Sportster "Bolt-on" bobber with Sikpipes

2002 Sportster bobber "bolt-on" project. All mods are bolt-on.

[@alteredstateskustom]

here's a tip when you wrap exhaust, start at the bottom end and wrap towards the top. this way the overlap will lay in the proper direction, like fish scales . your way will trap dirt and water

[@mitchellkluender1848]

The fork reflectors are the best part.

[@NomadMoto]

hahhahahah So funny..

[@danyellejoslin1542]

I love the look and sound of this bike. You have a respectable modest attitude about your work too which is a rarity. Looks like a fun run around ride. Nice job.

[@dinsterzz]

Danyelle Joslin i have to agree on this. Down to earth and modest, well explained

[@Thebatterside]

This is great. I think welding can often be a major deterrent for new builders, really nice to see a bike that is on par with more costly/lengthy projects with just a few bolts. And it looks amazing, hasn't sacrificed looks at all. Great job.

[@monkeydink9933]

That rear brake w/master cylinder right there REALLY makes the rear end awesome.

[@onedge247]

Nice mods. Pipes sound awesome. Work to Live, Live to RIDE

[@meca13b]

Wow 10 years later , awesome job!

[@plumwilkin671]

really cool, illustrates the difference between cheap and frugal

[@samhoban2509]

so...here I am back looking at your bike ...again. Thanks for posting, and for being free with your advice. Cheers

[@hdbhehddbz]

Mm man that's such a well-executed bike. The lines/overall style are just spot on. Some dudes just get it.

[@nickmorris9383]

your THINKING is exactly my THINKING!!!.......thank you soooo much for how your abilities translated into a bike for the MASSES!

[@robtbomba3491]

Clutch line can't be left to free-float; the seat springs are stressed in an odd, side-pressured way when you sit on the bike, so you might want to rethink/adjust that mount to avoid a failure/collapse; short fenders will be necessary, or I'd think so. I'd get a ticket within 5 minutes if I had those pipes, and who wants to pay traffic tickets? Anyway, looks good. It's a war on the streets and highways, so ride safe!

[@rizwanqureshi2229]

Lab ute chr

[@majikspex]

I secured the clutch line before riding it, I should have mentioned it in the video. Bad example to others I know. I end up removing the springs all together and it ended up being more comfortable.

[@gregormiller4037]

Agree Robt. I've been dirt biking for 40+ years, finally got a 16' 883. Cant believe some people.

[@13thvarebel16]

Especially in Va. haha.

[@ronaldhayes1068]

I really like the coil relocation mod, nice to see someone thinking outside the box and placing it somewhere other than the stock location or between the cylinders. The only thing i would suggest is maybe a chrome cover for that coil. Very nice ride !

[@Kyle-wb7wx]

I've watched this video like 8 times man. It's so good!

[@SniperSam]

I had to come back to this. man, that is nice!

[@majikspex]

I agree. All of this is just the halfway point. I'm looking at rigid frames now for the real switch over. That's mainly why the whole bike is bolt on stuff. There are only a couple of components that wont be reused. I was going to go with a Led Sled rear but I'm leaning more towards a whole new frame so it will be cleaner looking. Thanks for the comment.

[@scottt3491]

Looks and sounds as mean as a cut snake. Love it! I wish those pipes were legal here in Australia. Thanks for the share.

[@jayboorum3764]

Absolutely an awesome job.That’s about the nicest custom I’ve seen,and it’s “shade tree”!

[@Yourmidz]

All you guys hating man fuck a stock Harley from dealer yeah they look good but every guy atleast badasses should want their shit to be different from everyone else's I don't know it's all personal preference. This build is super sick

[@nonjuveniledelinquet]

frankly, this 'build' is horrendous.

[@dennisthemenace8196]

Matt f I'll let you know that each bike is a different style for a different taste it's not your bike and I hope you have a better one to prove yourself

[@robertjbyrd1]

I checked out the video a good while back. Nice build. The seat is perfect from where I watched. The springs look to be at their best position. I ride a 2008 standard. With the EFI have not gotten around to switches on light or starter switch. I like the clean handlebar look. I put a big Metzeler on front. that barely clears fender. Again, nice look.

