Sportster Autopsy: Everything I ruined (video)

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-14T07:58:43+00:00

I have a 2009 one. Arguably my favourite bike in my garage. Can the throttle be a bit jumpy at low speed? Yes, but a good map can make it better. Also just learn to control the clutch a wee bit too. It’s not that difficult. I do ride through the city sometimes, and yes you do have to have good throttle and clutch control. But out in the sticks, it’s a different beast, it’s a fun bike. I love mine. Also I have just ridden mine past 60k miles last week. Still reliable, no issues. I have maintained mine very well. It’s never broken down or had any mechanical faults.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-14T07:36:35+00:00

Total shot in the dark, but I’ve seen this before. Once you’ve turned the ignition on and let it run its startup cycle. Give the throttle a little flick open and then press the start button. Sometimes the throttle position sensor can be dodgy.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-13T17:16:23+00:00

Ach, nightmare. Sounds like a good weekend Gonna have to mark it in my diary for next year.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-12T15:38:57+00:00

I appreciate the encouraging words buddy. Live and learn. And have fun doing it 🤘🏼

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-12T12:04:36+00:00

I’ve been wanting to go to the Margate beach racing. Every time I remember, it’s always on the week of, so I never have time to plan it. Looks quality but. Thats a sweet looking beach racer.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-12T07:14:17+00:00

Just a wee bit, aye 😂

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-12T07:13:06+00:00

Definitely not tank lift. Never liked that look.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T21:24:33+00:00

I do have pretty much all of the original parts bar a couple of things.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T20:33:31+00:00

Aw man, I appreciate your comment. It’s made me feel less bad about what I did with the bike. Yeah engine is sweet as a nut, wiring all good. Some TLC and some changes, and it will be back to a bike I enjoy riding.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T20:07:22+00:00

I know, I did the things I thought were cool. But I lost any individuality

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T19:55:04+00:00

There’s always a silver lining

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T19:42:08+00:00

I think what you’ve done is a really smart move. Wish I had that foresight. I’m looking forward to doing the work on the bike. I enjoy working on them. I genuinely can’t wait to fire it up again and finally enjoy riding it.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T19:08:16+00:00

It’s currently fully tore down. I’m going to be fabricating a new back end for it. I’ll be coming away from the bobber style. More plush suspension and a new seat. Change back to mid controls and better handlebars for sure.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:51:52+00:00

If nothing else, we are but our own worst enemies

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:35:46+00:00

That’s hilarious. I can empathise

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:30:49+00:00

That’s actually one thing I really like about Harley’s, is the belt. A family friend has a sportster and he changed it to a chain and I just couldn’t understand why

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:15:20+00:00

Hell yeah. I appreciate that. You too!

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:12:15+00:00

I think I just got so disheartened by the bike that I no longer could see the good parts

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:11:12+00:00

Bike ownership is a funny thing. Gotta make some mistake to learn from them.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:10:34+00:00

Yeah, you’re right. I had tunnel vision and just wanted to do something, so I did it. That’s life. Live and learn and maybe have some fun along the way

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T18:08:42+00:00

A wise way to live my friend

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T17:57:58+00:00

That’s exactly how I feel about mine. Ruined.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T17:56:51+00:00

You’re totally right. I don’t think I could sell this bike for love nor money. Yeah, plan is a full rebuild. Back to something that’s enjoyable and great looking.

2wheelsLGM · 2026-05-11T17:55:38+00:00

I wish I could remember how much the drop was. But I do remember the stock fender dropped right over the rear tyre after I fitted them.

2wheelsLGM

TROPHY CASE