Okay, so I finally got my hands on a 1987 Harley FXR. It’s been a dream of mine for a while, and man, was it a journey getting this thing running right. This is not just a show bike, I want to ride it, experience it and share some of that with others.
First off, finding one in decent shape was a challenge. I scoured online listings, called up some old-timer bikers I know, and even checked out a few swap meets. Finally found one a few states over – needed some work, but the frame was solid, and the engine turned over. So I hauled it back home, ready to get my hands dirty.
The Teardown
The first thing I did was a complete teardown. I mean, everything. I took the bike apart piece by piece, labeling everything, and taking tons of pictures. I wanted to know this machine inside and out. This helped me understand what I got and what I still needed.
- Carb Rebuild: The carburetor was gunked up. I soaked it in cleaner, replaced all the jets and gaskets, and made sure everything was spotless.
- Wiring Woes: The wiring was a mess – frayed wires, cracked insulation, you name it. I basically rewired the whole thing, following the original wiring diagram as closely as I could. It’s always something.
- Fresh Fluids: Obviously, I changed all the fluids – engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, everything. You gotta start fresh.
- Brakes and Tires: The brakes were shot, so I installed new pads and bled the lines. And of course, new tires were a must. Safety first, always!
Putting It All Back Together
Reassembly was the fun part. Slowly but surely, the bike started to take shape again. It was like putting together a giant, greasy puzzle. I torqued every bolt to spec, double-checked all my connections, and made sure everything was just right.
The moment of truth came when I finally hit the starter button. After a few cranks, that old Evo engine roared to life! It was music to my ears. I let it idle for a while, checking for leaks and making sure everything was running smoothly.
Then came the first ride. Man, what a feeling! That classic Harley rumble, the wind in your face – it was everything I’d hoped for. I still have a few tweaks to make, but the bike is running strong, and I’m loving every minute of it. It’s a real head-turner, and more importantly, it’s a blast to ride. I Took it out again, and again and again, and now It’s my weekend fun.
This whole process has been a labor of love. It’s been frustrating at times, but ultimately, it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned so much about these old bikes, and I’ve got a machine that I’m truly proud of. Next up, I am thinking of fine-tuning the suspension and maybe a few cosmetic upgrades. But for now, I’m just going to enjoy the ride!