[@1uncleguido]

I totally agree with the 3 dudes approach. When I first got my bike I was worried about theft so I purchased a brake rotor lock. However, the lock weighs like a pound, it's too heavy to carry around in a pocket, let alone the 5' of orange reminder cable. I use my fork lock, and hope them 3 dudes pass up mine for someone elses, if I'd ever ride it. The front of the 48 does grip corners well at high speed and drifting. It also counter steers like magic, but it's noticeably heavy at low speeds.

[@davegosselin9327]

Nice work. And no hacking the bike too much. It’s got a good stance and the forward controls def help out . And look good too. It’s simple yet a good example of thought out execution. Enjoy the ride !

[@majikspex]

Right you are. I think the name was more to imply that all mode are bolt on. It will be a proper rigid in the end. I just have other things eating my money first. Love the 74 by the way.

[@nerblebun]

That's a fine looking mule brother. I ride a bobber with an 883 on a Flyrite frame. Damn near the same pipes. Same tail light. Same switch for ignition. The dude I bought it from (a Sheriff deputy) had the 1992 engine completely rebuilt by Harley Davidson in 2012. It had less than 1,500 miles on it when I bought it. He originally built it for his old lady but she got sick and died shortly after he gave it to her. The poor dude didn't even want to look at it after that so he says to me, "make an offer". He sold me that fast sumabitch for $1,200. I'm a lot smaller than you and it fits me perfectly.

[@alaskalivedotnet]

Hey, show us some photos!!!

[@captsullivan]

Hey Gandy. Excuse the late retort, I've been BUSY. "Whatever is eating you, it must be suffering horribly"

[@84IRONHEAD1000]

Wtf?

[@mikev9074]

troll dick

[@mikev9074]

Guys a Dick

[@majikspex]

Thanks for the comment Lare. I'm not sure which "cheapo toggle switch" you are refuring to but I'll explain. Voltage can not increase beyond that which is supplied. So battery or running voltage will not build up. Also heat would be present if the current/amps were higher than the gauge wire being used was intended for. Also the fuse would burn up long before enough heat was present to melt anything. One can always use ohms law to calculate volts, amps and ohms. I have done so in all cases.

[@cawboybutterball10]

Soak wrap for 30 min. before wrapping. Wrap wet, from tail pipe toward manifold, pull wrap tight as you go with 1/2 inch overlap. Let wrap dry and it will tightening further. Spray wrap with DEI High Temp header silicone wrap spray. Keeps wrap from staining and keeps it nice and neat.

[@gregarmstrong9334]

ive got a 1993 883 huger im getting ready to customize, Your bike is KILLER, nice look sounds great !!!

[@majikspex]

I am very happy with them. I like the sound a lot and I get lots of props from every one that has seen them. I'm not running a P.C. I just re-jetted the carb. I'm still tuning the idle a wee bit. But riding it everything seems to be set ok. I put some power/torque cones in the exhaust to help with the needed back pressure. I know a bunch of dudes trash talk that they aren't worth it, but after seeing results from dyno runs I disagree. Tyler at Sikpipes also recommended using them.

[@majikspex]

I got the pipes from Sikpipes. Nice pipe designs and they will wrap them for you too for almost nothing. Very worth it. Be ready to change your jets in yo carb after you change out. At the very least you'll need to change out your main jet. I might recommend getting the cv performance upgrade kits.

[@shtooops]

awesome bike, man. Slowly bobbing my craigslist grandpa sportster and got some great ideas from the vid. Was having a ton of trouble finding pipes like this too so thanks a million for the lead. Safe riding, take it easy!

[@lukealvarez6161]

Excellent work! Simple, direct, and it looks badass!

[@johnoakes3106]

Nice bike! Ir reminds me of Sportsters we used to build in the '60s. With a CH magneto installed and no battery they we're definitely "strippers." Light and fast.

[@hdrider524]

Great bike! Have a 883 myself, You have given me some great ideas!! Looking forward to see how you do the fenders.

[@qsonic]

Still really nice clean lines on a Harley. Clean look all round. Deep sounding pipes!

