I am building my first sportster and beginning my learning process. I have an Arlen Ness rigid frame and wishbone springer (so I am told, researching to verify) and a right side shift 1000 sportster motor. From what I have read, the latest right side shift was 1975, but the number stamped on the right side of the engine ends in 6, denoting a 1976 motor. Is this common, or do I have some oddity of a bike? Also, the motor is a kick start as well as an electric start. Is this common and are there any common problems with this type of sportster motor/tranny, etc? I have found out about the sloppy shifting and am, working on that now, but any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks, Dan

 

75 was the first yr for left side shift 75&76 had a cross shaft for the shifter you can change them back to right side shift

 

1974 was the last year for true right side shift. 1975 and 1976 used a crossover to convert to left side shift. 1977 was the first year for true left side shift. It is common to convert the 75s and 76s to the 1974 & previous setup.

Some bikes came from the factory with both kick and electric. Kits are available to install kicker on electric start Sportsters 79 & previous. It is complicated, probably not worth the trouble, to install electric start on a kick-only bike.

I installed a kicker on my '78, just because i wanted one.