These modifications will help it run better. Buells usually run hot from the factory because of hotter cams and Thunderstrom Heads. At this point we re-ran the wiring to the regulator behind the oil pump for a cleaner appearance. We only had to extend one wire, to the oil pressure switch. Gene Jr. handled it with solder and shrink tubing. Removal of the gas tanks is a breeze and access to the heads and top end is easy. But if you need to remove the engine, the fact that it is an integral part of the frame and suspension creates unruly problems. The entire chassis must be supported.

At this point we replaced the pushrods from the top of the engine and replaced the stock rockerbox covers with chrome units. Don't use anything on the self-sealing gaskets except a dab of grease here and there to hold them in place.

With the engine assembled, we replaced the stock exhaust with a Buell race header kit and module. While Gene Jr. was out of town, I spoke to the Buell tech of the demo fleet, Alan Varsi, who has worked at Bartels Harley-Davidson for more than 11 years. The Buell race module retards the timing 5 degrees and eliminates the rev limiter. The stainless steel header is 11 inches longer than stock, which makes each exhaust runner equal in length. The muffler is an aluminum canister type that is high flow with low resistance for additional performance at the high end.

That's it. Laughlin is right around the corner, along with our first long ride on the Harley-Davidson Street Fighter. We're looking forward to every desolate mile. We'll report upon our return. A new paint job is in the wings, along with some cosmetic mods to brighten the look of this bad-ass bike.

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