Cost Breakdown On Reviving The Forgotten Harley Sportster 1200 & Some Riding!

[@nrico77]

I drilled a small hole through the plastic top retainer clip for the battery cover and put a piece of tie wrap through it. To prevent it from coming loose.

[@UncleMike1776]

I’ve got a Velcro tie on it now!

[@paulhealey8221]

Hey Mike, now you have a good running Sportster for roughly $1,600 and having the satisfaction of using your skills to bring this machine back to life. Oh yeah, don’t forget to change that old fork oil as well! Sometime when you are ready you can fix the dented fuel tank and give it a nice 2 K paint job! I just finished my vintage Sportster and coming out with some vids as well later this winter. Take care!

[@UncleMike1776]

Good to hear! I’ll keep an eye out for them!

[@jonnymac8925]

I too am going to have to do an update video on my Sportster! It isn't even remotely the same bike it was just back in September. I may have went a little overboard on upgrades LOL

[@UncleMike1776]

@@jonnymac8925 thats the best way to do upgrades!

[@JohnDoe-vq8bg]

old rider here, glad to see that back on the road.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@UncleMike1776]

@Baphomet heck yah man! Thanks!

[@rickcastillo3573]

Nice job on that Sportster. She just needed some love.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@james44mag31]

Can't go wrong with that 2 into 1 header! That's where you get your torque! Looking good man!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks, I think it looks good and sounds good!

[@a456987]

Nice to see the bike fixed up

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@Hfoutdoorsyt]

Good video. That table was nice. I haven't popped a wheelie on a street bike in 20 years!!! LOL

[@UncleMike1776]

Haha bows your time I’ll bring it over!

[@kathyhatfield4208]

Alright! It's good to see a young guy know how to work on his bike himself and have good common sense about it. I guess I watched these three videos of that Sportster being brought back to life because it reminded me of my close friend that passed away last October in the club and friends working on their old bikes. They would find & save scooters from going to plum ruin too. My old friends were thorough and and you have that old school work swag. I didn't see one sissy second in all three videos. Good job 👍🏻👍🏻

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for watching!

[@Phuq_it]

Any more content on this project? This was very interesting.

[@UncleMike1776]

One more video in the playlist!

[@Phuq_it]

@@UncleMike1776 no, I watched 5 of them on this bike project. I don’t know why it doesn’t have a lot more views. Really interesting and you did a good job on the video.

[@UncleMike1776]

@@Phuq_it thanks for watching! And I appreciate it!

[@sleeps0341]

Great job, had a 07 883 Custom, miss my bike, it got totaled when some lady trying to beat me to a light took me out. Good to see this machine getting that love it deserves and back on the road.

[@UncleMike1776]

Dang I’m sorry to hear that.

[@theroadking547]

Nice job young man. It's good to know you are inspiring others that can bring something back to life.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@kathyhatfield4208]

I thought the same thing

[@guntotinglowlife1261]

real cool to see you catch a deal and be able to get that sporty on the road for a little bit of cash and elbow grease!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@deborahf3738]

Most people don't own their own personal flame thrower......I bet that was fun to use. Bike looks great you made it look easy and I know it's not.....thanks

[@UncleMike1776]

Heck you can pick yours up at Lowe’s!

[@i94yeh2p]

Great channel! Wish I knew how to bring old trucks and bikes back to life like that. Definitely got a new subscriber.

[@UncleMike1776]

Hey man everyone starts somewhere! If you get you a project and keep at it even if you thing you’ve gotten in over your head it will make you better at the process!

[@HagsRideOrDie]

Just watched all the sportster videos, how stoked were you when it fired up in the first video? Like holy shit, it's alive! I love bring old bikes back to life, congratulations on this one. Hope to see you out on the road next summer.

[@UncleMike1776]

It was satisfying to get it back on the road!

[@bikerslife583]

Best thing about that bike it's truly 100% yours. Not because you own it because you put yourself into it.

[@UncleMike1776]

You couldn’t have said that any better! Thanks for watching!

[@58dorsett]

Hella good deal, can't get better than that for a 1200 sportster in the condition it's in now!

[@UncleMike1776]

After I did all the leg were to make sure it wasn’t hot and I got it in my name I snatched it up! Couldn’t pass it up

[@arthurleino]

Pretty cool getting that Sportster to run. I use to have a 1980 Sportster. Back in the old day had a Mikuni VM38 Carburetor with XLR exhaust pipes.

[@UncleMike1776]

I bet it had a real nice idle on it!

