87 Softail Question
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87 Softail Question
I have an 87 Heritage I'm preparing to do a major rebuild on and I have a couple questions I'm hoping someone can answer.
I'm planning on installing a wide tire kit but I don't want a kit that includes a fender, I mention this because I've seen the most recomended kit does come with a strutless fender. Has anyone installed the Santee kit? Has anyone converted to a chain drive at the same time they installed the wide tire kit?
Will a later model transmission and starter (90-99) fit in my 87 frame without modifications? I ask this because this would simplify some other mods I want make, such as a belt primary.
Are the kickstarter kits for 5 speeds reliable enough to eliminate the starter or are they just for show?
Thanks Dino
I'm planning on installing a wide tire kit but I don't want a kit that includes a fender, I mention this because I've seen the most recomended kit does come with a strutless fender. Has anyone installed the Santee kit? Has anyone converted to a chain drive at the same time they installed the wide tire kit?
Will a later model transmission and starter (90-99) fit in my 87 frame without modifications? I ask this because this would simplify some other mods I want make, such as a belt primary.
Are the kickstarter kits for 5 speeds reliable enough to eliminate the starter or are they just for show?
Thanks Dino
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From: Sw Florida
RE: 87 Softail Question
Cant' answer any those questions but I am also interested in the santee kit . I have some wheels that I purchased without checking into things and the rear is way to wide . If you do the kit I would be interested in finding out how it went , Thanx . I have an 87 fxstc .
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: 87 Softail Question
I've got an '87 Heritage Sloptail, also. Unfortunately, I can't specifically answer any of your questions! There are some folks on here that have done the wide tire stuff, and maybe they'll shoot some kit names your way. Besides Santee, Arlen Ness makes a 250 swingarm kit w/o a fender.
Primo makes both open and closed primary belt drives for your bike. Don't know if a later tranny would be a drop-in, but even if it isn't, anything can be modified! What other changes were you thinking of that would be easier with a newer tranny?
5 speed kickers have a checkered reputation. Some of the RevTech kits had some poorly heat treated parts and were junk. Maybe they're better now.
Primo makes both open and closed primary belt drives for your bike. Don't know if a later tranny would be a drop-in, but even if it isn't, anything can be modified! What other changes were you thinking of that would be easier with a newer tranny?
5 speed kickers have a checkered reputation. Some of the RevTech kits had some poorly heat treated parts and were junk. Maybe they're better now.
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RE: 87 Softail Question
The reason I'm thinking about changing to the later model tranny is because I want to intall a belt drive. All the belt drive kits I've seen are only for 90 and later models do to the different starter setup. I'm planning on rebuilding or replacing the tranny anyway so updating to a later model case seemed like a good solution. Since I want to install the wide tire kit I figured this would be a good time to replace any driveline parts to make sure everything fits right during the mockup phase.
I like the look of Exiles bikes, I like the industrial look but I want to incorperate some of my own ideas too. I'm rebuilding the softail rather that buying a kit because I'm never going to sell this bike.
Dino
I like the look of Exiles bikes, I like the industrial look but I want to incorperate some of my own ideas too. I'm rebuilding the softail rather that buying a kit because I'm never going to sell this bike.
Dino
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: 87 Softail Question
Do a search for Primo belt drives. They make 'em for your bike. I'm putting one on my '87 right now, or as soon as my knee heals up enough to get back into my shop.
Don't use a BDL unit. Have heard way too many horror stories about them form some pretty good mechanics & builders.
Don't use a BDL unit. Have heard way too many horror stories about them form some pretty good mechanics & builders.
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From: Darlington WI.
RE: 87 Softail Question
I know a 93 trans will bolt right in. When I started to build my 87 back in 95 I put a new 93 trans in it and no problems at all.
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From: Darlington WI.
RE: 87 Softail Question
Skip what's the deal with the BDL belt drives? That's what I put on the 87, been running it 7 years never had any trouble yet. I like to know if I should look out for anything.
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: 87 Softail Question
Maybe it's a late thing with 'em. Several I know have had clutch shells that weren't round, and there were other minor problems. Most of the guys told of being treated pretty poorly by BDL when trying to get the bugs ironed out.
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