just picked up a 78 sporty ironhead thats been setting in the guys garage for years.. i cleaned out the S&S carb, changed the battery and it started right up on a clean, fresh tank of fuel.. i notice when it warms up that it smokes about the same about out of both cylinders ( drag pipes) , more so when you rev it up. i have not taken the bike for a ride only ran it on the lift for about 10 mins. i have NOT changed the oil yet because i wanted to see how well it ran first before i did all that. anyone have any ideas? also what weight oil goes in these older bikes.. thanks

 

change all the oils motor and trans = use 50W in the engine and sporty trans fluid

take it out for a MILD drive likes its not a drag bike - after a 1/2 hour check for smoke

if you start off slow and build it up the rust in the cylinders wont wreck the rings and or the pistons - i had one many years ago took it out with me on a friday night 6 hours later it was fine drove it for a couple of years

 

It could be that the PO put engine storage oil into the cylinders and it is just burning up.

BTW, not generally a good idea to idle these engines when cold for extended periods. Oil is too thick, poor lube, engine wear.

When starting mine a let it idle briefly perhaps a minute, then turn off the choke and keep it running for another brief time, then ride off conservatively using the throttle to keep the engine idling at stops.

 

Thanks guys. I will drop the fluids as I have a few hoses I need to change off the oil tank anyway. I was thinking it might just be oil that has collected in the cylinders and pipes from sitting. I also have a generator light on but I think I have a bad regulator. I will post pics later. Happy holidays and stay safe