Recent content by Mike Lawless

Just a couple years ago, this forum seemed a lot more active. Anymore it seems that a serious post with serious build questions pretty much gets ignored. Then someone comes along with a new project who is saying they're looking for opinions, when what they are really just looking for...

Y'know, maybe it's a regional thing. Here in Central California, I get waves from virtually all motorcyclists. Even those on mopeds. In my mind, if you're on two wheels (or even three. Except for those CanAm guys. I don't wave at them! :) ) you are part of "The Club. And you're right. There are...

How expensive is the four day camping reservation? If it's not too out of line, just book the four day gig and stay the one night.

Y'know, none of the guys and gals who ride that I've ever encountered are bad people. I guess I'll never understand the need to make one's self feel better by making fun of someone else. "trying to make your own candle burn brighter by blowing out the candle of another."

Yes. "We" know. "We" smile while thinking jealousy is an ugly thing. And like Dohc says, I'll bet you won't make fun of my bike to my face. We each have our own preferences. Just be glad that you can ride whatever it is you choose to ride. Just ride. And for the record, "I" don't wear HD...

Thanks guys! I think once the wiring for the lights is done, I'm gonna knock the chassis back down and get some paint on it. Then move on to getting the motor prepped. The initial plan was to powder coat the side engine cases and rocker covers. I think for the short term, I'm gonna sand/scuff...

Starting on the wiring. First order of business was to get a wiring diagram for the Triumph controls. The system will be very simple. ignition, start, lights, brake lights and turn signals. Just that which is necessary. A simple six fuse block, a relay to switch that on, a starter relay and a...

It's been a while since I did an update on the "Hooligan" Sportster as I pursue other projects, and spend time ridin' rather than wrenchin'. Since then, I've done a good bit of work, and it's starting to take shape. At least it's done being disassembled. A lot of the parts came are left-overs...

Some progress made on the fork conversion… I got the two blocks of aluminum onto the mill and got the three holes bored. I did 'em all on one shot so they'd be exactly the same. Clamp bolt holes drilled and tapped, then slotted. I ended up making a steering stem from 4130 steel rather than use...

The tank has the console, it's not not in the picture. That includes the speedometer, ignition switch, and holes for the idiot lights. No idiot lights are there, and the overall console is fairly crusty. It would probably clean up OK, but the chrome will never be "show-worthy." I know the...

I'll get some all-over photos tonight. The bike had gas in it, so I know that at least it holds gas!

I don't know. Maybe something with "Fat" in the name. It'll be craigslist fodder. If anyone from this forum wants it, all it will cost is the price of shipping. Be warned....it be f-ugly! I'll be using a 2 gallon peanut tank like on the white bike above.

Bike is about 75% deconstructed. I have GSX forks in hand along with two 12" long chunks of 5" X 1.5" aluminum flat bar to make custom trees with. The GSX forks came with trees, but the lower is a bit tweaked, and the steering stem to fork tube offset is much less than the stock sporty trees. I...

I'd like to say I was shocked after pulling the tank off to find that only three wires were actually connected to anything. The rest of the wires….mostly black ones, were either disconnected or pulled apart. Some with an inch of stripped wire next to the connectors. A whole bunch of butt...

So I found the decrepit and f-ugly 1987 Sporty for cheap. Both of my other bikes are riders and not much needs doing on those, so this will be a fun project. Cheap enough to where I can cut it up and do whatever I want. It wouldn't start when I bought, but took a chance anyway. I got it home and...