Jason cries:

> anyway, i am not really sure what direction i will take now.  i have to do
> something, the bike has no handlebars at all now, and i am sure that will
> complicate riding.

Well Jason... the best thing to do would be to walk away from it for a
little bit and relax.  I know that's hard but that's probably going to help
more than anything.  Second, get yourself a service manual because it's
going to be more helpful than anyone on this list for this and future
projects.

Third, go back to your dealer, find the parts manager, explain your
frustration to him.  Explain that while you understand his people are not
mechanics, nor are they a mentor for DIYers, you are in a position now where
you need some assistance and could use his help or someone familiar with the
Sportster enough to get you out of it.  He *should* have a list of things
that you will need (after he helps with that it would not be inappropriate
to get them a gift certificate to Applebee's or something similar).

Depending on how out of kilter things are you have to replace the clutch,
and throttle (2) cables which are really not that hard to do.  The wiring
will of course take cutting and splicing.  You'll want a soldering iron to
do it right.  It's not as hard as it looks... just relax and make some notes
as you go along.  The brake lines as well.

The good news is, this opens up possibilities for other upgrades for little
additional effort:

Chrome switches - they come with longer wires attached so you cut off the
old ones and solder on the new ones.  You're actually doing less work
because there will be one solder joint per wire now instead of 2.  Remember
to stagger the solder point on each wire to eliminate that big bunching up
effect.  Also remember to put heat shrink on BEFORE you solder.  :-)

Braided Cables - I mean they are coming off anyway right?

Change your primary oil - Good time to learn as you have to take the derby
cover off to get to the clutch cable.  While you are there learn to check
your primary chain tension.

I know your stomach is tightening now and you are starting to stress.
RELAX... it's not that bad especially with the service manual there.

Braided brake lines - They look awesome and provide increased "firmness"
when braking.  You'll also learn how to bleed brakes in this endeavor which
is (say it with me now) not that hard.  It's definitely easier than doing it
on a car.  On a bike it's a one person operation.

SE Air Cleaner - You have to take off the ham-can at least to get to the
cables.  If it's not done already maybe it's time?

None of these are hard or particularly sensitive operations.  I realize the
thought of cutting wires on an otherwise perfectly good bike frightens you a
little but it will be okay.  Bleeding the brakes is not rocket science and
is a good thing to learn.  Just remember to use the right stuff (the spec is
in your owners manual).  This is a good thing... you are learning about your
ride and that's always good.  Relax and things will be fine.

More good news:  When you get done with this you will have a sense of pride
that cannot be matched by someone taking it to the dealer and paying to have
it done.  You'll know more about your bike and have more confidence next
time.

-----
Lee Bussy (Stryder)
'03 883 XLC
XL-List KC Run info @ http://www.xlrator.com/Run-Rally/