I am completely OCD about research, especially when tackling something I've never done before. My day job is in IT. Basically I troubleshoot computers, servers and networks and keep them running smoothly. The job requires a good troubleshooting skillset. Even though I've never worked on a motorcycle before, to me troubleshooting is the same no matter what you are trying to fix. The biggest aid in troubleshooting is knowing how the machine works in the first place. If it went together, it will come apart and if it came apart it will go back together...most of the time. Research is a huge part of the process. Thankfully, we live in an age where information about virtually anything one is interested in is available at the click of a button. We take it for granted, but this is truely amazing. I'm 44 years old and can remember when you had to buy books and go out and find people that knew how to fix what you were working on, then coax them into helping you out. You were pretty much limited to your general area. Now, you can type a question into a forum and connect to thousands of people all over the world.
Having said all of that, I also believe you need to know your limits. Know when you are over your head. I do alot of maintenance on my own cars, but I would never attempt to rebuild an automatic transmission or replace the timing belt on a DOHC four cylinder engine. I simply do not have the knowledge or the tools. Also, I cannot afford to bugger up my daily driver learning how to perform these tasks.
Here is a list of resources I've found on the Internet while researching this project:
www.xlforum.net
This is a must join forum if you own a Sportster, especially an older model. Anytime you Google "how do I..." regarding a Sportster, at least three links will pop up from this site. The ironhead group is indispensible. There is a ton of collective knowledge and experience in this forum and everyone is willing to answer your questions.
www.debrix.com
Great parts site. Very reasonable. They have alot of parts for the older models. Ironhead parts are getting harder and harder to find. I went to the local Harley dealer asking about a speedometer and they had to pull out an aftermarket catalog to look it up. Truth is, the dealerships really don't want to deal with the older bikes as they have so much business with the newer lines.
www.zoomcyclellc.com
This site was a fantastic find. They have all the parts for the ironhead line as well as later models. Site is a bit tricky to navigate. The catalog pages display as PDF files in the right pane. You also have to click the "Price Guide" button to bring up the price guide pop up window. Then you cut and paste the numbers from the catalog into this window to look up the price and availability. Having said all of that, this site has it all as far as parts go.
www.sportyspecialties.com
Another good parts source for older model Sportsters
www.toolsource.com
Good source for tools. They have a good selection of tools needed to work on Harley's. Tools like the clutch adjustment plug removal tool and the clutch spring compression tool. Their prices seem to be a bit cheaper than most of the other sites.
www.harborfreight.com
A great source for all general purpose tools. If you have one in your area, you can get decent hand tools at a very reasonable price.
www.leatherup.com
Can't ride without proper riding appearal, right? Very reasonable prices on jackets, boots, helmets and all other riding gear.
www.ebay.com
It never hurts to check ebay to see if someone is selling the part you need. Chance are you will find what you are looking for here. Also, check the motorcycle section of your local craigslist page.
More to follow. I will keep updating this list as I find more resources.
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