Okay, let’s talk about this Harley Davidson Night Train custom project I’ve been working on. I’ve always loved the look of these bikes, so I finally took the plunge and started my own custom build.
First off, finding the right base was a bit of a mission. I knew I wanted an older model, somewhere between the late 90s and early 2000s. It had to be in decent shape, but not too pristine – I wanted room to really make it my own. Eventually, I found a 2001 Night Train that was begging for a makeover. It had the 88 cubic inch v-twin, 5-speed transmission and was running okay, but let’s just say it had seen better days.
Stripping It Down
The first thing I did was tear that baby down. I took apart almost everything, labeling and bagging all the parts like a madman. This stage is crucial, trust me. You don’t want to lose some random bolt and be stuck for weeks trying to find a replacement. I kept the engine and transmission mostly intact, but everything else got stripped to the frame.
The Vision
My vision for this bike was to give it that “old school” vibe but with some modern touches. I’m not a huge fan of over-the-top chrome and bling. I wanted something a little more understated, a little more badass. Blacked-out parts were definitely on the menu, and I was toying with the idea of a wider rear tire.
Making It My Own
- Wheels and Tires: I decided to go with a wider rear tire – a 200mm, to be exact. I also swapped out the stock wheels for some custom ones. They give it a beefier look, which I’m really digging.
- Fender: I replaced the bobtail fender and add a couple of kits. I wanted to show off that fat rear tire.
- Paint Job: I went with a matte black finish for most of the bike. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it just looks mean.
- Handlebars and Controls: I installed drag bars and forward controls. Gives it a more aggressive riding position, which I like.
- Exhaust: I opted for a custom exhaust that not only looks good but also has a nice rumble to it. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but it definitely turns heads.
- Engine: After disassembling the engine and transmission, I found that the engine had some minor problems. After replacing the parts and upgrading, the engine increased to 96 cubic inches with a 6 speed transmission.
Putting It Back Together
This was probably the most satisfying part of the whole project. Slowly but surely, I started putting everything back together. I cleaned and polished every part before reinstalling it. I took my time, making sure everything was torqued to spec and fitted properly.
The Final Result
After months of hard work, sweat, and maybe a few tears, the bike was finally finished. And let me tell you, it was worth it. It’s exactly how I envisioned it – a blacked-out, old-school Night Train with a modern twist. It rides like a dream, sounds amazing, and turns heads wherever I go. I’m beyond proud of how it turned out. I made a custom bike that truly reflected my personal style and preferences.
This project was a real learning experience for me. I learned a lot about Harleys, about customizing bikes, and about myself. It was a challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding. If you’re thinking about doing a custom build, I say go for it. It’s a lot of work, but the feeling you get when you finally ride your own creation is unlike anything else.
