I got my first Harley Davidson in 1986 for $2,000. It was a rough looking 1969 XLCH 900 Sportser.....the famed magneto ignitioned, leg-breaking, cantankerous satanic pile of iron that literally vibrated parts off while going down the road. It was a rolling basket-case. Mechanically speaking, it was very sound; however, it looked like it was painted with water colors by a 3-year old. No big deal, I completely ripped the bike down to a bare frame and commenced to build a decent street ride. I'd been on countless dirt bikes and one street bike up to this point and working on 2-wheelers was my hobby.

I learned fairly quickly that going to a dealership was not going to be a frequent experience. I was not at all impressed with the "modern" Harley Dealership. They had few parts for my bike and what they did have was way overpriced.

I learned from many experienced Harley owners via the 'ol barstool in the local watering hole the right places to go to get parts for an old 900. I also learned a few tricks on how to set up the frame, the correct tolerances for the engine (not even close to the factory manual) and basic tips on how not to break a leg while kicking this beast.

I worked on that ride every spare second I had. I learned the hard way that spraying DuPont Acrylic Enamel is not something that gets done right the first time by a beginner. I must have consumed 300 sheets of sandpaper before I got that damn gas-tank painted without sags or orange peel. It took only 6-weeks to get the bike completed and on the road. I was quite amazed at the reception I received from other Harley owners I crossed paths with; especially the older ones who had owned a 900 in the past.

The bike never left me stranded but the rear brake plate disintegrated into 3-pieces locking up the rear wheel. Luckily I was doing only 20 mph. I did wind up on the side of the road for about 3-minutes until a passerby stopped to assist. This gentleman had a tool box the size of a casket. He had enough tools to rebuild my bike on the side of the road. With the help of this total stranger, we got my bike repaired enough to get me home.

Being on a Harley is about the experience, the camaraderie and the journey. There is an old saying....If you can't work on and fix your own Harley, you have no business being on it! That is the way it has been and will always be. Those of you who have owned Harleys and claim they are junk, that is your clue that you don't belong on one! Go get something that doesn't require your soul in it.

sportsterbob