Anything to watch out for on a 74 xlch ?

UK_74XLCH · #1 06-05-2005, 04:18 PM

Hi Guys, I'm new to Harley's and have just bought a 74 xlch. The bike was last on the road in 2002. I'm looking for any pointers on what to look out for on this model, ie, any weak points or problem areas with the engine or electrics. The kicker has been removed and an electric starter fitted. Is there any known problems with the kicker mechanism ? Any suggestions appreciated. I think it has also had a later model front end fitted as the fork legs have air valves on top of each leg.
Thanks,
Paschal.

pococj · #2 06-06-2005, 01:05 AM

Sporty kickers are designed to make doctors rich. The design ain't the best, but if you put the kicker back on with good parts, and maintain it, it'll do.

Electrics - check the generator brushes & commutator. If in doubt, replace 'em. If it still has the Delco-Remy regulator (which goes with the electric foot; kick only should have a little Bosch regulator) replace it with a solid state regulator.

Keep the points and timing set. Adjust the valve train regularly - it has solids and gets outta whack with time. Unless it has some sorta spin-on oil filter, yer filter sucks. If you still have the CH oil tank, there ain't one. If you have the electric foot oil tank, it's a cheezy drop in. Change oil every 2000 miles religiously.

Trannies can be beaten to junk relatively easily if you gotta play hot rod. Shifter forks get bent, trapdoors explode, right rear lower corner blows out. Ride normally, and none of these will be a problem.

If all this turns you off, I'll take it off your hands for the cost of shipping!

UK_74XLCH · #3 06-06-2005, 06:00 AM

Thanks for the info Pococj. The solid state regulator you mention, is it from a later model ?
The bike has had the cannister type oil filter fitted with a cooler mounted under the steering head.
Oh, and by the way, I'm keeping it

pococj · #4 06-06-2005, 08:28 AM

You can get one from a later generator model. I used aftermarket ones, though. The J&P catalog (http://www.jpcycles.com) has several listed, including some that mount on the end of the generator in place of the chrome cover. They run about $105 - $120 USD. You can reference them in J&P, but probably find a better price elsewhere.

UK_74XLCH · #5 06-06-2005, 05:54 PM

Thanks Pococj. I've ordered a copy of the jp cycles catalogue. A lot of the Harley shops this side of the pond only tend to stock Highway Hawk type bolt on chrome bits. So the catalogue should come in handy. I've got a pal that emigrated to Montana a few years back and now works for the local Harley shop. Hopefully he should be able to source/ship a few parts I might need.
Thanks again,
Pasc.

SKJOLD · #6 06-09-2005, 04:22 PM

There is one thing that comes to mind and you really need to watch for when riding these old ironheads. Cops LOL. These 1000cc engines actually put out more hp then a lot of 1200cc evos. So it is very easy to get a ticket.

Greywolf · #7 06-16-2005, 01:17 PM

One thing that happened to me after I bought my 75 XL was when I first went to change the oil. The plug and a big chunk (the block where the oil plug screws into) broke off and I had to take it in and have it welded back on. Evidently the former owner overtighten or it was just defective and if your running a Bendix carb you might want to clean it out for ti was sitting awhile and the floats tend to stick.