New Old Dude
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 523
Likes: 406
From: So Western Ohio
Code letters... like in the VIN?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 523
Likes: 406
From: So Western Ohio
Thanks. I thought so, too. The factory used giant metal flakes, tinted to whatever color over a black base coat. I have no idea how the painter got them applied so even, it looks flawless. It reminds me of the bass boats at boat shows years ago with their gaudy metal flake colors. I bought it and realized I was too worried about dropping it to relax and have fun. It's taken a couple months to loosen up and ride it right.
There are about 5 coats of clear, each one rubbed out. I bet most of these 72s are low mileage for their years.
The engine surprised me. The thing charges through 3rd and 4th like a raped ape. Just twisting the throttle for an extra second it hit 65 mph in 3rd. It can keep your butt planted in that hump at the rear of the seat up to 97, that's as hard I've cranked it so far. In 4th gear...It's got the stock apes on it,. no bueno for ton up riding.
I really love it.
There are about 5 coats of clear, each one rubbed out. I bet most of these 72s are low mileage for their years.
The engine surprised me. The thing charges through 3rd and 4th like a raped ape. Just twisting the throttle for an extra second it hit 65 mph in 3rd. It can keep your butt planted in that hump at the rear of the seat up to 97, that's as hard I've cranked it so far. In 4th gear...It's got the stock apes on it,. no bueno for ton up riding.
I really love it.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 523
Likes: 406
From: So Western Ohio
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
As far as range it goes about 62 miles and the light comes on, and takes about 1.5 or 6 gal to refill. I expect at 80 miles I'll be pushing. I don't mind letting it rev, it's a sportster after all. It needs some carbon blown out anyway. Thanks for the tips!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 523
Likes: 406
From: So Western Ohio
My 4000 RPM dune buggy tach, tucked in behind the shield.
It looks like you fellas are in the Big Twin contingent. Man those are some beautiful scooters. I'm getting old so this bike was picked because it's lighter, smaller and easier to store in a cramped garage.
I wrestled an 800 pound Road Star (my baby for 14 years) and got tired of the grunting in parking lots and the garage. It was lightly modified by me and made 75 HP and 105 ft pound of torque with lazy, cool running ease. I miss it, but that's the way an old man crumbles. Those are all beautiful machines!
Last edited by Rufus13; Jul 25, 2023 at 08:54 PM. Reason: correction
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 523
Likes: 406
From: So Western Ohio
Oh, I love me some drought especially in July and August. The bugs here are blooming up bad.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 523
Likes: 406
From: So Western Ohio
Y'all can see more of it at my gallery I put up today. As far as enjoying the ride, I've just begun to. It's too pretty to dump in a ditch or something. Made me nervous! 
