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  1. Mike Lawless

    Does anyone still build Cafe Racers or is it not fashionable anymore?

    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...
  2. Mike Lawless

    Driving around today and saw this:

    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...
  3. Mike Lawless

    Isle of Man visit

    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.
  4. Mike Lawless

    Driving around today and saw this:

    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."
  5. Mike Lawless

    Driving around today and saw this:

    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...
  6. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  7. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  8. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  9. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  10. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  11. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

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

    Sportster Rescue

    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.
  13. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  14. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  15. Mike Lawless

    Sportster Rescue

    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...
  16. Mike Lawless

    your other non-vintage machines?

    Have you considered a Triumph Bonneville? Last year, I stopped in at the dealer "just to look." I already had the Sportster, so I really wasn't looking to buy. Yet 4o minutes later, I'm ridin' a 2014 Bonneville t100 home! Now that friends, is a sweet bike! I can ride it all day, and I'm a long...
  17. Mike Lawless

    your other non-vintage machines?

    I don't think I've ever heard of anyone wanting a 48 for it's comfort. Not to mention it's range with the 2.2 gallon tank. Now don't get me wrong, I like HDs and I love my Sportster. A long distance cruiser it is not. It's loud, raw and unforgiving. Depending on your stature, it might be...
  18. Mike Lawless

    best riding jeans?

    I haven't crash tested riding jeans, but I have crash tested a full textile riding suit, and I was dang glad I was wearing that when I did crash test it. Entering a tight hairpin turn way too hot, and low-sided at about 40mph. While sliding on the asphalt, I distinctly remember thinking...
  19. Mike Lawless

    That'll void your warranty - Your worst or most painful "fixes"

    Many years ago, (1978 or thereabouts) I bought a '64 Dodge Dart as a "Drive to Work Beater." Slant six, pushbutton automatic. A classic! So, I decide to do a complete service on it. Oil change, trans fluid, chassis lube etc. I get it up on stands, slide the drain pan under the motor, pull the...
  20. Mike Lawless

    Classic Motorcycle Sales Scams

    It's not just sellers looking to scam people. It's "so-called" buyers too. I have a Honda Rebel for sale right now. Almost brand new with 120 miles on it. (lady friend thought she wanted to ride. She too skeered! Even on a little rebel.) I get an e-mail that says they want to pad the asking...
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