First Run

I was able to take it around the block and make the neighbors love me. I am that guy. I was pretty nice, but it is hard when you are stuck in first gear, because the shifter is installed wrong. The fun things you find when you get a project bike with pieces in a box.

The shifter was too close to the Acorn nut, so it would not shift up a gear. I moved the shift lever down a tooth or two and now it works.

First Run Thoughts

I like this bike it brings a feeling that you do not get on the heavier and more refined Softail. The 88 Cubic Inch "B" motor is very smooth and the bike is comfortable for the long rides and brings a relaxing atmosphere to it.

The XLSA on the other hand reminds me of that brash kid that walks into a new job and is brash and unrefined, while also ignoring all of the old timers around them. I only road it around the block and already knew this was a different kind of machine. She (to me machinery is female, my wife thinks their male) is is not like the old 2002 Sporty my wife had which was a 1200 with a 21" front wheel and forward controls. I felt that the XLSA is rougher and more brutish in the way it moved. i am not saying these are bad things or a condemnation of the bike, instead I consider it a refreshing change from the status quo of the modern world that prizes the smooth and almost gentlemanly feel of a bike.

Original or after market?

I am trying to see what is original and not on the bike. I am not doing a perfect or faithful restoration. I think of my goal is to make it original with some modern parts that give it a more personal feel. I guess I want people to get a vintage feel when they see it and not really notice the newer styles or parts, unless they know their bikes. Now the parts that are not original that came on the bike as of the first ride:

• Exhaust (one piece drag pipes)

• Electronic Ignition (do not know the brand)

• Chrome Mirrors

• Chrome Battery cover

• Chrome Air Intake (has a nice retro look it is staying)

• Mustang Seat (Does not fit well, need to find the original seat)

I am amazed at how short of a list it was. I think some of the parts that I am going to add will also be hard to notice. I found a set of vintage looking grips (Red Rubber) and a couple of modern parts such as an LED headlight for better visibility and possibly converting to an alternator to replace the generator.