Fishtail pipes...

Today I went for what they call here in Switzerland "Expertise". Basic mechanical check-up for bikes and cars older than 4 years and needs to be repeated each second year. Now my plan was to get a "veteran" license or "Plaque Collection". Like this I have to do the testing only once each 6 years.

My bike passed the test, although he was complaining a bit about my breaks. I told the mechanic that "breaking" with a Harley is called "anticipating". The veteran status I didn't get because my breaklines are not the original ones. I have the stainless steel version which is optional and therefore not original. Duh.....

Having it all tested it was not the time to put on the "fishtail" pipes, as the orgininal pipes are too quiet for me. (probably not for the neighbourhood).

As my table is not yet installed in my garage, I have used the "minilift" and I must say this one of the best pieces of equipment I ever bought.

So one side is done, and this was also the most difficult one, as the pipes touches the rear fall bar. The other side allows a bit more space...

And done...

My first attempt to polish...

Now I am familiar with polishing a car, but not how to polish metal in a decent way. So where to start? I do believe that good work starts with good tools and some really good advice. The guys on http://www.motorvitamine.eu/ were kind enough to give me some ideas.

So I started to visit some car accessories shops to see if I could buy good polishing paste. Bad luck, really insane, and not to find. I went to Hornbach and there they had some good tools and polishing blocks for sale. So you see below what you need. A drill, buffing wheel, polishing paste (white for the first run and blue for bright finish) and beer. (because works makes you thirsty)


Of course I don't want to ruin good parts, and therefore I have taken an old Derby cover to try. Below you see the results

Before...

And after...

I must say it went well, it's a lot of work, which needs a lot of patience. But the end-result is rewarding. I have also polished the handle bar clamp, which is now as shiny as the chromed head light nacelle. Great!

Tomorrow I will do some more...

Saddle Bag Blues...

Today I have started to do some small inspections, and to be able to see the sprocket and the rear break, I need to take off the saddle bags. Now I run into the first problem, because I don't have the keys to open them.

At least I have found a solution, by pressing the lids a bit and pushing them to the left side, they simply slide beneath the locks and come off.

As the bags need to be re-painted, I have to remove all the hardware. I saw they have used a fastener, which only can be removed by drilling them out. This means I have to find way to re-fit all the hardware in a proper way once the bags are re-painted. And yes ordering new locks might be a good idea as well, as I don't believe the previous owner will find back the keys.

The last 2 pictures show what is behind the saddle bags, and it's not bad at all. Looks a bit dusty, but in good shape. Also the brake side looks good and it will be fairly easy to clean.

Next coming weeks I will use to clean the bike and in this way I will get a better idea, what really needs to be done. What can be re-painted and polished and what needs to be replaced and re-chromed. Ebay here I come...

Picked up my new old bike today...

Today I left early together with my neighbour and his trailer to pick up the 1975 FLH. We left in the morning, because it takes about 2 hours to get there and with the large trailer even longer. The guy I bought it from is around 70 years old and that's the reason, he sells the bike.
Small surprises as usual, no keys for the saddle bags, so I need to buy new locks and also the ignition key doesn't work too good, so probably need to replace that as well. Minor problems, we will see..

After putting the bike in the trailer, securing it and handed over the money, we left for the journey back home. (The guy look a bit sad when we left).

At home and with the help of yet another neighbour, we de-loaded the bike. At least it arrived at my place in the same condition as we left.

I took the bike for a few small tours down the neighbourhood, just to try it once more. It runs great and it's fairly easy to ride it as I am used the ride my 2007 Harley. Its runs a bit quick when idle, so I have adjusted that a little bit and I am not unsatisfied at all.

After playing with it for a while, it is now parked next to my other Harley. Next week I will clean it and than I can make a better judgement, what I really need to fix at first.

The plan is to put on a license plate (the same plate as the other one, which is really an advantage here in Switzerland) and then ride with it just a little bit in spring and summer. In the meanwhile I am going to start searching for parts, books and advice to really turn this bike in a better than new condition. Wish me luck...

FLH 1975 Shovelhead Electra Glide...

My second Harley is a fact! Today I have bought a 1975 Shovelhead Electra Glide. The bike is in a reasonable good condition, with only 28.000 km. My plan is to take it apart and rebuild it, so lots of planning to be done, parts to be bought and manuals to be read. I am novice at this so it will be a hell of job, but fun to do.

As you can see the bike is red, but the paint is old and dull. Furthermore the bike comes with 4 boxes of spare parts and accessories which still have to be installed. During this project, it is my goal to keep you all up to date via this blog, so you can follow the progression

Ride safe...

Harley Davidson...

Since my childhood I have been totally crazy about Harley Davidson Bikes. Due to lack of money, other priorities, moving abroad I never got my license, until last year. I really decided to go for it and so it was done!

Next question which brand to buy. I had only one option, which was a Harley. So I bought myself a brand new 96 Cubic (1584 cc) Inch Harley Davidson Dyna Superglide Custom. Awsome!

During this summer I have put 5.000 km on the clock and today I am thinking about buying a second Harley (old one)

Will be continued...