That Was Then....This Is Now

[Dubfire]

Just a couple of before and after pics to show the modifications I have made to my Sportster since I bought it 2 years ago.

November 2004



November 2006


The bike had already had the Stage 1 tuning with the SE Baloney cut pipes fitted so the first thing I did was change the tyres, replacing the old, hard, cracked Dunlops with new Avon Venoms. The braided front brake line was next, followed by the Teardrop Air Cleaner.

Next came the LePera Maverick seat and removal of reflectors and lower belt guard. Longer rear shocks and progressive front springs were fitted and the bike was levelled by raising the forks through the clamps by 3/4".

A Wilwood front brake caliper and relocated front turn signals complete the changes to date. (I've also changed the horn, but you can't see that !)

[Gone]

How is the Wilwood caliper working for you, Mike?

[Dubfire]

Originally Posted by cleger

How is the Wilwood caliper working for you, Mike?

Thanks for asking Chris. It seems to be getting better every time I go out! I wanted to wait before commenting on it because after I first fitted it I found it to be not much better than the original caliper. But after leaving it overnight and bleeding the fluid again, braking improved, even though only a few tiny air bubbles came out. Now that the pads are bedded in, I feel that the caliper is now performing well and is definately a big improvement over the stock item. The speed-bleeder is a revelation! It really makes bleeding the brakes a doddle! Another happy Trak-Tek customer .

[Gone]

Excelent. Glad to hear it.

If you're still getting air out of it, it still might not be bled fully. Getting the air to go all the way down the caliper, turn the corner and head back up to the bleeder can be a challenge.

Sometimes it helps to unbolt the caliper and hold it level while bleeding. Not sure if I mentioned that back when you bought it. But, if you're getting good results from it, you may have it fully bled already.

Thanks!

[Gyahmers]

Nice job, I wish I could keep my bike that clean.

Although I don't have a Wilwood brake caliper, (Btw, I really like the look of it. Might change mine out one of these days.) I do use a four piston caliper and really like the braking, big improvement.

[Dubfire]

Originally Posted by Gyahmers

Nice job, I wish I could keep my bike that clean.

Although I don't have a Wilwood brake caliper, (Btw, I really like the look of it. Might change mine out one of these days.) I do use a four piston caliper and really like the braking, big improvement.

Thanks. You should have seen the bike before I washed it!

I'm sure you're right, i've heard that the 4 pot caliper on the 2000 on bikes is a big improvement over the single pot lump that was on mine.

[Gone]

Originally Posted by Dubfire

Thanks. You should have seen the bike before I washed it!

I'm sure you're right, i've heard that the 4 pot caliper on the 2000 on bikes is a big improvement over the single pot lump that was on mine.

Yes the 4 pot caliper is very good the only draw back is that the pads are thiner and wear out quicker. but the difference between the 2 is night and day. and thay are way better than the old drum brakes from back in the day.

I hope to upgrade to dual set up one of these days.

Dubfire your changes are very nice. good work.

[Dubfire]

Originally Posted by Loui Evo XLHS

I hope to upgrade to dual set up one of these days.

Dubfire your changes are very nice. good work.

Thank you.
I thought about a dual set up (together with changing to a 19" wheel, which I may still do) but for now the cost is prohibitive. Another caliper, a fork slider to mount it on, rotor, brake line, master cylinder, etc....it all adds up!

Sundance: thanks for the compliment.

[Sportster Girl]

Bike looks great Mike, I really like the S&S!

[Dubfire]

Originally Posted by Sportster Girl

Bike looks great Mike, I really like the S&S!

Thanks Mel, good to hear from you. Like the new avatar, I hope that will be my next bike......one day!