I have finally got my bike, a 1997 Sportster, back together and running. I completely rebuilt the motor and made several cosmetic changes. I will try to post some pics soon. So far I have about 150 uneventful break-in miles on it. Luckily there are no leaks and no unusually noises. I hope to finish breaking it in over the next week or so. I am hoping that it is faster and pulls harder than it did. Thanks to everyone for the help along the way. This being my first H-D rebuild the information on this board was very helpful.

 

Congrats on the rebuild. I'm glad all went well and am envious because I wouldn't know where to start. I just ride and have to leave the wrenching to someone else. I know you'll enjoy the bike even more having done the work yourself.

 

I posted a few pics of my bike in the Photo Gallery if anyone wants to see it. And before you guys try to give me any **** about the color its not violet. Its a 1970 Plymouth color, Plum Crazy Purple. I was Mopar fan before I was a Harley fan. Let me know what you think, good or bad.
https://bikerforums.org/gallery/Members-Bikes?page=3

 

yep nice looking, congrats on the rebuild,
the color,
seen many a mopar in my days, yep, thats plum alright

 

And "plum" is more masculine sounding????

All kidding aside, I think the color looks sharp.

 

looks great. I love sporties. Miss mine. Is yours a 1200?

 

sporties rule... lookin good

 

Good pictures and great lookin bike.

 

WooHoo!,

Its a stock bore 1200 with 10-1 compretion pistons, N8 cams, S&S E carb, and Crane Hi-4 igntion. I changed my mind about a thousand times on how I was going to rebuild it. Through research and do to an empty wallet this is what I cam up with. I hope that it last a few years.

Does anyone have an opion on breaking in a v-twin? I am currantly creapping toward 500 miles without lugging the motor or get over 55mph, (3,000rpm). Also I am varying the speeds 45 to 50, 50 to 40, 40 to 55 and so on never staying at a constant speed for any lengh of time. I am planning on calling it ready to go after 500 miles. Does this sound correct. Does it need more miles or a differant method of breaking in? Thanks

 

According to what I was told (and used when breaking in my '03 FLSTS and '02 FXDL), the first 50 miles was careful riding, and then no over-revving the engine until about 500 miles varying speeds and gears without lugging.

At your current mileage, I'd say you're ready to ride the bike any way you like, within reason of course. LOL

Go have some fun with it, unless someone else here has some real concerns.

 

Chrome molly rings take about 1000 miles to seat (my experence). We have our customers vary the speed form 50 to 55 or 55 to 60 no more for the first 500 miles like you are doing after that we rejet the carb for them (a little protection) and let them go and have not had one come back. I'm sure your dying to let it rip. When I hit 500 miles on my sporty I got a ticket for 104 in a 55 same setup but with thunderstorm heads, Mikuni carb, and I like to use a copper head gasket for a bit more compression. The N8 cam really performs well. Next year I might get zippers to port the heads and run a 575 redshift. Good Luck and let us know how well it runs when you can let it rip.

 

Great Looking Ride DILLIGAF.