Gifted a 1990 XL 1200
#1
04-13-2018, 11:40 PM
Gifted a 1990 XL 1200
My father in law gave up riding a few years back due to poor health. He sent me a text not long ago that he wants me to have his bike and get it back on the road. I will pick it up on the 28th and start the process of getting it her up and running. I felt very proud that he trusts me with his baby. He is a good guy and you hate to see this happen.
I bought a similar bike new in 1994 and it was fun as hell to ride and the evo bikes are typically pretty good.
Needs both sets of rocker gaskets front and back Which is not too hard. A battery of course but the gas smells fine but I am sure the carb will need a cleaning. Who knows if the tires are still good but I will likely swap those out for safety reasons after I check the date and inspect them. Will do all the fluids, brake fluid, fork oil and check torque on everything general run through.
I will get some pix up in a few weeks. I plan to keep it bone stock. It’s a nice green and silver two tone with HD leather saddle bags and buck horn handle bars. I want him to see it up and running again instead of collecting dust in his garage.
My 16 year old son and wife are both eager to get their leg over it. If they help wrench a little then they can ride it. Keep them away from my RKC.
project picks coming soon.
I bought a similar bike new in 1994 and it was fun as hell to ride and the evo bikes are typically pretty good.
Needs both sets of rocker gaskets front and back Which is not too hard. A battery of course but the gas smells fine but I am sure the carb will need a cleaning. Who knows if the tires are still good but I will likely swap those out for safety reasons after I check the date and inspect them. Will do all the fluids, brake fluid, fork oil and check torque on everything general run through.
I will get some pix up in a few weeks. I plan to keep it bone stock. It’s a nice green and silver two tone with HD leather saddle bags and buck horn handle bars. I want him to see it up and running again instead of collecting dust in his garage.
My 16 year old son and wife are both eager to get their leg over it. If they help wrench a little then they can ride it. Keep them away from my RKC.
project picks coming soon.
#4
04-14-2018, 07:16 AM
HDF Community Team
Get yourself a Shorai Lithium battery. That battery tray on your bike can break off at the oil tank, where it mounts. Crappy design, but taking as much weight as possible off that tray will hopefully save a much more expensive repair. Mine's holding fast after 27 years, but I've had a Shorai for a long time. No battery tender required, and strong, instant starts. Your 1990 has no battery drain when "off." So, with a Shorai you can let it sit for a couple months and she'll fire up like you parked her yesterday. Best money I've ever spent on my 1991, ever.
I have a 1991 with the same inherent problem, do yourself a big favor and spend the extra money for a Shorai Lithium battery. You can get it the same size as the stock battery, yet it weighs nothing compared to that lead monster.
TIRES: Pirelli Night Dragons (if still available), accept no substitutes!!!!! Second best money spent on bike in 27 years, see above for 1st.
John
I have a 1991 with the same inherent problem, do yourself a big favor and spend the extra money for a Shorai Lithium battery. You can get it the same size as the stock battery, yet it weighs nothing compared to that lead monster.
TIRES: Pirelli Night Dragons (if still available), accept no substitutes!!!!! Second best money spent on bike in 27 years, see above for 1st.
John
Last edited by John Harper; 04-14-2018 at 07:22 AM.
#5
04-14-2018, 07:16 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 7,732
Received 4,890 Likes
on
2,549 Posts
#6
04-14-2018, 07:26 AM
Get yourself a Shorai Lithium battery. That battery tray on your bike can break off at the oil tank, where it mounts. Crappy design, but taking as much weight as possible off that tray will hopefully save a much more expensive repair. Mine's holding fast after 27 years, but I've had a Shorai for a long time. No battery tender required, and strong, instant starts. Your 1990 has no battery drain when "off." So, with a Shorai you can let it sit for a couple months and she'll fire up like you parked her yesterday. Best money I've ever spent on my 1991, ever.
I have a 1991 with the same inherent problem, do yourself a big favor and spend the extra money for a Shorai Lithium battery. You can get it the same size as the stock battery, yet it weighs nothing compared to that lead monster.
TIRES: Pirelli Night Dragons (if still available), accept no substitutes!!!!! Second best money spent on bike in 27 years, see above for 1st.
John
I have a 1991 with the same inherent problem, do yourself a big favor and spend the extra money for a Shorai Lithium battery. You can get it the same size as the stock battery, yet it weighs nothing compared to that lead monster.
TIRES: Pirelli Night Dragons (if still available), accept no substitutes!!!!! Second best money spent on bike in 27 years, see above for 1st.
John
#7
04-14-2018, 07:33 AM
I thought about hat but it is what is is and if it was going on a big trip I could change a sprocket. This year seems like an odd ball.
Trending Topics
#8
04-14-2018, 09:03 AM
HDF Community Team
John
#9
04-14-2018, 11:00 AM
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Posts: 27,066
Received 4,614 Likes
on
2,726 Posts
#10
04-14-2018, 11:12 AM
Tourer