[@kevinhutchinson5322]

Great restoration video! I'm looking to purchase a sportster here in Bend, Oregon. What a deal you got!

[@UncleMike1776]

Right on! I’m looking for a road king or a street glide something a little more comfortable!

[@Ike32]

White mocha, good choice

[@UncleMike1776]

Yes it was! I enjoy it!

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

Sweet that you brought it back to life! Looking good!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks! It’s been fun to tinker around with!

[@randycecil7375]

Glad you saved the old bike and shared your journey via video. Ride safe!

[@UncleMike1776]

Will do! Thank you!

[@MrAn1ma1]

Nice series. Good job on the bike.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks you!

[@ralphrose5407]

Diesels, gassers, motorcycles you're the man

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks Ralph!

[@tyrant8485]

She sounds healthy pal. Good job restoring that bike. 👍

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks Frank!

[@heller5678]

I know i am late to the party but just have to say, it broke my heart to see what was done to that bike. I am really happy to see what you have done with it. I have a 2007 1200 custom i bought new in 2007 and I dont know who thought that plastic clip on the battery cover would last but they were very wrong. I wound up zip tying the cover to the bike. Great video, just subscribed.

[@UncleMike1776]

Hey thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed!

[@chrissmith7669]

I’m doing the same to a 2003 hugger 883 I’ve got to add a carb rebuild kit , filters and hoses plus an ignition module since that failing is what sidelines the bike 7 years ago.

[@UncleMike1776]

Nice good luck on the journey!

[@Galaxieshop]

Luv this i started my project bike when this whole pandemic hit as well good seen i wasn't alone, bought mine feb 9, going to chp to get a vin check tomorrow, my bike is a 1979 harley sportster ironhead 1000🙌

[@UncleMike1776]

That’s awesome! Make some videos so we can follow along

[@cdubs7614]

I'd like to know about that truck behind you as well.

[@UncleMike1776]

Here’s the link to the playlist of my 66 C10! kzbin.info/aero/PLGn3aDCTGz0DrTT5dazHW1QreDTtP82NF

[@cdubs7614]

Thank you! I ll check it out.

[@UncleMike1776]

@@cdubs7614 sweet!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Looks like the bike is going to serve you well. You found a cool deal.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks! And I think I did as well!

[@tonytwotime783]

Such a casual ride then BAM SPORTSTER WHEELIES!! Awesome build man, love my Iron 883, these bikes are great! Ride safe and enjoy bro 🤘

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks man! You do the same!

[@raybradley1502]

Nice, I just Picked up a 93 Sportster march 2022 for 600 with 1400 miles and it was sitting for 20 years, replace some parts, shined it up, picked up a nice seat, runs great, All I need is News Tires on Old New Tires lol

[@UncleMike1776]

Good deal!

[@Z11KUSTOM]

the best Sportster I've ever seen

[@Topgm2024]

oh, man, I know you! Your last video awesome! insane custom paint job!

[@Z11KUSTOM]

@@Topgm2024 hi! thanks

[@UncleMike1776]

Man you’re an air brushing animal!

[@Z11KUSTOM]

@@UncleMike1776 thanks bro!

[@nigman2023]

Bro the bike is a sweet ride I'm glad it worked out the way it did the table is awesome too.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for watching!

[@invaderzimm7871]

I had a chrome battery cover fall off on me same thing didn't even know it was gone. Luckily I still had the original in the garage. I zip ties mine on to prevent further losses

[@UncleMike1776]

Zip ties save the day!

[@4MATAStudio]

Nice job man and nice looking Chevy

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks I have a playlist on that truck!

[@4MATAStudio]

@@UncleMike1776 I'll check it out. I got an 84 I've been working on hope to get it finished up this year.

[@UncleMike1776]

@@4MATAStudio right on! I hope you do to, put some miles on it!

[@4MATAStudio]

@@UncleMike1776 Definitely gonna try

[@dereckmajczyk5861]

Did a great job bring it back to life shouts outs from Erie Pennsylvania

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@douglasmartin7647]

Now that's what I like to see... Bringing something back to life... Can't believe you got that for free... That was f****** excellent.

[@UncleMike1776]

Yes sir it was a great deal!

[@trebleclefjamestv5091]

I love the bike, it turned out great! but can we get a video on that c10!??!