[@cheff8383]

Sweet, Mime came with the same foot controls. For a taller guy these are great. Problem is that you can no longer find the rebuild kit or new master cylinder for them. Twin manufacturing sells the whole kit still.

[@scoomagee]

Love the clean & simple look of the bike,

[@mikecwiklinski]

Incredible modifications you do.

[@majikspex]

I have at this point made a mount for mounting the coil right where you said. The way I mounted it to the battery cover was done by grinding down the bolt heads so they were very flat and then I put a thick rubber piece between the bolts and the battery. Not so much as a scratch or indentation after a year and a half of riding. I think this is my 5th bike build and I forced myself to not do welding so I could come up with different ideas. I'll do an update vid when done with this next step.

[@majikspex]

Yes. There are some factors to be aware or though. Sporties run on the heavy side for smaller bikes, buy they are more narrow then a lot too. Because of this they don't feel big and awkward. But the weight can be a surprise if you let it over too far while standing at a stop. If you are planning on customizing I would also take a look at Yamaha Vstars in a 650 It's a good platform for making your own and it's a good ride before getting into something bigger. Stay safe no matter what you're on.

[@slosser145]

Very cool! When I ordered them, I had Tyler weld in some baffles for me, for some added back-pressure. He said they werent sound-diminishing type baffles, and that they just provide the needed back-pressure. So I shouldn't have to install torque cones... I hope. They should arrive here within the next few days. I'll post up a vid when I get it running.

[@K4RRC]

Gotta do something with that clutch cable floating around in front or the frame. Nice build and like the SikPipes.

[@majikspex]

Good questions dude! It wasn't. It sat the bike up almost strait. I took it off and stuck it under a 40 ton shop press and bent it in the center, and then bent the flat contact area too adjust for the angle change. It's a lot better but it does not sit with as much stock lean angle. I was too cheap to buy a shorter one. No problems so far. Not too many hills where I live.

[@dealwolfstriked272]

dude YOUR BIKE MAKES ME DREAM AGAIN!!!

[@majikspex]

Never had gravel in my crack from riding it. The roads where I live are some of the worst anywhere and I have never come close to coming off the back. I just pay attention and adjust as needed. It has fenders now though. I decided they helped the over all look.

[@majikspex]

Hey Benji. The clutch and master are Jaybrake classic hand controls. I would very much recommend getting the one with a brake light switch included. it will require you to drill a small hole in the handle bars for internal wiring but it's totally worth it. If you keep your stock wiring you can just splice the stock brake light switch wire into the new one and it will look really smooth. If you have any questions feel free to pm me and I'll try to get to it as soon as I can. Stay safe.

[@sloboy69]

great bolt-on project! loved your ideas and execution with it all, especially the springer seat. i'm working on a similar bolt-on project with my '09 Nightster. thanks for the inspiration!

[@Weo510]

No front fender for 5 years now. I worry about anything hanging, unsecured over my front wheel-> no bandana for me. On the highway, I've ridden in lots of rain without issue. The wind keeps the water down. Under 45mph you get a monster rooster tail when it's raining or going through a puddle. Whatever you ride through is thrown in your face and chest. I always ride with jacket and helmet so I could care less. Takes 2 minutes to take off or put on if you don't like it, so give it a try.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

ah the pipes those guys have...you know those guys that like to make passes in the suburb at 3 am full throttle at every stop and never shift past the second lol

[@mikekaneeho151]

super dope for a built on bike. i love your head lamp set up.

[@johnnyboneart]

Looks great! Nice job. I looked up a pic of a 2002 and it's amazing the transformation you gave! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing...

[@deadouge58]

Dude you built the hell out of that bike its effn awesome great build bro im impressed great video quality to also them pipes sounded beast

[@willbrewa]

great bike, great tree, wondrous craftsmanship

[@Feamsterr]

i was saying to myself "man it would help if he'd sit on it" then you did! subbed

[@MrJruta]

I know it’s an older video but DAMN fine lookin machine!!

[@majikspex]

I'm pleased with the look, but more the way the feel. The position is way more comfortable than I thought it would be. I don't know if I'll ever do it for real but 10'' Z apes looked sick too. I just wanted the low look.

