1970 Harley Sportster

[TheTramp]

I've recently been given a 1970 Harley Sportster. It's been sitting for almost 20 years needs new parts like the cables, chain, etc but the engine does fire when kick-started (yes it is that old/classic).

Does anyone know a good place on the web to go for info on working on this bike?

I'll try to get a picture this weekend.

[cphilip]

Cool!

I don't know a specific place right off hand but I bet there is a Yahoo group

First thing you need to do is clean out the tank and replace the fuel tap. Change the gear box oil. I do know that is pretty universal stuff for vintage scooters and bikes. Always needs doing.

Sounds like a real dandy of a find.

[TheTramp]

If I pay to get it on the road, register it, and insure it, it's mine! Can't ask for much more thatn that.

I'm definetly going to change all the oil. I've replaced the plugs, and have the cables and chain on the way.

Why do you suggest I replace the gas cap?

[cphilip]

Not the cap... the tap. Or Fuel control valve... This is the lever you turn on and off to control the fuel flow. All them old systems are gravity feed. Many of the new ones too. And almost all of them have a built in filter in this assembly. And it also has a air tube to keep it vented and flowing. All these things get bad with time. They get to the point where they do leak and do not shut off all the way. Then the pressure pushes past the Needle valve in the carb and slowly floods the carb bowl and then the engine. So you want to replace that tap while you clean out the tank. Your cleaning years of varnish and maybe rust and crap out of the tank and line. Also good to do the same to the Carb. And perhaps new line as well. And change the float and needle valve in the carb. While your at it placing in new gaskets. They cheap and easy. A complete gasket set and float and needle is like 25 bucks. And the Fuel tap is like 15. So your good to go with that stuff and it will need it. Clean it up and get good fuel flow when you need it and not when you dont and it will be good for a long time. Simple stuff to do. Check and see if there is a Haynes manual for those years. Handy for simple jobs like that.

[TheTramp]

That shows my reading comprehentions skills.

I'm not sure I'm up to pulling the carbs completely apart. Even though I know it can make it seem like a whole new bike.

I've got a VERY detailed guide for doing it on my GS650G ('81 Suzuki) so I might try that and then tackel the Harley.

[cphilip]

See what the Carb is. There should be a manufacturer and a number on it. If its a simple standard carb I bet there is a blow up diagram of it. And its most likely very simple set up. If you get me that number and all I might can find you a diagram. I bet its very simple. You could probably completely rebuild it in like 20 minutes. Those things are very simplistic.

[cphilip]

Also check with these guys for Insurance.

Fernet
Phone: 407-481-8581
Fax: 407-481-8780
1-800-391-8144 TOLL FREE

Ask for Phyllis,

I currently have mine with Progressive and its $75 a year for liability only on one scooter... but I was just told of these guys and need to call them. The lady that tells me about them loves dealing with them and she said she is paying $62 a year and that includes theft insurance and all that stuff as well and her driving record is not perfect either! So I think I am going to get up with these guys.

[cphilip]

Haynes Manual

[ShooterJM]

How is it I can't even find starter bike around here for much under a grand and you get one free!!!!

@#$@$! it.

Good find though, that's awesome!

[Muzikman]

Who's bike was it? Do you know the history? The reason I ask was 1970 was the first year for the AMF merger. This was an ugly time for Harley and they quality went down hill fast. It wasn't so much their parts, but their assembly and QA. My father use to ride, and for years with mostly guys who rode Harleys. Everyone of them talked about how the first thing you did when you got an AMF was to rip it apart and rebuild it. Just keep this in mind

[TheTramp]

I'll probably be visiting it tomorrow so I'll check the carb. mfg. I'll also try to get a pic.

It was purchased brand new by the guy who is giving it to me and nothing major has been changed so whatever parts Harley put on there are still there.

He told me that he always had a problem with the kick starter kicking back violently when the bick was hot so perhaps that's indicitive of what Muzikman is talking about.