[@UncleMike1776]

Check out the playlist here! kzbin.info/aero/PLGn3aDCTGz0DrTT5dazHW1QreDTtP82NF

[@trebleclefjamestv5091]

@@UncleMike1776 on it now lol thanks

[@vincentmeredith2561]

Hey my battery cover flew off too take the seat off and take cable management velcro strips to secure it to the frame 5,000miles my new one has still not come off

[@UncleMike1776]

Yeah I have a vip tie on it now until I buy a velcro tie!

[@memekartz2435]

This is cool how you got her back on the road. Keep it up man🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@DEVidzful]

Just love this guy! Can’t wait for the next one man 😊

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for the support!

[@twowheelingnut7898]

New subscriber. Like the channel. What year is the sportster? People love to talk crap about the sportsters but I think they a blast. So much you can do them.

[@UncleMike1776]

2007 Harley Sportster 1200 Custom XL! Thanks for the support!

[@twowheelingnut7898]

@@UncleMike1776 - so that bike was all of 6 years old when it was just dumped next to a shed. That breaks my heart. Glad to see it in a good home.

[@eddy19610]

I'm sure a body shop could manipulate that dent of of the tank for very little. Great vids.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks that’s a good idea!

[@jeffmace260]

That table has a nice vintage look

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks, that’s what we were shooting for! Remington is a handsome looking Golden Retriever!

[@jeffmace260]

@@UncleMike1776 yes he is. He is also very spoiled. LOL

[@UncleMike1776]

@@jeffmace260 as are my dogs!

[@bobberguy1]

I see front fork seals in your near future.Bike looking good!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for watching!

[@harleyadam4813]

Get the new updated battery cover clips from your local HD dealer. The older style clips suck and the battery cover is notorious for falling off.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll see what they got!

[@harleyadam4813]

@@UncleMike1776 cheap money and the latest clips are secure AF! Fourth revision is the charm!

[@kristenmoon9964]

Great job on the restore!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks!

[@nagu4830]

You need to tie the batt cover with a tag to avoid it from falling again

[@UncleMike1776]

That’s for sure!

[@razbishara6491]

Amazing what people throw away and neglect,people over here in New Zealand would give their left nut for something like that!...Job well done mate,was awesome to watch you revive that old girl back to life!...Keep your knees in the breeze and a smile on the dial on those hot days n summer nights!...Keep the rubber down and stay up right bro👌❤️💯👍😎🙌

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks fella!

[@kikiaguilar2604]

Dude that came out nice good video.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks!

[@katana258]

ya man get them wheelies and crush the head brgs .. yes sir way to go

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewterrado9767]

how much did get you get for the bike itself?

[@UncleMike1776]

Free! It was given to me!

[@andrewterrado9767]

thats nice

[@LeeKirkman88]

Hats off to you for bringing a sorry looking bike back to life, Not a fan of that style of exhaust i like good old fashioned drag pipes but that's just my personal taste, That exhaust sure sounds good though and looks better than those chopped down things, I hope you're going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Take care x

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for watching, it was a fun project!

[@LeeKirkman88]

@@UncleMike1776 if you watch this he has the same pipe but he says it hinders his performance mods. Just thought id mention. As you could get more horse power. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-8lomvqJWLmKc

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Good Video, Glad To See You Breathing Life Back Into That Bike. Letting It Rust Away Beside That Shed Would Had Been A Shame. It Would Appear You Have A Decent Running & Driving Harley For $1600, And Some Sweat Equity. You Are A Talented Young Man As Usual , I Enjoy The Content. Be Safe Out There

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks David! I appreciate the feedback!

[@daryletoews7099]

You did a awesome job on that sporty

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks! She ran great!

[@jackfielding6194]

Good job on the revival.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks Jack!

[@dennismasmhburn8960]

they`re notorious for popping i use a zip tie on the top

[@UncleMike1776]

I threw one on it wait for Wednesday’s vid!

[@fernandosaucedo7118]

That Sportster came out looking great!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@mandopicker21]

nice job getting it back on the road,,, it looks like the handle bars are bent JW

[@UncleMike1776]

I don’t think they were, if I would have kept it I would love to have put mini apes on it to make it more comfortable for a taller rider

[@larry68hd11]

Dent doc on that gas tank ? Enjoyed

[@UncleMike1776]

I might get it pulled out or find one used!

[@edwardmaldonado5279]

Table look awesome.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@braysanborn6000]

Great investment ! 👍

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you sir!

