Well DUH!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,069
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
"We communicate once a year via Pony Express since he hasn't warmed up to cell phones yet either" My cell phone still "flips" open and has an antenna that you have to extend, and I still don't use all the "features"
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
What might be memories for some is still a daily thing for others , you just learn what it takes and tune the damn bike . I'm running 195 PSI a hole cold compression in mine and she fires in 2-3 tops every time , has for years ....... It's all in knowing your beast and upkeep .
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,433
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,069
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
For those that don't understand this thread: Before 1965 all HDs had this crank arm on the right side of the transmission. To start the bike you turned on the ignition, put your foot on the pedal and forcefully kick it downward. When the piston goes past top dead center on
the compression stroke the plug fires and the engine roars to life (hopefully).
Back in the old days, my riding buddy had chopped a knuckle from stock. Known to do strange things, he mounted a 1 3/4" SU off a Tr3. It had no choke so he would have to pull off the air cleaner, put his hand over the throat, kick it thru a couple of times, light it up then kick. It worked most of the time and only necessary first start of the day.
Such divergent posts that I want to reply to them all.
Out of the four HDs I've had (knuck, pan, shovel, present EVO), the only one with a starter motor was my 1980 RT. Had several instances I wished for a kicker on it, especially if I wasn't parked on good incline.
Over the years I have refined the tune on the EVO/S&S carb, both on the street and a few runs at the drags. I hate to admit my starting problems were me not the bike.
The only time it ever kicked back was on reassemble I set the timing 180* out. Luckily, it fired right as I pushed on the pedal and my leg was still bent. That was a real surprise!
I have enjoyed the challenges of a kick only bike. With my new starting procedure I don't feel the need for a pushbutton. I do try to park facing downhill whenever possible though, just in case LOL!
I will never own a twinkie, CARBS, KICKERS AND SINGLE CAMS RULE!!!
the compression stroke the plug fires and the engine roars to life (hopefully).
Back in the old days, my riding buddy had chopped a knuckle from stock. Known to do strange things, he mounted a 1 3/4" SU off a Tr3. It had no choke so he would have to pull off the air cleaner, put his hand over the throat, kick it thru a couple of times, light it up then kick. It worked most of the time and only necessary first start of the day.
Such divergent posts that I want to reply to them all.
Out of the four HDs I've had (knuck, pan, shovel, present EVO), the only one with a starter motor was my 1980 RT. Had several instances I wished for a kicker on it, especially if I wasn't parked on good incline.
Over the years I have refined the tune on the EVO/S&S carb, both on the street and a few runs at the drags. I hate to admit my starting problems were me not the bike.
The only time it ever kicked back was on reassemble I set the timing 180* out. Luckily, it fired right as I pushed on the pedal and my leg was still bent. That was a real surprise!
I have enjoyed the challenges of a kick only bike. With my new starting procedure I don't feel the need for a pushbutton. I do try to park facing downhill whenever possible though, just in case LOL!
I will never own a twinkie, CARBS, KICKERS AND SINGLE CAMS RULE!!!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
my ole 71 XLCH (first HD) was hard to start sometimes untill I had a Mikuni put on. Really helped her start better.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
My first 20 yrs or so riding Harleys all were kickstart bikes,including one with 93" Shovel. Most of them had no accelerator pump,always pulled the choke gave them a couple of kicks ignition off,ignition on 99% of the time bikes would start or at least make noise.
Each bike had it's own ritual once learned were a pleasure to start.
Only one,a 53 Panhead had the ignition full advance all the time,when you jumped on that crank you had to mean it otherwise you could take a short flight.
When the electronic ignitions came along the kicking days were over not to mention 124 cu in. As much as I love these big twins hated seeing one without a kicking crank hanging off the side. My take is if the part has no function it will not be on my bikes.
Each bike had it's own ritual once learned were a pleasure to start.
Only one,a 53 Panhead had the ignition full advance all the time,when you jumped on that crank you had to mean it otherwise you could take a short flight.
When the electronic ignitions came along the kicking days were over not to mention 124 cu in. As much as I love these big twins hated seeing one without a kicking crank hanging off the side. My take is if the part has no function it will not be on my bikes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,888
From: Newcastle, OK
As a young man I did that when I forgot to twist the "retard" left hand grip on my old Knucklehead. `Went flying over the handlebars and landed on my back, luckily in soft grass. Laid there for about five minutes unto I got my wind back.......