When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am new to the "Hundred Dollar" club. I purchased this bike a few months back from a buddy at work. I have a 88 VMAX that I was riding for years, and although I love the bike, it is not comfortable for long trips and I have always wanted more of a cruiser style bike. I am looking to do some modding and updating to the bike and I am looking for tips and suggestions. The stereo system I think I will leave as I do like having the handle bar controls. I did bring it some what in to the current century by using a tape cassette to aux cable and then using a bluetooth adapter. I would like to upgrade the speakers for sure. I am also thinking about getting the lower fairings with speakers in those. Although in my brief searchings this old of a bike doesn't like things in way of power consumption. Is there any upgrading I can do to the charging system? Maybe add a second battery somewhere? I do have some things I would like to take care of during the winter, carb rebuild, fix this slight oil leak I have. I would also like to upgrade lights and such to led.
I can't offer much in the way of advice on that bike, but I can say, it looks really cool! Where is the oil leak at? Typically, that's an easy fix.
Welcome to the forum.
Thanks. It doesn't appear to be coming from either of the breather hoses. It seems to come from above the oil filter and then drip off the oil filter. I don't think the oil filter is the culprit. I am doing a oil change this weekend. Maybe I will be able to get a better look then. I know it drips when I stop and park. But the way it drips like immediately when I stop leads me to believe it also leaks while riding.
One other thing I forgot to mention. I am thinking of looking in to replacing the exhaust. The flange on the left exhaust pipe is pretty much almost gone. There is not much left. I would like to do a true one to one exhaust system. If that is the right terminology. One header to one muffler. I don't like the 2 in to 1 exhaust on these. It just doesn't look right to me.
I have the same bike. I bought mine used in ‘89 at 6 months old with 2500 miles. It’s basically stock. Still has the stock Keihin carb on it. It still starts and runs great. It has a few leaks and rattles but that’s to be expected after all these years.
I would like to upgrade the speakers for sure. I am also thinking about getting the lower fairings with speakers in those.
Although in my brief searchings this old of a bike doesn't like things in way of power consumption. Is there any upgrading I can do to the charging system? Maybe add a second battery somewhere?
Your stator is 32 amps max, 14 amps @1000rpm, and 29 amps @ 2900 rpm. Adding a 100 watt power amp would add 8.3 amps draw to your electrical system. You should be fine for speaker changes and a mild amp...
If you go with a mega power amp and/or start using heated gear, you could have a problem....
If you decide you want to become an electrical hog.... It's not cheap, but you can upgrade your charging system (I wouldn't even consider adding a second battery).
I am a fan of Cycle Electric stuff. They are a good company with a great reputation for quality electrical parts..
They make an upgrade kit, to a three phase/ 50amp system of their regulator, rotor, and stator.. You would need their #CE-81A-97 upgrade kit.
There are cheaper upgrade kits out there, from a company called V-Factor (I have no experience with them) and Twin Power (I have used some of their stuff), but on something this major, IMHO, I would spend the extra money and go with Cycle Electric...
Last edited by hattitude; Sep 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM.
Thanks. It doesn't appear to be coming from either of the breather hoses. It seems to come from above the oil filter and then drip off the oil filter. I don't think the oil filter is the culprit. I am doing a oil change this weekend. Maybe I will be able to get a better look then. I know it drips when I stop and park. But the way it drips like immediately when I stop leads me to believe it also leaks while riding.
One other thing I forgot to mention. I am thinking of looking in to replacing the exhaust. The flange on the left exhaust pipe is pretty much almost gone. There is not much left. I would like to do a true one to one exhaust system. If that is the right terminology. One header to one muffler. I don't like the 2 in to 1 exhaust on these. It just doesn't look right to me.
After the oil change, I would suggest using a product like Simple Green or something as simple as Dawn dish soap, and go to the dollar store and get yourself a long brush, to get in all the engine fins. Give the bike a good scrub and you'll be able to see where the leak is coming from. From there, you start planning.
The exhaust you're talking about sounds like a true dual system. So the term "true dual" is what you'll want to use to search when looking for exhaust or parts.
http://cycleelectricinc.com/ is what I put into my 1989 UltraClassic. You can gain amps over stock easily. I have also used them in my 2002 UltraClassic. And if I have an issue with jy 2019 FLHTP, I will purchase again.
Well, I did an all around oil change last week. Seems like it is one of the fittings on the filter housing. Looks like the brass one. It is now not quite as bad as it was. I am wondering if it was because the oil filter was on so damn tight. I don't know who changed the oil last on the thing. But it was on I had to break out my large knipex pliers and crush the filter to get it off.
I figured I'd ask here first before making a new thread. Would anyone here happen to have a part number or a good replacement for the brackets that hold the passenger backrest on the luggage box? One on the side has broke. I made a temp one out of some aluminum I had. But it must have been to thin because it has broke now.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
My 89 Electra Glide Classic
