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Well, that is my 1982 Harley Davidson XLSA in the Red and Black trim after its first real ride to work (5 miles) since I was able to get it running after it sat for over a year with all of the fluids drained out of it.
First, let me start with some background. I was looking for a Sporty to turn into a bobber and have fun with. I was looking at $1000.00 or less. I have built motors and worked on old stuff before, so I have no real fears about getting dirty. I was searching and I came across this bike on Craigslist along with 5 others in the price range. This one was higher at $1,500, but it looked like it was calling out to be checked out. I emailed all of the sellers and only the XLSA guy responded. I decided to research the bike. I asked for photos of the VIN and Engine (they match) and of any damage. The bike is not prefect and requires some work, she will never be concourse (not enough value to go that nuts), but she has enough value to restore.
Yep, I decided to restore and not chop. I love the Sporty line, although my Softail is my daily. I learned that my year is the first year of Willie G buy back and that this model is a 25th Anniversary of the Sportster commemorative edition and is a Roadster with a "custom" paint. They produced 788 of them (need to verify some of the facts).
The bike is 98% original which is unheard of when it comes to Sporties of that era, people (like me) chop them up or they are beaten up pretty hard. I actually have restored or maintained classic cars, mostly British, so restoring a Harley is no different. Yes, it is a bike, but the searching, researching, and finding parts is similar to cars.
Here is a fun picture to add, below, is a picture of the tank of the Sporty and my Softail. I knew there was a reason I liked the color of the bike. I honestly did not notice until I got it home and had them next to each other that they were near identical matches.
20180922_184916.jpg
I am looking forward to riding and events with this bike. I think this week I am going out for a fun ride with some friends with older bikes, well a 1993 HD Softail and 2001 Softail.lol
Well, that is my 1982 Harley Davidson XLSA in the Red and Black trim after its first real ride to work (5 miles) since I was able to get it running after it sat for over a year with all of the fluids drained out of it.
First, let me start with some background. I was looking for a Sporty to turn into a bobber and have fun with. I was looking at $1000.00 or less. I have built motors and worked on old stuff before, so I have no real fears about getting dirty. I was searching and I came across this bike on Craigslist along with 5 others in the price range. This one was higher at $1,500, but it looked like it was calling out to be checked out. I emailed all of the sellers and only the XLSA guy responded. I decided to research the bike. I asked for photos of the VIN and Engine (they match) and of any damage. The bike is not prefect and requires some work, she will never be concourse (not enough value to go that nuts), but she has enough value to restore.
Yep, I decided to restore and not chop. I love the Sporty line, although my Softail is my daily. I learned that my year is the first year of Willie G buy back and that this model is a 25th Anniversary of the Sportster commemorative edition and is a Roadster with a "custom" paint. They produced 788 of them (need to verify some of the facts).
The bike is 98% original which is unheard of when it comes to Sporties of that era, people (like me) chop them up or they are beaten up pretty hard. I actually have restored or maintained classic cars, mostly British, so restoring a Harley is no different. Yes, it is a bike, but the searching, researching, and finding parts is similar to cars.
Here is a fun picture to add, below, is a picture of the tank of the Sporty and my Softail. I knew there was a reason I liked the color of the bike. I honestly did not notice until I got it home and had them next to each other that they were near identical matches.
20180922_184916.jpg
I am looking forward to riding and events with this bike. I think this week I am going out for a fun ride with some friends with older bikes, well a 1993 HD Softail and 2001 Softail.lol
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