I really enjoyed this series. I can separate a true motorcycle guy from a Hipster in 2 seconds. This is solid info that is much more helpful to a do it yourselfer than just name-dropping. I realize this video is 6 years old but, I hope you are happy, health & still ripping a Harley around like you're 20
My first Harley was a 1977 XLCH Sportster. I ordered it while I was stationed in Japan in 1976 and picked it up when I got home. I rode it down to my new duty station in Georgia, and through a friend got to run it on a dirt track, totally stock, no modifications at all. It was the most fun you could have on a motorcycle at the time. I'm down the street in San Diego and my FXDWG would be a little big for the track, but it would be so cool to do what you are doing. Keep us posted, maybe we locals can come out to see you race.
Thanks Alex. I bought the seat/fender combo on EBay. Several companies sell them new, but cost a fortune. There were a few to choose from on EBay when I was looking. I could have bought one for a little less, but I liked the idea of already having the seat and brake light. I paid $200 plus $22 for shipping. If you are not looking for the traditional "Dirt Tracker" look, I think it is Burley Brand that sells a cool rear fender, that most guys out here are running, for around $100. Wheelies...
Right on Drew! It is a bit easier to explain how to build a bike than it is to pop wheelies...Unlike moto-x bikes, or street bikes, Harley motors are way more forward, rather than almost under the rider. The hardest part for me has been trying to get the front wheel up without just spinning the tire. I am starting to get that part figured out. It requires a lot of clutch, and not as much throttle as I was using. Lower tire pressure also helps. The scary part is the balance point; it is much more vertical than on most bikes. The good thing is that these bikes are so front heavy that I think it is probably pretty hard to go over backwards, no impossible, but more difficult than most bikes. I also watch the Unknown Industries "Harley Wheelie" videos, almost every night looking for clues:-) "Harley Wheelies 12" is my favorite...Good luck...
Joel, this is great! I love that you willingly admit your subpar mechanical skills. What you lack in mechanics, you make up for on your ability to hold your own on a bike.....awesome! I am currently searching for an older sportster for a project as well and this video has helped! Thanks
Eugene Brands Thanks Eugene. I have posted three more videos, and #5 is in the works. If you have any questions, let me know, I am learning new things about these Harley Trackers all the time. Best thing I have learned is that they are FUN AS HELL!!!
Joel - I love this video! I've been planning a similar project and can't wait to get started! Great work! I'm excited to watch the rest of the series!!
Thanks for that insight! Wheeling my crf450 is a cake walk compared to this sporty, granted I have an 05 rubber mounted bike so its a little bigger but still that shouldn't be an issue. I'm just a puss and don't want to drop my baby.
A standard Sportster is still a great bike. Harley has made the new ones cheap and nasty instead. You need to take a lot of stuff off to replace one part. And buy some blue Loctite.
Hey George. You never gave an actual reason why your friends suggested you begin with an '84 through '02 Sportster. I know the '84 was when the new Evo engine came in, and the '04 and above are rubber mounted, but was there anything else? Weight, handling, looks?
+Y0d3lingy3ti I mount the seat to the bike in "Part 3". I have seen it done many ways, some way more heavy duty looking than my way, and a few much more janky. I have been riding my bike pretty hard for almost a year now and my seat is still solid as a rock. Check out "Part 3" and let me know if you have more questions. Wheelies..
Hey I was wondering how you went about deleting the speedometer. Did you just disconnect everything at the gauges or did you remove all the wires and cables with it?
Joel Tarquin That's how I handle most electronics on my bike 😂 thanks! Awesome bike by the way these videos are what made me finally pull the trigger on a 2000 xl1200s and I'm loving it.
so how did this bike respond on the track? was the weight ok? I have been thinking about an 883 flat track project. I race 450 class already. but concerned about weight of bike. thanks
Well, the bike does weigh about 500lbs...Much different than your 450, but a TON of fun to ride on a track. Biggest difference would be that track conditions, like ruts, don't effect it much. The scary part is that it does not slow down as easily as your 450, so you need to stay aware of the sketchy dudes on the track. Seems that the 883 motor is better on the short tracks than the 1200. It won't be like your 450, but it will be a blast!
4.5" risers, 1.5" rise in the Builtwell Tracker bars. Bike feels great on the dirt track, and is still narrow enough for lane splitting. I might try another 1.5' in either the bars or the risers, just to see if it helps with wheelies...
Where ever you live the laws there must be very “friendly “ to motorcycles? No turn signals, no mirrors, no front fender, no Speedo! None of that will fly in Oklahoma! Even a front fender is required by Oklahoma law!? Talk about your overkill. We do not have to wear helmets though! We also must have a daytime running headlight to be street legal.
Actually our laws require most of those things as well. Cops around here don't typically pull someone over for those infractions, but if I got caught riding a wheelie or something, they would drill me for all those things. I saw you comment on another one of my videos about my Evel Kneivel toy, if you haven't seen it yet, you might get a kick out of my Evel Kneivel tribute video. You should be able to find it on my RU-vid page. Glad that you are finally riding. Be safe out there...