[@slgarra3985]

You did a great job~what an awesome find! I would be happy to make you some custom vinyl tank decals~ a token of mad respect for your hard work and perseverance! Nice job! Soooooo worth it~ I love my Sportster too! Oh and Thank you for your adult beverage inspired mac & cheeeeeese recipe... DELICIOUS!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for watching and I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kobra1029]

I see you're in the big town of enterprise, it's crazy youtube recommended me your video I am in Dothan!

[@UncleMike1776]

Small world!

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

MUCH RESPECT

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@dyakdaphogii-thewanderinga7695]

I like the sound of the engine it like music to my ear..

[@UncleMike1776]

Right on! It sure does sound good!

[@rowlinstoned3715]

I'm building a 60s style chopper but with an Evo engine. Springer front end. Got most of it just gotta paint it and put it together and wire it. It'll be 👌 when finished

[@UncleMike1776]

Sick man! Hope you make some videos on it!

[@honda200twinstar3]

Hey guy Jean from Ontario Canada .. injoyed the videos ,its amazing how the bike was be set aside neglected for what you say 7? years laying on its side for most of that time, and it didnt really seem to need a lot of work ,well flushing out the old fluids of coerce .but say i dont think you added in the coast of would think thered have been for regesturing it getting an ownership(or tittle i think you guys call it ) for it licensing

[@UncleMike1776]

It’s in the description! I forgot to put it in the video right as it uploaded! Thanks for watching! And cheers from Alabama!

[@BrassAmTV]

I'm almost getting emotional seeing what you've done to put back this princess on the road. I'm fan of this minimalist, elegant and simple look, just black and chrome. even if not really into those exhausts :) One question, did u re-polished the engine cases and covers? (I do love the air filtering too!). Enjoy your ride Mike and stay safe ! Salutations from Switzerland and my '91 XLH883DLX

[@UncleMike1776]

I did some light hand buffing on the chrome places. It was a fun little project. Thanks for watch! Ride safe!

[@leojetdance]

That thing turned out Great!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks!

[@invaderzimm7871]

Great job on the bike

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks!

[@RevnRev]

I really liked the project! Do more

[@UncleMike1776]

If I find another one I sure will!

[@nathanjohansen7169]

I like that Sportster, but I love that Chevy!!

[@UncleMike1776]

I’ve got a few videos on it! Check them out and let me know what you think!

[@dickjohnson4268]

WELL FINE !! I had all kinds of plans for today to keep prepping for winter. You got your coffee, I just got rid of mine for the third time. My Shovel 'RT is burried and the younger-middle grandson's 1200 Sporty is up front. What to do? Well I DO NEED to go get some wheel bearings for my log splitter. That's a 25 minute ride one way to the parts store. And If I take the long way home I should be back in time for chores. I need to quit watching bike vids.

[@UncleMike1776]

keep watching them lol the chores will always be there!

[@rowlinstoned3715]

I live in Valley Alabama. I love ur channel man.

[@UncleMike1776]

Nice, Thanks man!

[@Redmenace96]

It do add up, don't it? Well worth it, but you gotta have 2k laying around. Liked your patience with shipping, and you did find some deals. Did you say 160 for both the front and back tire? Each? That is cheap!

[@UncleMike1776]

Amazon has some good deals!

[@Indobiker61]

Turned out great man. Did you get out the broken bolds from the front pegs on the right side? I Just discovered Amazone as a cheap parts supplier for Harley stuff. Just bought an old FXR 1990 and its also in a sorry state. Its a lot of work as frame and stuff have to be powder coated. Its a restomod project and at the same time i have to take care of oil leaks

[@UncleMike1776]

Yes I did get it out.

[@trippontwowheels]

Did you have any carb issues with the bike? Re-kit or just clean out the jets, etc?

[@UncleMike1776]

Fuel injection! And I didn’t touch the injectors! Just tried it out! And it barked to life!

[@trippontwowheels]

@@UncleMike1776 What year is it?

[@trippontwowheels]

@@UncleMike1776 Like your Sporty videos. Just subbed. I’ve got a Sporty 1200 that wasn’t started in 10 or so years I’m going to get back to working on shortly. Many of the same issues you had.

[@UncleMike1776]

Heck yah! Man make some videos! And it’s an 07

[@neil6694]

Battery cover coming off on a sportster very common fault. Electrical ties help.

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks for the advise!

[@dennismasmhburn8960]

the factory clips don`t hold well

[@UncleMike1776]

@@dennismasmhburn8960 i threw a zip tie on it! You’ll see it on Wednesdays video!

[@Katokuntv]

@@UncleMike1776 you can also use velcro straps for cables, in case you need to open it in the middle of a trip and you can reuse the same straps.

