[XL1200R]

Hey everyone,

So for those of you who have been here a long time you'll remember I have an 05 Sportster Roadster.

Due to life in general I haven't been on here in many years, and my riding time has dwindled somewhat as well.

As a result my beloved Sportster needs some love. Here's what we are working on.

1. Leaking fork seals
2. Bad neck bearings
4. Lots of UGLY raw aluminum in desperate need of polishing
5. Cartridge front fork inserts
6. Carb is in need of some love, she spits and sputters on idle alot.
7. I'm sure more as I go on!

Figured it might be fun to start a post so people can follow along and watch me struggle to remember where all the parts go!

 

[XL1200R]

Where I'm at so far.

Front end is more or less totally disassembled. I'll take much better pics tomorrow. Stay tuned. Happy new year!

 

[1/2 Ton]

Looks like a energetic project.. One of my biggest hobbies was bringing new life to old dirt-bikes. I never did any real restoration, just made them ridable and look the part. Now I'm 62, closing in on my 2nd retirement as a life-long mechanic (aviation). Bending wrenches has lost much of its shinny chrome over the years. Although it drives me nuts, when someone else is wrenching on my bikes...cars n' trucks, who cares!
I for one will be happy to fallow this thread!

 

[XL1200R]

More recent photos. Also noticed hairline cracks in both triple trees! Not good! Glad I noticed them though

 

[XL1200R]

More progress. Lots of polishing, cleaning, and more polishing. Waiting on a bunch of parts to put things back together.

Wound up ordering some really nice aftermarket triple trees. Expensive but heavier duty for better handling and hopefully no cracking!

 

[XL1200R]

More photos. Blinker stems came out great!

 

[Gorillathehun]

Was it stored outside?

 

[XL1200R]

Was it stored outside?

No. Just ridden alot outside. Lol!

Couple more pics. Built the handle bars back up since all that stuff was clean, and now working on more polishing.

 

[XL1200R]

A few more

 

[Convince Me]

An ambitious undertaking for sure XL. Nice work so far beats watching TV.

 

[XL1200R]

An ambitious undertaking for sure XL. Nice work so far beats watching TV.

Indeed! Unfortunately it escalated as I dug in deeper, but really happy to get this thing looking and performing top notch again!

 

[tommytailspin]

Indeed! Unfortunately it escalated as I dug in deeper, but really happy to get this thing looking and performing top notch again!

i'm glad you are giving it some love. it's always good to see one come back to good health and good looks.

 

[XL1200R]

i'm glad you are giving it some love. it's always good to see one come back to good health and good looks.

Totally agree. Starting to see some progress finally! Who doesn't wash their motorcycle wheels in the bathtub! LOL

 

[XL1200R]

The progressive suspension cartridge fork kit just came in 😍😍

I'm in love. Lol

 

[Gorillathehun]

The progressive suspension cartridge fork kit just came in 😍😍

I'm in love. Lol

I have their monotube kit in mine and love it.

 

[Gorillathehun]

What triples did you end up buying?

 

[Convince Me]

Love it.

 

[XL1200R]

What triples did you end up buying?

MXV1 39mm Triple Tree

MXV1 39mm Triple Trees Features: CNC Machined out of solid 6061 T-6 Billet Aluminum. Available in Black Anodize, and Raw aluminum finishes. INCREASED CLAMPING AREA of 0.25” on the bottom tree Reduces Lateral & Torsional fork flex which increases the rigidity and stability of the front end...

pro-one.com

Not cheap but they add clamping area and clamping force so they will hopefully withstand my future abuse.

 

[XL1200R]

Love it.
View attachment 791123

Haha gotta do whatcha gotta do.

 

[XL1200R]

I have their monotube kit in mine and love it.

I've heard lots of good things. Hopefully it all pans out. I just couldn't bring myself to spend 800 on the online or screaming eagle kits that had adjustable rebound/damping.