You can find engines on Ebay for 500-700 bucks, depending on mileage. Shipping is another hundred. When I rebuilt the top end only on my VTX1800 I spent about 700 including machine work. Collecting parts is an adventure.
Posts by darrenbashby
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Yes, a motorcycle jack will work to move the frame off of the engine. On my 1800 I used a motorcycle jack to suspend the frame, and then galvanized steel pipe from Lowes on 4 jack stands to suspend the engine. I built wooden pads to elevate the jackstands so they were not at full extension and I had some room for adjustments to the angle of the engine. I used a pair of 6 ton and a pair of 3 ton. I performed the removal on my 8 ft wide patio. Take all the chrome off the engine cases that you can, or you will scratch it up. Especially the chrome on the clutch side. I took off the front wheel, radiator, intake, pulled the front exhaust studs, and everything plumbing related to have as much room as possible. I removed the rear wheel and drive shaft to help disconnect the u-joint from the engine, it is easier to pull the engine with the front u joint completely removed. . On the 1800 the wire loom also follows under the backbone of the frame and I had to move that to the side as much as I could as well. On my 1800 the case where the starter bolts on interfered with the motor mount that is welded to the frame so I used long tapered wood construction shims on two points under the left side of the frame to tilt it to the right for that mount to clear the case where the starter mounts. I am pretty sure 4 was the magic number. It is a tedious task due to tight clearances, but do-able. You just have to take it slow, you cannot force it out, or back in, you have to finesse it.
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