Just inherited a 1980 Low Rider, had it in the garage since January. Started it twice, but now I've noticed a pool of brown-white sludgy stuff under the bike. Doesn't look like oil to me and it had no smell. I can't post pics yet because A, I cleaned most of it up and B, I don't have enough posts to post pics. (Say that one three times fast) I don't know **** about bikes, I mean I don't even know where to check the oil. Granted, my garage barely has any light in it (Which I'm planning on fixing soon)

 

sounds like old oil, hard to say until you can see where its coming from, check the air cleaner and check the oil filler first, its always best to give the bike a bath and then trace a leak otherwise you will never find the true source quickly

 

Thank you for the response. Any special does or don'ts on washing it? Kinda feels like washing the engine compartment of a car, I know there's places water shouldn't go, but not sure where.

 

just common sense, don't shove the hose up the exhaust pipes! try to avoid soaking the air filter/carb, which probably needs to be changed. The first things I would do is change the fluids, wash it, change the plugs, and air filter and then check for leaks.

 

brown/white sludgy stuff is usually water in the oil, this may be caused by long storage times in an unheated storage.as said above check the oil, the dipstick is on the driver's right hand side if the oil is that colour get it changed ASAP!
Since you inherited the bike I would say if it did not come with a manual, place one among the very first items you buy.
Welcome to HDF!

Also the wiring and fuses are usually under the seat try to avoid too much water getting in there .

 

Welcome WS!

First off, if you've personally not checked the oil then you shouldn't be starting it, it may have been way low on oil that could cause damage. Time to change all the oils.

Lay down and with a flashlight scour underneath the engine and tranny and you may find some leaks.

Check the battery too and clean up any corrosion that may be on the terminals, although it sounds like it started easy enough for you; how has the battery/bike been maintained all this time?

That is awesome, inherited a '80 LR, how cool is that!

 

Kinda figured on the exhaust, lol. The rest is good advice. I know it didn't get rode last summer, but my dad was good about maintenance and was always tinkering on it but I'll start with the fluids. Um, without a manual any way to figure out what types of oil and assorted fluids? Or should I just go to my local shop and ask?

 

Don't ask which oils here! you will most certainly recieve too much information, and even attitude! Asking is good at harley and harley will no doubt sell you their own brand of oil which will get you going safely until you amass your own knowledge and make an informed choice.
If as in your original post you know exactly sihyt about bikes the one thing you need as much as oil and filters is that manual. It will be the best 50$ you ever spend, order it soon at you local H-dealer as it will take time to get a '80 book, or look at ebay or craigslist to find one used, but one last piece of advice is - make sure it's a harley genuine manual.

 

yup! all that is good advice!

 

Thank you again for the responses. I'm going to try most if not all the advice here. Look for leak, wash it, look for leaks again, change fluids and then look for leaks again.

Signed up for the safety course next weekend so at least I don't feel like I'm wasting weather, lol.