BikerThoth
Raw garage stories, DIY Sportster work, and the slow grind of making old iron better. From SE Kansas.
See the Builds Read the BlogCurrent Builds
Lilia • 2018 XL883N Iron
Phase 1 underway. 1275 plan locked, tank design explorations, EnergyOne plates in, taller cruise gears intentional. Raw DIY documentation.
Posts about Lilia →
Project Dumpster
Still a concept. No parts purchased. Older Sportster frame plan only — no Springer, 1" drop, drag bars, custom LEDs. Nothing in the shop yet.
Posts about Project Dumpster →
Umbra • 1998 R1100RT
Brake lines, sensors, starter, electrical, and bodywork done and documented on YouTube. Then the clutch let go on the highway in August. On hold pending a full inspection for a gas smell.
Posts about Umbra →Garage Notes
Lilia's Build List (And Why)
Everything done and planned on Lilia, my 2018 Iron 883, and why. Gearing first: a 30 tooth front before the big bore, a 66 rear after the 1275.
2026-11-01 Read the post →
New Seat Bolt: Dragon's Blood Starts Here
New red knurled seat bolt on Lilia. Small part, but it's the first piece of the dragon's blood and black look I'm shifting to.
2026-10-31 Read the post →Project Dumpster: Still Just a Concept
No parts bought. No frame in the shop. Just the plan for a stripped-down Sportster bobber.
2026-10-31 Read the post →
Umbra On Hold: Clutch Is Fried
The clutch on the R1100RT is fried. Project is on hold until the bike gets a full inspection for a gas smell.
2026-10-31 Read the post →
Quick Review: Bullseye Tire Inflator
Small Walmart tire inflator. Fills both tires on the Sportster or the BMW. Charges over USB-C.
2026-10-27 Read the post →
Lilia Tank Design: Armillary Sphere
Thinking through an armillary sphere design for Lilia's tank. Paint, a wrap, or something I lay out myself. No commitment yet.
2026-10-19 Read the post →
Oil Drain Line Cracking Again
The replacement oil drain line on Lilia is cracking again. Oil inside is very bad.
2026-10-19 Read the post →
Why the 30/66 Cruise Is Intentional
Gear ratio notes on Lilia. Accepts the downshift to fourth for power so fifth stays unassuming. Long-term motor plan locked at 1275.
2026-10-09 Read the post →
Umbra Rides Home in the Truck
Clutch failed on the highway and left the R1100RT stranded. Loaded it in the back of the truck and hauled it home.
2026-08-29 Read the post →
The Clutch Finally Let Go
Umbra's clutch gave up in the middle of nowhere, just past the airport. Mirror broke too.
2026-08-29 Read the post →
New Brake Line, New Leak
Finished bleeding the brakes on the BMW. The new line leaks from two spots. Back to square one on that part.
2026-04-14 Read the post →
Don't Forget This on a Brake Hose Swap
Putting a new rear brake hose on the R1100RT. One piece off the old hose has to move over to the new one.
2026-04-14 Read the post →About
I'm Thoth. I document the slow, honest work of keeping motorcycles running and making them better in a small garage in southeast Kansas.
Current focus is Lilia (2018 Sportster 883 Iron). Project Dumpster is still a concept — no parts purchased, nothing started. Previous full restoration on the 1998 BMW R1100RT "Umbra" is done. Raw footage goes up on YouTube — no polished thumbnails, just the work.
If you're into DIY, Sportsters, or just watching someone figure it out in real time, you're in the right place.
Watch on YouTube