Back when.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,228
Likes: 3,243
From: west Michigan
All of my earlier bikes had breaker point ignitions, and I never had any trouble with them because I inspected and serviced them regularly. On long trips I carried point cam lube and mini feeler gauges but never an extra set of points. I do miss the "parking lot and campsite serviceability" of the older bikes.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,104
Likes: 51,374
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Just the way it is with old iron, few tools, a little common sense and bit of ingenuity you got where you were going. I run Dyna S in the shovel but when on a longer trip or ride there's a complete points plate goes into the tool bag just in case. Never had to use it but nice knowing with 20 mins and few wires moved around you can still get on with your business.
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; May 13, 2017 at 01:50 PM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I don't miss them either. But it brings back memories of my panhead and just starting out on my bike, learning new things and not knowing anything at the same time. The worst part was no internet, like now and no one to ask for help. Just a few magazines.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,752
Likes: 3,271
From: West Central Florida
And the matchbook cover also doubled as a point file for roadside servicing. Test light matches and a screwdriver were always in my tool roll. Brings back memeries
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,251
Likes: 3,989
From: Windwardside, Saba N.A.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
The only thing I've had to do to the points on my Electraglide is lube the rub block. But I am waiting for them to get wore out and will replace with electronic in the future.
carl
carl