Hello:
          my name is Rich Leonard.  I ride a 1987 sportster 883 that I 
          have slightly modified.  I started out having all my work done 
          at the Harley dealer but after I had to give them my first 
          born and sell my wife into slavery to pay for the bike,(boy 
          was she pissed), I decided to learn how to do everything 
          myself.  Since then I have put a 3 gallon tank on, changed the 
          carb to a CV40(this includes a new manifold and throttle 
          cables), a dynojet clone carb tuning kit, a crane hi-4 dual 
          fire ignition, SE aircleaner, SE mufflers, progressive 
          suspension front fork springs, corbin gunfighter & lady seat, 
          saddle bags, stainless steel braided brake lines, high 
          performance brake pads, rifle windshield, turn signal module 
          kit,(got tired of holding those damn buttons), and 
          mirrors(hated the stock mirrors).  the first thing i did was 
          to purchase a factory service manual and a climber service 
          manual.  I also have gotten the sportster performance handbook 
          and the big twin performance handbook.  
          
          Take heart all you newbies,, I have no experience wrenching 
          bikes before this so you can all learn to do it.  I do all my 
          maintenance and repair.  Next years project is punching out 
          the engine to 1200, I expect to do all the disassembly / 
          assembly myself.  Just read the service manuals, ask questions 
          at the harley shop or at an after-market shop, read the 
          service manuals, read the service manuals, and read the 
          service manuals.....   Good luck and dig in.
          
          On the WWW try looking at world-wide-glide for lots of good 
          tips and info.  There are also one or two web paged dedicated 
          to sporties out there for us sportie lovers.  HoT Rod Bikes is 
          also now publishing an all sportster magazine 4 times a year.  
          Call to get a subscription.  Support our magazine..
          
          Have a great day
          Rich Leonard
          rleonard@acccorp.com
          Sporties Forever