Little Weekend Project

"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32) 04/25/2016 at 11:13 • Filed to: Bikes, TWO WHEELS GOOD, MOTORCYCLE, ORGAN DONOR

2

13

This was the scene in my garage Friday evening. Tore my VTX 1800 down so I could replace the clutch springs. The factory springs are weak and will allow the clutch to slip. I got some aftermarket springs to replace the factory ones and started taking it apart. Stopped when I got this far and realized how deep I was into the bike.

So, in the next week, I need to get these clutch springs in and put that back together. Then re-install the exhaust, mount the rear seat, mount and wire rear turn signals, and re-install both wheels. They were off to get new tires and are leaned up against the wall of my garage.

Once all of that is done, I’ll get to begin teardown again, this time for the radiator. Mine is cracked and leaking coolant on the floor. Parts will be here Wednesday and I hope to have it all back together and be riding by Friday.

I wasn’t going to do all of this work myself, but after calling around to a few shops and getting the run-around (3-4 week wait time, backordered parts, payment up front) I decided it was time to break out the tool set. I’m quite glad I did. It’s been extremely rewarding to know that I’m doing the work myself and I’ll have it done long before a shop could even look at my bike.

Here’s what it looks like when it’s not in pieces.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 11:16

1

Damn. That’s a big exhaust. Looks good though.

jimz > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 11:21

1

what year?

McMike > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 11:23

1

VTX1800?

Hammerdown > McMike 04/25/2016 at 11:25

0

Yep. 2003. C model.

Hammerdown > jimz 04/25/2016 at 11:25

0

2003. It’s a C model.

Hammerdown > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/25/2016 at 11:27

1

That’s the factory exhaust! I was going to get something from the aftermarket to replace it, but I like the way it sounds and the look has grown on me.

McMike > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 11:31

0

I was looking to get one to replace my ‘96 ACE1100.

Shame they don’t make them anymore.

Hammerdown > McMike 04/25/2016 at 11:33

0

I wanted one since they came out. This one dropped into my price range and I snapped it up. 6,000 miles last year and I love it. The motor is unreal.

I agree. I know the motor is heavy, but it was a great powerplant and very reliable. It’s a shame they don’t make it anymore.

McMike > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 11:49

0

I was looking for something with bigger saddlebags than my 1100, and just couldn’t find anything large that would fit any of the VTX models. We do a lot of 2-up rides and trips, and I just needed more room.

Ended up with a Road King.

I just read your post again, and saw you mentioned “1800" I can’t believe I asked.

Hammerdown > McMike 04/25/2016 at 11:52

1

Shortly after I bought this I bought some throwover saddlebags thinking I would be the ultimate touring guy. Well, because of the custom fender and the side mount license plate there’s no way they’ll ever fit. So I’m limited to what I can put on the backseat and the luggage rack. I’m working on getting my girlfriend into riding (it’ll be a slow process I think) and if she ever wants to go on a longer trip this bike won’t cut it.

The Compromiser > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 18:37

0

You on the VTX sites? I have an 08 1300. In “Holy Shit, it’s fucking” yellow.

Hammerdown > The Compromiser 04/25/2016 at 22:42

0

Yea I’m on VTXOA frequently. Lots of good guys on there

The Compromiser > Hammerdown 04/25/2016 at 23:56

0

I bounce between that and the cafe and the Canadian X riders. I’m Bubba316 if you trip over me. I have done a lot of repairs and tweaks thanks to those guys. I even rebuilt after my crash.