I posted this over on the Sportster site, but it looks like this is where I need to be!! I recently got a 77 XLCH from my son and it's going to take a lot of work to whip it into shape. It runs, but is really hard to start, especially since I'm an old guy with bad knees. How practical would it be to add an electric starter? Would an electronic igniton make starting any easier, or the ignition system any more reliable, or should I just invest in the Mother of All Kneebraces. I plan to pull the bike apart this winter for sandblasting, painting, etc., but I want to make sure I'm going to be able to start this puppy reliably before I do all of that.

Thanks for any input.

 

yes an electronic ingnition will make starting easier and is more reliable then the points, and you can buy a electric start kit through j&p or v twin........sportys are knee killers.......i have a 74 with kick and points and when the kicker gets a little worn, it can get painful......i also have a 79 with electric start and electronic ingnition.....much easier to start and more reliable...... but either way you'll learn to love that old iron.......good luck with it

 

Hi Ralph,
How practical to install an electric starter? Not at all in my opinion. The reasons are:
If the bike is now a kick start only, then you will need (at minimum) an electric starter, possibly a gear to attach to the backside of your clutch sprocket, a larger size battery and a mount plate to hold it. You will also need to get another oil tank possibly because that larger battery uses some of the space where the current oil tank sits. Is your tank like mine in the photo below? If so, add a new oil tank to the list.
All this, not to mention additional wiring to be run and a starter button to mount at a minimum.
So, if it were me, I would spend some money (much less that what it would take for a electric starter setup) and buy myself a brand new carburetor. The ignition is not the problem. Going to an 'electronic' system is a waste of good money in my opinion. With the original ignition set correctly and the proper carb, this bike will be a one kick machine, except on the coldest of mornings. I use a Mikuni 38mm carb on my '71 XLCH and it is a one kick bike. Starts like an old BSA twin.
I would bet any amount on the starting trouble being in that carb. Trust me, I have been there, done that.........piniongear