[@mattonm]

Beautiful bike! Makes me want to do something with my 79 sporty.

[@majikspex]

Correction. The stock idle is 42 and I am now running a 44. Stock main jet is a 160 and I am running a 170 main now. I also replaced the emulsion tube with the new one from the kit. This site has some good info on carb tuning factoryproDOTcom/tech/carbtune,CV,high_rpm_enginesDOThtml Where it says DOT just put a dot there, not the word DOT. Hope this helps.

[@StarletAndTheHoods]

Cool sporty, I got a bad ass pink sporty bobber... I chopped my back fender real short once and mud and rain would spray up on my back and get in my hair, crazy lol... So now I have a bob tail fender. I also raked the front end and went with wide glide triple tree...

[@majikspex]

Never claimed to be an engineer. I did Mickey Mouse a few things for sure, but only for the sake of that they were temporary. The seat springs, coil location and no fenders were for sure Mickey Mouse worthy. The main thing behind this video is to premote ideas in guys who have no experience in building or wrenching. I wont pretend to think that everyone has the same style either. You are welcome to like what you like.

[@vimmeh]

That's an awesome bike, just the thing I want to do, those pipes sound amazing.

[@thefreedomguyuk]

no, they don't. sound just like cut pipes..

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

Pretty cool I think. 👍 if it was mine, I’d probably do a small fender and run shocks on the back.

[@bobkats]

Very nice mate you have done a great job awesome interpretation of your bobber

[@emoe40]

You did a great job with that project. thanks great video

[@motorcycles316]

What a great job you did here…thanks for sharing !

[@bobberguy1]

Looks good! Can't have this much fun for 4 grand without catching a disease!

[@chiselhead73]

why are all these people being so negative about this bike? its fucking awesome and well done to him for doing it all himself!

[@ChukaCustoms]

You should really think about the front fender strut. It will allow more stability while cornering at higher speeds. The down tubes are just free floating and are only held in place by the axle which is not the strongest point. Like the pipes, they sound good.

[@fugdup]

Awesome bolt-on conversion.

[@66cb]

Nice ride, and on the cheap too! I love no fenders, it really ads to the "clean and simple" look.

[@jitsujuFan]

Very cool my man. Badass. i love it. definitely an inspiration for my winter project this year! just soooo cool!

[@DaytonCarCare]

Looks good. Yea maybe a short rear fender and taller seat springs. Just got a 94 myself. Already has a 1200cc screaming eagle kit. Though they mounted large fenders, sissy bar, saddle bags, windshield. I already removed the bags, sissy, and shield, mounted a more updated thinner seat, drag bars (ordered a 8" rise T bar). Going to remove the front fender and order a smaller rear. Also has a fat bob tank on it. Damn carb just started giving me issues. Will have to clean and see if it needs a rebuild kit.

[@rickpope5388]

Sounds great. Looks amazing. Great job.

[@imsofast1]

This is crazy! Me and my dad have done a lot of the same things as you before i even saw this video such as the toggle switch for the ignition and light and we also did the same starter set up. What can I say? You know how to get things done in a fashionable way! Good job man

[@Jakeybabe100]

I love the way 0-back pressure sounds :D I'm not harley fan, but that is a sick bike !

[@nealperez9974]

great idea and simple to do, minor things to to adjust I like it

[@majikspex]

I totally agree that Harleys are for looking good compared to handling. That's what this one is all about too. Oddly enough the riding position is pretty comfy for me. Though it was built that way. You ride it like a sport bike in the sense that you use your lower back instead of having all your weight on your hands and wrists. I actually removed the springs and pushed the seat back a few inches and I like it even more now. Thinking maybe some shorty shocks to get back some of the lost handling.

[@majikspex]

Hey Capt, I didn't mean that Harley's don't handle well. For a cruiser they are just fine. I think my comparison was with all types of bikes. Not just sport bikes and cruisers. For example the enduro style bikes out there handle extremely well. Within each class there are always going to be a few models that don't perform like you would want. I think it just comes down to what you want in the end. Comfort, decent handling, sport and speed or handling and the not so comfortable but custom look.