[@UncleMike1776]

@@Katokuntv that would make more sense!

[@pjcampbell67]

Beautiful table man!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@alejandrollamas692]

Battery covers are notorious for falling off. Make sure you strap tie it to the frame

[@UncleMike1776]

I did, not making that mistake again!

[@ohiodipper9877]

Great work.man

[@UncleMike1776]

Thank you!

[@martyadams4132]

watching you ride, I.m guessing the next repair you do will be a new clutch.

[@XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

Lol most definitely riding like that he should remove the infamous grenade plate.

[@nathanwalters7790]

Did you ever get the cool black levers working?

[@UncleMike1776]

Sadly no, they were not for this bike.

[@garyjacques5982]

yeah I got to do some work to my 91 but yeah you gave me some ideas on lights what it cost and like on different things. your forward controls where did you get them at cuz I want to put a set of mine and you said they cost about a hundred bucks.who makes them and where'd you get them at if you don't mind me asking. Cuz ones I found from lowbrow customs and TC Brothers or around 300 plus dollars. But she's coming along great and for free you can't complain not at all. one comment somebody asked what you was going to name it. I called dirt nap.

[@UncleMike1776]

TCMT forward controls from Amazon! Glad you enjoyed the video best of luck with your bike!

[@jamesmaxwell278]

SWEET JOB! READY FOR ADVENTURE.

[@UncleMike1776]

I rode the bike all over the pan handle of Florida, lower Alabama and lower Georgia

[@Wooley689]

That bike is happy now, far cry from when you got it. On the shock bolts, just be sure they are grade 8 bolts, a lot of bolts are general use and won't hold up to stress well. I've used general purpose in a pinch before, and learned from my mistake.

[@UncleMike1776]

I got the stainless equivalent to a grade 8!

[@carolinabeacher1558]

so did you get the bike for free? i bought an 06 basket case a while back for 1500, i finally have it rolling, engine on, brake lines, most the electrical on it, got to get more electrical connected and the carb on before i can fire it up.

[@UncleMike1776]

Free minus legal fees of getting it in my name and parts!

[@honeyman71962]

What was the purchase price of the bike before all the restoration?

[@UncleMike1776]

Free, it was given to me!

[@aquahombre]

Did you change the fuel filter? Bike looks great. Thanks

[@UncleMike1776]

Yes and pump but I lost the footage from the sd card!

[@wdmfan]

Great, bike is looking really good. Just that dent in the tank is bugging me.

[@UncleMike1776]

Don’t worry it bugs me too!

[@kennethholder8898]

Keep up the great videos

[@UncleMike1776]

Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@erikmods5119]

Bad ass bike Mike! Would you ever consider blacking everything out on it and making it look like the “Nightster” that Harley was selling?

[@UncleMike1776]

I’m not sure if I want to paint it a different color or black it all out!

[@theone2be33]

Keep an eye on the cheapy brake pads. They may wear out quick

[@UncleMike1776]

Will do! I have a feeling they will but we will see..

[@tshadow6]

How much was the title and registration? Did you research the title yourself or use a service?

[@UncleMike1776]

Researched it myself and had it checked at dmv/sherif/free online services!

[@louisvilaros9066]

Time to put some mini apes bars on its looking good makes me miss my dyna glide

[@UncleMike1776]

If I still had it I would!

[@garthmccarthy4911]

put a dab of silicone on the top clips to secure the battery cover. I had to do the same, I have the same model, been at Harley for almost 3 years for repairs but that is a long sad story.

[@UncleMike1776]

Dang that’s too bad

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

Now I need to find a nice Sportster in a ditch...

[@UncleMike1776]

They’re hard to come by but when you do don’t pass them up!

[@GratefulEd907]

They usually cost around $1000 for ditched condition. (Around Oklahoma area anyway)

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

@@GratefulEd907 I’m Way too fat for a Sportster

[@GratefulEd907]

I live in southeast Alaska so I only have 5 or 6 months to ride but it’s a rainforest so only a few weeks of “nice” weather. I want a Harley and think a sportster for the price I don’t want to spend too much on something I won’t get to enjoy as much as I’d like. Now I have a Yamaha xt225 it’s a little duel sport it’s fun though I will say it’s pretty small for me but the price was right. I’ll double my money when I sell it

[@UncleMike1776]

@@GratefulEd907 right on! I want to sell this one and get something else more of my style!

[@alyssabarber2395]

Love this!

[@UncleMike1776]

Thanks!