68 xlch,is electric start possible????
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: 68 xlch,is electric start possible????
In a word.....NO.
It could be done, but you will have to have a matched set of cases. Then there is the problem of the frame dimensions. When they made the new primary in 1968 for the XLH the starter motor needed more orrm, so the factory added a small amount to the frame to accomodate the starter and the huge battery needed to turn over the starter. So, practically speaking, it is not possible.
If you want an electric start Sportster, you need to look for another bike......pg
It could be done, but you will have to have a matched set of cases. Then there is the problem of the frame dimensions. When they made the new primary in 1968 for the XLH the starter motor needed more orrm, so the factory added a small amount to the frame to accomodate the starter and the huge battery needed to turn over the starter. So, practically speaking, it is not possible.
If you want an electric start Sportster, you need to look for another bike......pg
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: 68 xlch,is electric start possible????
I like magnetos. I used them for years. If I had an early Sportster with a magneto, I would not part with it for any amount of money.
Magnetos are becoming rare.
They give a good spark.
There is little maintenance other than the points with a magneto.
As to the advantages for converting to a circuit breaker (battery ignition) I cannot think of a reason to do that.
Some of the dis-advantages include:
You have to find a circuit breaker to buy.
You have to run wiring that you do not need with a magneto.
You have to wire in an on/off switch.
You have to depend on a good battery to get the bike cranked.
Dead battery= NO START.
Starting to get the picture?...........pg
Magnetos are becoming rare.
They give a good spark.
There is little maintenance other than the points with a magneto.
As to the advantages for converting to a circuit breaker (battery ignition) I cannot think of a reason to do that.
Some of the dis-advantages include:
You have to find a circuit breaker to buy.
You have to run wiring that you do not need with a magneto.
You have to wire in an on/off switch.
You have to depend on a good battery to get the bike cranked.
Dead battery= NO START.
Starting to get the picture?...........pg
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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RE: 68 xlch,is electric start possible????
hey pg,your alright,i just got my first "oldschool" bike (68 xlch chopper) after i got it,i started reading ironhead horror stories and got a case of the o *****,then i stumbled onto some of your posts and its obvious your the "ironhead yoda" i've read alot of your posts and its made me feel good about it again,so THANKS.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: 68 xlch,is electric start possible????
Oh yeah sunny68, you have a good bike there. One of the really old ones, and if it is the original magneto then it is a CH engine.
Keep all of the equipment it has on it, just like it sits. Then get it running sweetly and well tuned so that it starts easily. That will keep you busy for a while.
When you reach that point, just ride and enjoy your set of wheels. There are not many riders who have to use a kick starter to fire off their machine. You will draw a crowd of lookers when you do.........pg
Keep all of the equipment it has on it, just like it sits. Then get it running sweetly and well tuned so that it starts easily. That will keep you busy for a while.
When you reach that point, just ride and enjoy your set of wheels. There are not many riders who have to use a kick starter to fire off their machine. You will draw a crowd of lookers when you do.........pg
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