I finally replaced the swing arm bearings on my 2004 883XL with 69,500 miles on it. This is the first time I have done it, even though the maintenance schedule calls for replacement of these every 30K miles. I have felt a deterioration in handling for a few seasons now, but somehow it never was so bad as to make me want to do this job. This season, however, I have felt some very funky handling while accelerating into turns. The bike just did not want to go into a proper lean and felt unstable. So I decided it's time to do the swing arm bearings.

And it was! The old ones were really loose and rattly. New ones from HD cost about $35 each and felt so much different! Very tight and almost hard to turn.

I have done the job myself over a weekend. It did not take super long. I had to fashion a tool to press the old ones out and press the new ones in. The tool consisted of a 5.5" long carriage bolt 1/2" in diameter, a 24mm socket wrench and 36mm socket wrench (both for 1/2" drive), a 1/2" nut to fit the carriage bolt and a washer. It was very simple to press the bearings in and out using this setup.

Unfortunately, I did not take many pictures, only this one  when the rear wheel was off and I was about to remove the swing arm.

The results are amazing! The bike feels like new after this service. It has so much more command of the turns! I think I have slowly gotten used to not-so-great handling and learned to compensate, but with new swing arm bearings this bike feels like it can carve some curves! I have ridden it in some places that were instrumental in indicating the necessity of this service. It feels totally different and so much better!

Please do not neglect this job on your Sportster that has more than 30K miles!

Visited the LilacLand where many lilacs grow...

Replaced the rear shocks with some used Progressive 412 units

Replaced the rear shocks with some used Progressive 412 units that came from a non-Sportster. They are measuring 14.25" long and had worn out eyelet bushings. I ordered the new bushings from Progressives for about $20 and pressed them in after pressing out the old ones. 

The bike seems to handle a lot better with more suspension travel and slightly higher leaning clearance. It definitely feels firmer over bumps, but overall very good.

The old piggy-back 1200S shocks I had on there served me well for about 15 years. Now they seemed tired out and I wanted a change in handling. I am not one to lower my bike for the looks vs. performance, so I went the way I went. I also lucked into the used Progressive 412 shocks for $64 delivered on FB Marketplace. They were in very good shape except for the bushings.

 I have replaced both front and rear brake pads. The clock says 59,000 miles. She's still running perfectly and inducing ear-to-ear grin.

Earlier this season I performed a neck bearing service and fork oil change.

At the end of last season I replaced the rocker box cover gasket on the rear cylinder. It only just started to seep, no real leakage. Front one is still original.

 This season of riding is pretty amazing. Slow spring with long periods of blooming trees. I love it.

Here is a view from Mt. Holyoke in Hadley, MA. My back yard.

Went for a ride with an old college friend to Adirondacks, NY. Beautiful riding and weather.

I went for my first ride of the year a few days ago, but today, April 16, 2014 I woke up to this scene:

It is very cold and yesterday's April shower turned to bitter cold and some accumulation of snow. I will not be going riding today :)