First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
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First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
Hi All,
My name is Jen. I live in the Little 5 Points area of Atlanta. I am 33 years old, an experienced scooterist, and I bought my first bike today.
It's a 1980 Sportster with a Carolina Blue paint job. I paid $3,200 (incl taxes) for it. Here it is:
I drove it home from the dealer (a Jeep dealer who took it on trade), about 30 miles. It started fine, drove fine, and then I stalled it about 2 miles from my house and had to jump it to get it started again. It drove fine after that but once I got it home, let it run, then killed the motor. Still won't start. I think the battery might be bad - it just clicks. If I let it sit it will try to turn over but then winds down and starts clicking.
Can anyone direct me to resources for a detailed owner's manual and repair manual? I'm not a mechanic so I don't plan to work on it myself. But I can change a battery...that sort of thing.
Also, can anyone tell me if this vintage bike has any known quirks?
And here's a noob question...where does one go for new tires??? Can you just tool on over to Sams Club or a tire store? What I mean is, do I need to go to a special tire store or will any old one do?
I am looking forward to owning my first bike. I might have to put some work into it but I'm okay with that...
My name is Jen. I live in the Little 5 Points area of Atlanta. I am 33 years old, an experienced scooterist, and I bought my first bike today.
It's a 1980 Sportster with a Carolina Blue paint job. I paid $3,200 (incl taxes) for it. Here it is:
I drove it home from the dealer (a Jeep dealer who took it on trade), about 30 miles. It started fine, drove fine, and then I stalled it about 2 miles from my house and had to jump it to get it started again. It drove fine after that but once I got it home, let it run, then killed the motor. Still won't start. I think the battery might be bad - it just clicks. If I let it sit it will try to turn over but then winds down and starts clicking.
Can anyone direct me to resources for a detailed owner's manual and repair manual? I'm not a mechanic so I don't plan to work on it myself. But I can change a battery...that sort of thing.
Also, can anyone tell me if this vintage bike has any known quirks?
And here's a noob question...where does one go for new tires??? Can you just tool on over to Sams Club or a tire store? What I mean is, do I need to go to a special tire store or will any old one do?
I am looking forward to owning my first bike. I might have to put some work into it but I'm okay with that...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
You should get your tires at a motorcycle dealer (Harley) or a independent shop. They will ensure your tires are properly mounted and balanced. Good luck.
And nice bike by the way
And nice bike by the way
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
I'd see if you can find a decent bike shop that wont charge dealer rates and have him check the battery and charging system. as for tires I buy mine on-line there are dozens that ship free and give super prices on any brand you want. Nice bike (brings back fond and not so fond memories) good riding
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
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RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
Thanks, guys!
This is definitely a vintage bike! It's got a little rust, etc, but seems to be generally solid.
There's a well-respected Harley dealership around here but I have no idea about independent shops...
This is definitely a vintage bike! It's got a little rust, etc, but seems to be generally solid.
There's a well-respected Harley dealership around here but I have no idea about independent shops...
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Wilmette, IL
RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
Start at a Harley dealer. You can get repair manual there or online...
Definatley get your tire changed at a motorcycle shop... should be mounted and balanced correctly.
As for the battery - most auto parts places will have them - pep boys, autozone... you can also go to a harley dealer
I love the bike and have a soft spot for ones that need work - wish I was closer, would give you a hand.
Definatley get your tire changed at a motorcycle shop... should be mounted and balanced correctly.
As for the battery - most auto parts places will have them - pep boys, autozone... you can also go to a harley dealer
I love the bike and have a soft spot for ones that need work - wish I was closer, would give you a hand.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
You might want to try Earl Small, one of the Harley dealers in Atlanta (http://www.earlsmallshd.com/).
Last time I was on vacation in Atlanta I ordered some parts with them. When I arrived it was all there, neatly packed and everything. Good service and friendely people!
Oh, and nice bike you got there!
Last time I was on vacation in Atlanta I ordered some parts with them. When I arrived it was all there, neatly packed and everything. Good service and friendely people!
Oh, and nice bike you got there!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 3
From: Central Illinois
RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
Have the charging system checked. If output is low, Have the generator polarized to se if it will help. Simple procedure, takes 10 minutes. That bike had many inherit problems. Cast iron cylinders are poor heat displacing and intake leaks were common. Keep clean oil in motor and make sure you have no intake leaks. If it does it will "hole" a piston in no time. Install an oil cooler if it doesn't have one. Clutch is very tricky to adjust. Stay on top of things and it should be good. It is definitly not a model you can let things go for a few months before attending to.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Springfield, Ohio
RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
Nice Sporty. Feel free to post in the Sportster sectionhere. Lot's of good knowledge in there 
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
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RE: First Bike - 1980 Sportster - need some advice
Wow! What a reception! I go away for a work day, come back, and look at all the love!
I did call Earl Small's Harley shop. Made an appointment to bring her in on Saturday and they'll keep her for a few days. They do a Road Ready diagnositic and then hand you a list of things in order of safety/operational priority.
Gutman, you made my head spin! I am definitely a noob with motorbikes...have a lot to learn.
I'll make my way over to the Sportster section soon.
Thanks!
Jen
I did call Earl Small's Harley shop. Made an appointment to bring her in on Saturday and they'll keep her for a few days. They do a Road Ready diagnositic and then hand you a list of things in order of safety/operational priority.
Gutman, you made my head spin! I am definitely a noob with motorbikes...have a lot to learn.
I'll make my way over to the Sportster section soon.
Thanks!
Jen