[@majikspex]

Thanks. It's actually comfy for me. I set it up for me so I can stay on it longer. I can go about 3 hours before wanting a quick stop.

[@GPBraaten]

Looks like a beast.

[@majikspex]

Thanks, it was a really easy setup and it keeps it real clean.

[@mrod4864]

this is badass i think it looks way better then thos raked stretched out forks on some choppers

[@majikspex]

It can but it depends on where and how big of a hole. The seat hinge screws that I did are just off the backbone on the forked parts of the frame, so a small hole there isn't much at all. The holes a did for the seat springs make no difference because I have a ton of metal there and I don't have anthing after that, so no weight to hold. So just think about where you want it and how big it needs to be before drilling.

[@majikspex]

It is the stock tank. It's an 2002. I believe that the same tank was used from 96-03. I'm not sure about after. I think now there is only like 3 tanks being used for sportys.

[@majikspex]

I thought about that a lot but after I put my seat on I stopped worrying. It has quite the curve to it. Sliding off would take a beastly push which is way more than my bike can give. I've been working on modifying the stock fenders. I'll post a vid update when done.

[@astifcaulkinyeras]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm 6' 3" too and was wondering what it would look like with these type of handlebars.

[@EBthere]

Nice bike and good job on the video. Even at six-three you look good on the bike. Sportsters are cool.

[@bakers5boys]

the tank has been lifted like everyone elses. unique sheeplecycle

[@brettmcmahan1353]

Very nice. Sweet looking ride.

[@majikspex]

I'll have to check but I think the main jet is now a 72. I'd have to check the idle jet. I 'll check on the stock main jet, but I'm pretty sure the 883 is a 54 or a 56. If I'm way off I'll re-comment and let you know. It all really depends on your choice of aircleaner, exhaust and engine size though. The kit that I used was the CVPerformance kit of their own site. Cheapest price and it comes with all new everything. They also have videos on the site showing how to do everything.

[@calD57]

super cool! my old o5 883 ran darn good. i was 250

[@majikspex]

They are from J&P and they didn't have them in black when I got them. There were out of stock a few months ago, but just check with them and see if they are back in or doing them black now. I have the part number in a reply comment from someone else on here, just check the old comments and you'll find it. Happy building!

[@daroChaNNeL]

amazing job you did on your bike!

[@abiprates5943]

It looks great. Fantastic!

[@yetimann001]

Very cool & inspirational. I have a '00 sporty that I'm bobbin' out and I'll probably steal some of your mods....thanks & keep the shiny side up!

[@kendamon5929]

Way cool I like it! I've had my 1990 Sporty since new 23 years 75,000 miles,Best thing I've done beside make it a 1200 is the S&S Carb. runs a lot better! Cams And hot coil.Woke it up a little.

[@majikspex]

Haven't had any problems yet. I was riding last week when I started to hit my low mark and when I turn it to the reserve it was fine. At fill up it took as much as usual. So I would say it probably hasn't messed with it much if at all.

[@dannycannon3793]

Good looking bike. But i would question a lot of long term functionality of these mods. First those clutch lines just free hanging is super bad and will break. Second the coil mount to the batter case. Looks like an easy way to rub a hole in your battery. Lastly the oil lines next to your push button start. Same thing. It doesnt fit properly and is rubbing. This will eventually put holes in your oil lines. Everything you do. Think about vibrations and objects touching like that. Your brave running no fenders at all. All the thrown rocks and riding on wet roads. You will be hating life. I do like the look of the bike. I would just recommend making those miner arjustments.

[@zachryan10]

sounded and looked amazing

[@Mangiapane85]

Thanks so much for the video man! I love the sportsters and I'm 6ft 2in tall and have been looking for a tall rider to show their posture. you look great on the bike bro,definitely convinced me to take the leap. thanks a lot!! Oh, and great work on it too!

[@Majorvideonut2]

Wait until the rain and or puddles of water come. The tires and the open belt will cause a second down pour... I mean up pour. You will be wet from bottom and top. Had a bike that someone chopped off the rear finder... right up my back the water went.