I am planing to look at an 84 softail and only got a few pics and brief conversation with owner. There is no kick start and the owner claims it was option and never had one. he is not the first or even 2nd owner.

I am trying to learn what I can before i go see it. Not having much luck with google and even Ronnies parts list is not real clear what is going on. It does look as if the tranny could have been available without kick. In that case a lot of expensive internal parts would be missing? Right? I dont know. I never had one or paid that close attention.

Was that optional and what would be involved in adding the kick stat if it has the right HD 4 speed with a kick start. Is there something to look for to determine if a kick could be added back? I mean maybe it broke and was removed? Or I suspect maybe the transmission was replaced.

What I dont want to do is buy the bike and find out it cost a kings ransom to get some rare old parts, when i could have just held out for another. On the other hand this one is available now and priced right.

 

'84 Softails should have a 4 speed with a kick starter.
I didn't think the 5 speeds came out till '86.

 

But, the question is could an 84 softail have been sold without a kick start?

And if it never had one, what would be involved to add a kick?

I just assumed it was a 4 speed (I sure dont want an 86 up 5 speed). I want a kick start.

 

To the best of my knowledge they only sold them with a kick start.

 

Get a 5 speed and put a kicker on it.

Thank me later.

 

The FXWG had the kicker installed on all of them But the FXST it could have been ordered with it - seen them both ways, the kicker was and had gone out of style the japan TV adds goofed on bikes with kickers so they were being phased out

 

If you do add the kick starter be sure you have the correct ignition system for it.

Also the kick might not install with the current exhaust system, some pipes won't allow for the kick to be used, you can install it, but the pipes get in the way when you try to start.

And there are different models of the kick arm/pedal.

 

The 1984 Softail came standard with a 4 speed transmission and a calf slapper kick starter. The 1985 FXWG was the last standard EVO model made with a 4 speed and a kicker. 1985 to 1999 FXST had 5 speed transmission and no kicker. 86-99 FXST had belt final drive.

 

Not exactly correct. My 1985 FXST had a 4 speed tranny, a chain final drive, a kick start, and an electric start...all standard equipment that year on the Softail.




1985 FXST

 

Also worth mentioning is the Evo was introduced on the 1984 1/2 model year.

Is the bike an Evo?