When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Yes, a buddy of mine has a '74 and the speedo drive is in the front wheel. I do not know when they changed from the tranny drive.
1972 Models had a drum front brake and the speedometer drive was from the transmission.
1973 models were the first model to have a disc brake on the front. They also were the first model to have the speedometer drive off the front wheel. The front hub with a disc brake allowed enough room to use a speedo drive.
Now, a 1973 may have still have a speedometer drive hole in the trans case, I am not sure of this though. It would of course been plugged.
pg
1972 Models had a drum front brake and the speedometer drive was from the transmission.
1973 models were the first model to have a disc brake on the front. They also were the first model to have the speedometer drive off the front wheel. The front hub with a disc brake allowed enough room to use a speedo drive.
Now, a 1973 may have still have a speedometer drive hole in the trans case, I am not sure of this though. It would of course been plugged.
pg
I'm not sure if it is the case with all '73's but mine only has the tach drive in the case. The only option for the speedo connection is the front wheel.
I'm not sure if it is the case with all '73's but mine only has the tach drive in the case. The only option for the speedo connection is the front wheel.
I find myself a bit confused by what you say........
The tach drive should come off the top of the timing cover.
The transmission speedo drive comes the front of the transmission.
Here is a really crappy pic of the locations.....
pg
Edit Note: O-oops, sorry....... I misread your post. You were only saying your 1973 only has a tach drive.
Last edited by piniongear; Oct 13, 2009 at 07:05 AM.
Reason: added edit note.
Is it true if I leave my bike kickstart only I don't need a battery?
NOT TRUE AT ALL!
You need a battery to:
Power the ignition.
Power the lights.
Power the horn.
If you had a 1970 or earlier XLCH with a magneto ignition and did not want to use lights, horn etc....... Then with a kick starter on such a machine, you will not need a battery.
Otherwise, you need a battery.
pg
I thought that sounded odd. I'm also hearing conflicting reports on how hard it is to convert a rear drum brake to disc. Isn't it illegal not to use lights?
I thought that sounded odd. I'm also hearing conflicting reports on how hard it is to convert a rear drum brake to disc. Isn't it illegal not to use lights?
Converting a drum to rear brake is a bit involved.
You need a different hub.
A different set up for the brake pedal, along with a master cylinder, calipers etc.
Then you have to put it all together and fit it to your bike. I would never do it myself. Too involved for what you get out of it.
And yes, riding without lights will get you a ticket and also perhaps sudden death if a car pulls out in front of you.
In any state that requires an inspection sticker..... you will not be able to get a sticker if you have no lights.
pg
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.