Wired and tested my rear lights, got electrical about 95% complete. Only glitch is the running lights in the cheap Chinese front units aren't working. I may have wired it in reverse. I'll check that tonight maybe.

The PO had replaced the stock timing sensor plate with some weird, 2-wire setup with an advance mechanism and two wires running directly to the coil. That seemed strange so I replaced it all with an OEM setup.

I thought that they may have done that to bypass a bad ignition module. Last night I checked for spark at the plugs. Good strong spark from the OEM setup. Looks like ignition module is okay.

 

I plan on painting mine. I still have the paint I used on my side covers or just paint the black.

 

I added the "Chopped Fender" running light/brake light to my Iron. It's good to be seen by dimwits rolling up behind you.

 

Installed my air shocks so I can adjust the ride height on the fly. DIY setup complete with compressor and dump valve ran on a toggle.

 

I installed an S&S Super E Shorty on my friends 88 Sportster and she fired right up, idled smooth and revved strong. VERY satisfying. I put blue loctite on where I attached the air cleaner mount to the carb and installed the spacers and plastic washers on the choke properly too. Not my first S&S install.

On my old '75 XLCH I neglected to use the loctite (this was years ago) and eventually one of the screws loosened and got sucked into the head and damaged a valve. Had to do a top end rebuild and took the opportunity to enlarge the valves and polish the heads to go with the stroked motor. Lesson learned.

And that's what I did on my (friends) Sportster today.

 

Apparently if you don't wash your bike for a few years, parts rust. Who'd have thunk it. I spent the week internally wiring replacement bars. Changed the chrome 1" LA Choppers Nice Curves to the 1.25" black powder coated LA Choppers Nice Curves. The beefier look is pretty cool, I like 'em. They're also knurled which is a nice change; the non-knurled bars were constantly getting readjusted on the road. Of course now I've got to change the mirrors and levers to black; they're in the mail. I also replaced the stock turn signals with custom dynamics truwrapz, which are cool as hell.. you can't see them at all until the blinkers come on.

It's been a busy spring. Hammer 1275, DK heel-toe shifter, bars, blinkers, kuryakn bluegrass breather system, 13" air shocks, ignition switch relo (again), combo digital speedo / analog tach, fuel gauge kit (which isn't working), roland sands headlight/speedo relocate, new clutch and stator, power vision, back rest. I've got progressive springs and ricor intiminators yet to install.

I've been telling myself for years that when my truck was paid off I'd buy a road king.. but the time came, I rode one, and it's just not as fun. I'm as in love with my Sporty as ever, so I've been making all the little refinements I've been wanting.

 

That's a damn fine looking bike.

 

Here it is. PO just put new pipes, AC, and tires on it before deciding to sell, so I got some new accessories with the deal.

I will change up a couple things, over time, but great platform to start with!

 

Popped the new battery in and took her for a spin to grab some lunch.

 

Nice. Clean.