Okay, so “97 Fatboy” – sounds like a diet plan, right? Nope, it’s a Harley. My buddy picked up this ’97 Heritage Softail, nicknamed “Fatboy,” and it needed some love. I’m no professional mechanic, but I enjoy tinkering, so I told him I’d take a crack at it.
First thing I did was give it a good wash. Years of grime and dust were hiding the actual paint. I just used some regular car wash soap and a soft sponge. Nothing fancy.
- Washed the bike.
- checked the oil level
- Started the engine
Next, I checked the basics. Oil level was good, surprisingly. I checked all other fluids, brakes, transmission, everything was looking good.
I checked the battery with a multimeter,It was reading a little low, so I put it on a trickle charger overnight.
Air Filter
The Air filter, it was filthy! I pulled it out, and it was practically black. I tapped it out a bit, but ultimately, I just ordered a new K&N filter online. Figured it was worth the upgrade.
I noticed some minor rust spots on the chrome. Nothing major, but I wanted to nip it in the bud. I grabbed some fine steel wool and some chrome polish. Took some elbow grease, but I managed to get most of it off. It’s not perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better.
Finally, I took it for a short test ride. It ran pretty well! The engine sounded strong, and the gears shifted smoothly. There’s still a bit of a sputter at low RPMs, so I might need to look at the carburetor next. But for now, my buddy’s pretty happy, and so am I. It’s a cool old bike, and I’m glad I could help bring it back to life a little.
