Ken's latest find - a new project begins

This morning I went to the Long Beach Cycle Swap as I haven't been in a few months. I wasn't looking for anything special but stumbled across a bike that was too good to pass on. It's a 1988 XLH Deluxe and mostly all original... though not for long. I've wanted to do another bobber project and this bike should make for a nice start.

While I don't think I'll be keeping up with Chuck's chobber I have some definite ideas on making this a fun build.

soo you gonna put a davinci carb kit in it? LOL

Yeah least i didn't say Yost Power Tube!

You're killin me!:roflmao:

Yeah I stood back looking at the bike thinking, hmmm should I keep it original or make it into something I really like. That lasted about 30 seconds... I'm making a bobber. Still debating whether I want to weld on a hard tail or stick with the swingarm. Frame replacement is out of the question as the vin process here in California has become a nightmare.

The ignition system seems to be on it's last leg. It started once and now no spark so I think either the module or timing sensor gave up the ghost. I'm going to try to keep this a cheap build so I'm attempting to retain as much of the inner workings as possible (engine, electrical). The old sensor looks pretty melted so that's where this project will start.

And yes, it will be a CV carbed bike staying true to what I preach.

great find!!!!!!! i put a crane ignition in the chobber...eliminated all the puter stuff.....really cleaned it up.
congrats on a really fine bike for a project. if i can help, you got my number!!!!!

forgot, i have all the stock ignition if ya need anything, bike ran like a top when she brought it in.......

Man that is a good looking sporty , keep us informed on the progress

Thanks Chuck, yeah I've been looking at different ignitions including Crane since I've had good luck with them in the past. Just trying to drag the wire harness for the sensor out already has me swearing off the factory stuff - some bonehead has the wiring knotted everywhere making it impossible to pull through :witsend:
Ahh, the joys of a new project, how I've missed thee!

bringing back old memories!!!!!!!!!!!:witsend:

I'd keep the swingarm,
You can always make up a set of
struts to make it impossibly uncomfortable
for hitting a bike night LOL

Pull harness and minimize what you need,
less wires less problems,

I've been looking for a sporty
for a project....

Sounds like a fun project keep us up to date with photo's.

Yeah the bike is definitely going to have a minimalist look so I'm probably going to pull most of the wires and start from scratch.

Before I do much I'll get it running so I can get a feel for the condition of the engine/tranny - though knowing me I'll "need" that little extra by way of a 1200 conversion.

always a good choice, and perhaps a smidgeon of Buell heads, and a pinch of andrews cams...
whooops there goes the budget build!

LOL yeah heads will probably need to be budgeted for since the early style on this bike at the non-breather type and I already have several backing plates/aircleaner assemblies that fit late model heads... sooo far be it of me to deprive this bike of some good heads

I stopped by a couple of dealerships today and wouldn't ya know it, everyone is out of stock on those ignition sensors and the factory is backordered for another month! Looks like I'm buying an aftermarket ignition whether I like it or not (truth be told, I LIKE IT). Now to pick one. The Daytona Twin Tec is looking good since it can be switched between single and dual fire modes.

Twin Tech is good stuff... As long as its programmable...