Mainly just adding pictures.
Spraying the plate has taught me some valuable lessons. Preparation, preparation, preparation. That was my biggest mistake. That and rushing because I was on the clock as I needed the bike back on the road for work. I ground it down and sandpapered it, but I didn’t fill or grind out all the tiny pockmarks in the metal. The paint doesn’t fill the holes in, just highlights it. Also I think I may have picked up dust. I’ve ordered some drop sheets to make a sterile tent in my shed. Another thing is it’s better to spray too little each time, I got impatient and got a drip. I only had engine black paint so I had to cure it in the oven. So, appropriate paint for the job. Possibly add more layers of clear. And finally, be very gentle with the wet sanding. I think I rubbed out some of the clear.
There are some positives. The paint went on. There is a nice reflection of the bolt on the lower right of the picture. Rough as it is, it looks better than the surrounding paintwork, and it was much worse.
I’m hopeful, applying all I’ve learned and with more practice, I could do a reasonable job.
The other thing is the Sportster. I was struggling with it. Since I changed the handlebars I’ve been having serious issues with the clutch pull. Recently It’s become more and more difficult to find neutral. I read online that that is a clutch adjustment issue. I took the clutch cover off today and adjusted it. It was miles off. It turns out I’d put a locking nut on the wrong way around so the clutch had moved way out of position. I set it correctly and put the nut on the right, then went for a spin.
The new mirrors give you a wonderful view of your gloves and forearm, but if you move your hands and head position they work adequately. And they stay in place, unlike the bar end mirrors, so I’m happy enough with them.
I took it out for a 20 mile tootle in the sunshine and it was great. The clutch was (relatively) light, the gears went up and down smoothly, the riding position was comfortable, it was a different bike. That’s the first time out where I could just sit back and enjoy the ride. I’m really happy with my Harley. I have been going through some dark times with it, thinking I’d remembered it wrong and I don’t actually like Harleys after all. Which would be a huge gut punch after all the money I’ve poured into it. Now I’m thinking of respraying it, getting the wheels rebuilt, and changing my insurance next year so I can ride the Bonnie one week, the Sporty the next.
Oh, and I’ve just remembered to go and test my headlight at night. It’s way bright! Cool.