i have a 78 Sportster which is kick start only, I was wondering can I fit an electric starter on it ? If so do you have any recommendations and were to buy.

 

It is easy to fit a kicker to an XLH; kits are available for this. To fit an electric start to an XLCH is not so easy; there are no kits that i am aware of.

You need to start with the two factory manuals ...
Service Manual 99848-78
Parts Catalog 99451-78B

These are widely available from any local indie bike shop, HD shop, J&P Cycles, various eBay and Internet sellers. Put the part numbers into the Google and eBay searches.

I am not familiar with the details, but you need to replace the oil tank; install the starter motor, starter solenoid, starter relay, start button, and all associated wires. Also need the big battery [or a smaller powerful one like the V-Rod battery] and an appropriate battery box. And replace the clutch basket with one that has the starter ring gear attached. There's more of course.

First get the manuals and study them carefully. Ask around some more. It would be a large project probably best left for Winter Project time. Best to find someone, most likely in an on-line forum like this one, who has done it already.

 

i own a 78 XLCH Sportster. My dad gave it to me when i graduated from boot camp. and the bike hasnt ran for ten years. It never broke down. my dad just stopped riding it. before he stopped riding it he had the motor and tranny rebuilt on the bike. Im just wondering what i need to do to get it up and running. Is it just as simple as replacing the fluids. Or could it be worse????? im not mechanic so im just looking for help. Im always deployed over seas. So when i get the chance id like to get this bike fixed. Pleasee help me.


Semper Fidelis
Dylan McKee

 

This is the best one that i have seen for this ...

Tips For De-hibernating Your IronHead - A guide to bringing your bike back from its winter hibernation. Also a useful guide for ironheads which have been sitting neglected for a long time ...

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...ad.php?t=69876

 

http://www.cas4.com/vt/trans_starter...startkit03.htm