[oldman1]

Well guys/gals, I finally finished all the modifications on my 04 Sportster. I really tore into it over the winter months while I had it in my living room, and finally got her back on the road. I must say everything went absolutely perfect and it now runs probably better than new. Some of the additions and repairs I did are as follows:

Replaced both rear shocks to 12 1/2 inches, I didn't like the shorties.
Replaced front headlight with Harley nacelle, Just like the enclosed look.
Replaced pitted fender struts, Speedometer houshing, rear turn signals, mirrors, timing cover, and grips.
Added new style harley solo seat with seperate passenger seat.
Added chrome gas tank console, side cover wing tips, Harley security alarm with siren, rear LED turn signal supports, front standard Harley sliders, gas cap, derby cover.
I took off the original Harley air cleaner housing and cover and replaced it with a brand New Harley 03 chrome cover, filter, backplate, and breather bolts.
I completely rebuilt the carburetor with all new stock Harley parts. Went back to stock 42 and 170 jets, installed new ez just mixture screw.
Replaced intake gaskets, spark plug cables, went back to the stock exhaust pipes with all new gaskets and clamps, and replaced throttle cables.
Of course I changed the oil, and fork oil.
I only had to do slight tweaking of the mixture screw to get a perfect air/fuel flow, no backfires at all at idle or take-off.
I kind of like the vintage look and wanted to keep things as stock as possible. Below are some photos of the completed project.

[wvak47]

Nice job Oldman. I likes. I should be getting pics of my 05 up soon, she ain't quite as shiny as yours LOL. I am more pleased to hear you got rid of that spit and sputter than anything. Believe that was the first we heard from you was asking how to do that. Glad it is over and all is well in Sporty land.

You wouldn't have a orginal set of shock and aircleaner cover for sale would ya?

[HARLEY GRT R]

Really Nice Job >>> Like Herein Guys That Do Their Own....

[oldman1]

Thanks for the complement wvak47 and HARLEY GRT R.

Sorry wvak47, I sold all the parts on ebay as fast as they were taken off. It helped defray cost on the new parts. I'd really like to see your's when it's done. Yeah that spitting, backfiring, and popping drove me nuts as this was my first experience with a Harley. I bought it used with 7800 miles on it and the first owner put on slash, open pipes, screamin eagle air cleaner, and messed up the carb with jets that were too rich. It looked as if it never was serviced since the guy had it, and was running so rich that the smell of raw gas from the exhaust was choking me, not to mention the loud noise from open pipes. I was determined to put it back as new, and fix it myself, since I've serviced my own bikes for over 40 years. First thing I did was pick up all 3 original Harley manuals, service, parts, and electrical and read them all before starting out. Then I took off all the add-ons, replaced all fluids, and put the engine back to original condition. I had to have a starting point. After that I added on to customize it the way I liked it but kept the engine and carb all stock. The only change I made having to do with the engine was changing to the 03 air cleaner assembly, as I didn't like the way the 04 looked or worked. The backplate on the 04 was flimsy and I didn't like that air scoop part of it. The 03 looked more beefy and had a vintage look to it.
I'm convinced after all this that most problems with the Sportster have to do with add-ons or mods to the carb or engine, and general maintenance. I've learned a ton from the Harley manuals and am convinced they are a must for any trouble shooting or attempted repair of the bike. I was determined to do it all mysef because of all the horrer stories I've heard or read about of dealer's screwing up other's bikes, not to mention the high cost of their labor. Also it doesn't help the owner of the bike if you never know what or how something was done, you end up married to the service dept. I must say it was all challenging and fun and now I wouldn't own anything but a Harley.

[cowboy]

Well oldman you did good , your bike look's old & new at the same time I to think the sporty popin & spiting comes from someone messing with the carb as my daughters 04 does it , I have most of gone , but it still has a small bit to go to get read of it , She likes the sound from the SE pipes , so I'am going to try some different jets & go from there

[oldman1]

Thanks Cowboy, hope you get your daughter's bike running good also.

[oldman1]

A few more photo's of my 04 Sportster. enjoy.

[wvak47]

Ah Man see how you do me. Selling your goods on ebay and not telling me .

That funky scoop on the 04 AC was done away with by the Screamin Eagle Stage I on mine. I too think that scoop looks like poop, but I also don't care much for the ham can. My next one will be a 1937 model Linkert popoff that I will modify to work on my CV. Waiting on pay day to order it.

There are a few pics of progress on mine in my thread. I am really slackin on getting new pics up though as it has been inventory time here at work and that has taken a lot of my time. Inventory is over, OT is in, money is on the way and it is ON now. New tires mounted and balanced Friday and she should be haulin my big butt by Sunday afternoon (Lord and weather permitting) I have been known to ride in snow before though LOL.

[oldman1]

Hey wvak47 I did check out your photo's of the progress on your bike, looks like its coming along nice. You've done quite a bit since I saw your bike when you first got it. It takes time but well worth it in the end.

I was going to go riding today, yesterday it was 70 and sunny, but today its 32 and snowing. Crazy weather here.

[SPORSTERBOY]

That's Real Nice Work, Looks Real Good. Was That Factory Paint, I Like That Red.

[oldman1]

Thanks SPORSTERBOY. Yes the Red is factory paint. Its called Real Red by the factory.

[wvak47]

Originally Posted by oldman1

Hey wvak47 I did check out your photo's of the progress on your bike, looks like its coming along nice. You've done quite a bit since I saw your bike when you first got it. It takes time but well worth it in the end.

I was going to go riding today, yesterday it was 70 and sunny, but today its 32 and snowing. Crazy weather here.

Thanks, I have put in an hour or two on it LOL. Weather here was perfect to ride, as the 60+ bikes I saw on my drive told me. No wheels no ride but the sunroof open was close. Perfect here again today but even if the bike was together I still would be at work. Time and a half until punchout tomorrow. Not missing a minute of that no matter how dang pretty it is outside LOL. Baby needs shoes ME880s to be exact LOL.

[chucktx]

wow oldman, that looks great!!!!! i love the old retro look you have achieved, along with the subtle upgrades like the led's in the tail/turnsignals....mighty fine job you have done.....be proud!!!!!!

[oldman1]

Thanks chucktx, I appreciate the complement. One thing I like about Harley's is that there are so many things you can do to it to personalize it to one's taste.

[Red Rider]

Sweet ride there!

[oldman1]

Thanks Red Rider.

[Tomflhrci98]

Oh sure..
The bike is clean, but what does the living room look like now

[oldman1]

I only had minimal cleaning to do, plastic sheets do wonders.