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.
New to the forum here and looking for some guidance since Im not too familiar with older motorcycles. My questions are probably basic, but Im sure Ill have more - just wanted to introduce myself here.
I have a 1978 Electraglide with the 80 ci engine. This bike was left to me a few years ago when my dad passed. It was his every day bike so he took great care of it, and I plan to keep it that way for the rest of my life. The issue is that I always rode sportier bikes and, regretfully, figured I had more time to learn from him about this one.
Ive made sure to start it periodically, but there are a few things that have held me back from riding it as much as Id like.
It needed a battery, and I had issues finding one, so I ordered one online that I had to add the acid too. It didnt hold up great.
Another issue is that the front brakes are completely gone - no resistance. Im not too sure where to start there. Im guessing I should get some fluid back in to see if the line is leaking?
I do have the manual - I just feel like he was always talking about extra things he did to maintain it since it was an AMF year.
To simplify my newbie ramblings - my questions really are:
Where do I start with a front brake issue? Fluid, master cylinder, caliper?
Any recommendations on these big *** batteries? Or should I just make a trip out to a shop that specializes in older Harleys?
Whats the best engine and tranny oil I could put in this bike? I think he went a heavier weight than the manual said. Ill look around the barn next time to see if I can find an old bottle.
Im sure this is all obvious and basic to most of you here, but Id appreciate any help I can get. Thanks!
To start with...don't start it from time to time unless you are going to ride it or you will end up with condensation in the oil and the engine and that isn't great. Keep the battery on a trickle charger as a lead-acid one will die in a month if you leave it uncharged.
Brakes....start by bleeding them and if that doesn't improve things then overhaul the calipers and the master cylinder, that way you won't get any nasty surprises when you really don't need them.
Oil...never ask about what is the best oil on a Harley Forum Lol! It will descend into an abyss of chaos.
Having said that, here is my opinion, don't use synthetic, use a High Zinc Mineral Oil made for V Twins. I'll let the trolls tell you which brand and viscosity you need to buy in order to prop up their flagging self-esteem.
Put what you like in the tranny, it will fall out anyway but don't use a GL5 gear oil or it will eat the bushes away.
I use Dekka or Yuasa batteries, preferably a Gel type.
Last edited by Spanners39; Jan 3, 2023 at 04:42 PM.
To start with...don't start it from time to time unless you are going to ride it or you will end up with condensation in the oil and the engine and that isn't great. Keep the battery on a trickle charger as a lead-acid one will die in a month if you leave it uncharged.
Brakes....start by bleeding them and if that doesn't improve things then overhaul the calipers and the master cylinder, that way you won't get any nasty surprises when you really don't need them.
Oil...never ask about what is the best oil on a Harley Forum Lol! It will descend into an abyss of chaos.
Having said that, here is my opinion, don't use synthetic, use a High Zinc Mineral Oil made for V Twins. I'll let the trolls tell you which brand and viscosity you need to buy in order to prop up their flagging self-esteem.
Put what you like in the tranny, it will fall out anyway but don't use a GL5 gear oil or it will eat the bushes away.
I use Dekka or Yuasa batteries, preferably a Gel type.
Thank you! This helps - planning to get some stuff together and tackle this winter.
welcome to the forum.....thats a nice looking bike you have inherited from your father , it looks like he cherished it. Battery ... i use a motoblat mbhd12h. brakes try bleeding first then calliper, then master cylinder, saying that though it sounds like the whole lot needs a good service. oil most here ( but not all ) will agree on 60w / 50w both engine and transmission.
nice ol bike
the trans is mostly 1936 tech, id say gear oil
agree on 50 or 60 dino for motor oil
if ya didnt get a manual with, id get one. factory service manual [fsm] preferably
g'luck n enjoy it
Last edited by rocketnorton; Jan 3, 2023 at 10:21 PM.
That's a nice bike Travis 👍, take good care of her!
FYI - easiest way to bleed front brakes for me, is to have the master cylinder level, fill it with brake fluid then gently (I say gently because you don't want to spill any brake fluid) operate the lever in and out and watch for the bubbles - air rises.
When the bubbles stop, chances are you'll have a good feeling brake lever.
Trev
This is a good solid battery that is also the same dimensions and same terminal locations as stock. So it is a direct bolt in with no need for shims or other BS. Nice bike, good luck.
Thundervolt also makes an AGM Battery that is a direct replacement. I dont buy conventional lead acid batteries anymore. Also, pick up a factory parts book so you can talk specifically about parts and order correctly as opposed to the thigamagig that bolts on to the whatchamacallit. Welcome BTW.
+1000 on the tip from Spanners on only starting if you plan on riding to operating temp. I don't know how many times during my 10 year career as a Harley Rep in the Midwest this scenario would play out.
Dealers would get customers all the time complaining about their Twin Cams having frothy oil in the spring. Then you start to ask questions and get the " Yeah every weekend when my buddies are over I go out and let them hear the exhaust and wick the throttle a few times"....... Congrats you just bought an oil change!
Then you get the obligatory " I ride the **** out of this thing!" Odometer would have 700 miles on it and the bike would be two years old. SMH
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.
1978 Electraglide Maintenance
) will agree on 60w / 50w both engine and transmission.
