Thread: picked up this bike

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It's been sitting in a shed for a few years. 81 Lowrider, probably Harley's worst year ever but the price was right. I replaced a couple missing lifter block screws, threw the jumpers on it and she popped right off. Yeah, it's pink, I think that chameleon paint that changes colors.

Looks a bit neglected, but definitely has potential! Always fun to start with the leftovers and build something neat!!! What ya gonna do to it?

Just when I was giving my thoughts, the power went off just long enough to shut the computer down.

I think it could be pretty nice, if you could build or buy a nice cover for the battery that would make a big difference. Then maybe put a nice low seat on it. Just my opinions but it's a good find.

Richard

I have the stock battery cover.
Plans, short term:
Seat
Bars
tires
Paint
forward controls
Little stuff like a derby cover, loose the geeky Live to Ride points cover

If I have it long enough it might get a more radical treatment which would no doubt have a 60s chopper flair, for sure loose the dorky wheels for some spokes. I never like the FX back fenders much either. Also the narrowglide is really tweaky, needs a brace, back brake was a rattling pos on these bikes..
Maybe I should just pull the engine and can the rest of the bike, maybe keep the frame and hardtail it.

funny you mention picking up a bike, i just picked up one of these babys for free!! 1977 yamaha rd400 2 stroke and its all there except the rear fender and rear lights and a battery.

Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

funny you mention picking up a bike, i just picked up one of these babys for free!! 1977 yamaha rd400 2 stroke and its all there except the rear fender and rear lights and a battery.

I can see a cool little bobber bike there. Is it called a Ram Air or something like that?

no but the same bike in the daytona special had scoops on top of the heads , nah i was gonna restore it to stock ride it a bit and sell it i need the $

nice find ,love the sound of the old shovels.i have a 06 heritage .sturgis next year ,we go every other year ,we ride through you town.

Originally Posted by hucks 50

nice find ,love the sound of the old shovels.i have a 06 heritage .sturgis next year ,we go every other year ,we ride through you town.

well, If I'm still here stop in for a long neck or a good cup.
I sold my last bike in 96. I was living in Alaska and didn't ride it anymore. It was also the first bike I ever owned, a 1970 FLH. I always said I would have another one when and if I moved back outside. I really want a panhead.

Originally Posted by willowbilly3

It's been sitting in a shed for a few years. 81 Lowrider, probably Harley's worst year ever but the price was right. I replaced a couple missing lifter block screws, threw the jumpers on it and she popped right off. Yeah, it's pink, I think that chameleon paint that changes colors.

Was 1981 the AMF years? It looks pretty darn good for being 27 years old!
A little rubbing compound, some wax, and chrome polish and she'll look almost new! Maybe some armour all too!(insider tip, armorall to the black parts on the engine perks them right up and doesn't seem to have a problem with the engine heat(per my mechanic). Say what you want about Harley's but they've got a classic style and sound that will always turn heads. You can get just about any parts you need on ebay for next to nothing, and it doesn't take much to make them unique! Good Find!
Gasser good score on the two stroke. I love the 70's style for the Japanese bikes! Learned to ride on a 71 Yamaha dual sport. Monster of a bike for a 125cc! A real work horse too!

funny thing i learned to ride an old yamaha ysr mini crotch rocket from the 80's kinda cool little bikes. i still want a kawasaki 750 triple and an old pan chop someday.

Originally Posted by willowbilly3

well, If I'm still here stop in for a long neck or a good cup.
I sold my last bike in 96. I was living in Alaska and didn't ride it anymore. It was also the first bike I ever owned, a 1970 FLH. I always said I would have another one when and if I moved back outside. I really want a panhead.

Yuppers, I think it would look good with either a wide glide front and some fat bob tanks, or get real crazy and put a big long springer and a ton of rake.... I gotta build me another one someday too!!!! Thinking maybe one of the old cop trikes with a springer and a knucklehead would suit me just fine!!!!!

Nice find! If my memory is right, 81 Harleys were post AMF. AMF Harleys were the great leakers, with some nasty paint runs on the tank.
AMF was the reason I bought a Gold Wing for a tourer instead of the FLH.


Those little RD400's were very quick machines, not as quick as my Kaw H2 500, but the Yammies handled better.

Who's the invisable man peeing in the front yard .

Bike does look very clean for a shed must be some dry weather there . Around here a couple years will rust it right up .

Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

funny you mention picking up a bike, i just picked up one of these babys for free!! 1977 yamaha rd400 2 stroke and its all there except the rear fender and rear lights and a battery.

Funny you should mention picking up a RD400. I bought one new. It was maybe the nicest riding and handling bike I ever owned. Also had a RD350 that I made into a cafe racer. I think the designation on it was S2a. Currently riding a '82 Honda XR500L. Love the sound of the big 4-stroke thumpers. By the way, I don't know if you saw my roadster project. I tagged it onto the Jets/Funnys at Firebird thread. Take a look and tell me what you think. Richard.