This '73 Sportster sits higher than the newer models (14" rear shocks as opposed to 12"). My feet barely touch the ground. The battery and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or stock oil tank (which looks very retro so I love) jut out under the (quite wide) seat which further compromises my feet being flat on the ground.
Today I set out to take some parts off of the bike and did some minor wrenching. Looked at the part, the connecting bolts, figured out which wrench to use (varies depending on the location of the bolt). I was surprised at how many fancy wrenches there are (box end, 1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, rachet) and the multiple ways a bolt can be wrenched off.
I started with the battery, which must weigh about 20 lbs. The oil tank followed and I needed to drain it first. That took a ton of weight off. I then took off the seat, the front fender, one of the exhaust pipes, and finally the little license plate bracket.
[My husband, a proficient mechanic, was on hand if I needed to ask him a question]
I quickly learned that it's important to keep track of the bolts. They can easily get mixed up, so best that once the part is off, to put each respective bolt back in its puka.
Here she is, minus all the parts, looking pretty sweet. Got some ideas for an oil tank and a seat. Gonna change the shocks out (current ones are 14" eye to eye) to shorter ones so the bike sits lower so I can be flat-footed for comfort and safety.
My husband is an excellent mechanic and creative parts fabricator but I've decided that I will do all the work on this bike. I feel like I need to know its insides and outs. Of course I'll have to consult with him especially when it comes to the mechanical, engine-related work [which I know just from watching him can get extremely complicated, especially on old bikes], or fabrication [which he will likely do], but I'd like my hands to do all the work. I haven't ridden this bike yet because first I'm going to tear it apart.