I recently purchased a 1975 XLCH 1000cc Sportster. Last plated in 1980 and garage-kept all those years. It's in real decent condition, but I have a question regarding the carb installed on it. Stamped "AMF Harley Davidson" and below that a number B83BOF21. Also has a "tag" affixed to it that has these numbers: 27469-78A. Previous owner says he doesn't think it's the correct carb; and I have my doubts. I've measured the throat and find it is 50/51 mm. Is this carb usable on this bike, and if so, what kind of jetting should I be looking for - also if it's not for this bike, what bike is it for? If I can use it, I'll be looking for a carb kit, guessing gaskets, etc are likely dried out.

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF.

There is a clue in the # -78, which indicates it is a part introduced in 1978 and the additional letter A indicates that it is a later upgrade. It is actually a shovel carb, so is not original to that bike. Harley was owned by AMF at that time, which is why the tag shows that. It should be straight-forward getting a service kit, I would think. It also seems a fair bet that carb does work, although the proof will be when you are ready to start it up!

 

Thanks GR, that's encouraging. I ended up searching ebay last night and the results were big bucks for a replacement. I'm going to try this one once I get to that point. Right now, I'm going through the bike front to back and making up a shopping list of necessary items. It looks like the engine was rebuilt and then never fired - top of the pistons look like new through the plug holes; I may be lucky and just need a "major" tune up...the tank was empty, the carbs look clean, so there's no petrol induced varnish anywhere that I've seen so far. Any idea where I can find info on jetting for the carb?

 

Try it with what it has at present and see if it will run, I doubt if it is far out. For precise jetting you need that data for a later Sporty, which you may be able to get in the Classic Ironhead section here on HDF. You may find them helpful with other stuff too.

 

Found it! According to Ronnie's Harley Davidson Parts on-line micro fiche, it's for a 1979 XLH, or XLS Sportster 1000. So you were quite correct, it should work OK with my '75 XLCH. Thanks for the feedback!