So I used to have a Nightster, totaled it, Bought a Wide Glide, engine went kaput. From what I can get out of the Harley Mechs, I believe I have the exact problem that they describe at this website - http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.bi...buyharley.html

Sorry but I dont want another TC motor, I only got 21xxx miles out of my first POS motor.

I have always missed the Nightster too.

But I am wondering if it is practical for my riding needs. I am always riding two up. Always carrying gear, for multi-week vacations, including a tent and camping gear, etc.

Are there any removable saddle bags where you don't have to relocate the turn signals? And still hold lots of stuff?

I am wanting to ride a sporty again but Im not single anymore and not sure if it fits our needs.

 

and how do you paint the grey engine? I've read the posts and people say sanding/prep is key. Do they sand the existing textured finish down to bare metal?? I would think that its rough enough for paint to stick, it would just need to be extra clean. And no need for textured paint too

 

This is the Sportster you need if you plan on touring with it. The bags and wind screen are removable.


http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...low-1200t.html

 

You could always just buy the Sportster with the cases the color that you want. Roadster, 72, SuperLow 883 have pewter cases. All else are black.

 

The grey is kinda bad looking, its not a bad color theres just too much of it.
I just powdercoated the side covers of the engine; makes a big difference.

 

any special prep work to powder coat those?

 

Not an expert, but I think powder coat is only applied to bare metal.

But with a thorough cleaning, painting over would be OK.

 

Yeah I sandblasted the stock coating off first. Powder sticks to chrome pretty good too just with a light scuff.

 

FWIW I do not think a Sporty is the best for consistant/ long term two up riding.

It can be set up as a "bagger" and it can do "it".

Yet passenger comfort, weight limits and perhaps some other items, for me, are the reason I make this comment.

Here's good luck getting back in the saddle.

 

Well, long trips are going to become increasingly more rare/impossible as we plan on having kids this fall. Lots of other reason too, but day trips we hope to do still