with it!

I'm having difficulty finding front brake lines for it. The fittings on the calipers are what is causing me problems. Is there a reason why I should not be able to replace these with lines that have banjo bolt fittings?
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1f5dc62a.jpg

I think that's a tapered pipe thread, and a banjo bolt won't be. I suppose you could have the caliper tapped for a banjo bolt, but if you can determine what thread you need, these are available...

http://www.russellperformance.com/mc...fittings.shtml

If you're switching to low handlebars, this should work...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPORTSTER-XL...-/311246797973

I wish I'd looked at this a little earlier. I JUST dropped my lines off at a local shop that is going to fabricate up a replacement for me. That Ebay link looks like just what I've been looking for. I don't know how that never turned up in any of the searches I did. I searched every variation of "1983," "Sportster," "Harley Davidson," "Brakes," "Lines," etc. I see you said "If you're switching to low handlebars..." Do you not think that would work with what I currently have?

I don't think so. The upper hose is way too short - it looks similar to the hose on my '83 XLX, and those bars in the picture are about as high as will work with that brake line. Anyway, good luck with it!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...X/P1010381.jpg

Thanks for your help! Your bike is beautiful!

The shop that is fabricating new brake lines for me is doing so at a pretty reasonable price--not much more than the Ebay link--and I KNOW they will fit. I can't believe the turn around on them either--they estimate I'll be able to pick them up before lunch today! My starter rebuild parts will hopefully arrive by Friday. With any luck, this weekend I'll be able to start driving it around to see what else needs to be addressed.

Thanks! Man, that's a good deal on the brake line - post a pic of it when you get it. Who knows when I might need a new one, and a local shop might be a good option.