Where do I start?
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Where do I start?
Hello I have just joined the forum. I have a 74 fxe, passed down from my late father. The bike has been sitting for a few years, and I don't know a lot of details of what has been done to the bike. I remember my dads old buddies always asking or comenting about how strong it ran. It has some "custom" road side repairs goin on, mostly electrical stuff. From what I could gather he stoped ridding it before he died because it needed some work, started smoking I think.
So basically I want to keep it how it is, just get it healthy again. I have no idea how many miles are on it, no odomiter. My biggest worry is the bottom end needing to be rebuilt. I guess the reason for my post is to see if the is any good info or resources anyone can recommend. I don't have much money or experience with Harley's. I plan on doing as much of the rebuild as reasonably possible.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
So basically I want to keep it how it is, just get it healthy again. I have no idea how many miles are on it, no odomiter. My biggest worry is the bottom end needing to be rebuilt. I guess the reason for my post is to see if the is any good info or resources anyone can recommend. I don't have much money or experience with Harley's. I plan on doing as much of the rebuild as reasonably possible.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hello I have just joined the forum. I have a 74 fxe, passed down from my late father. The bike has been sitting for a few years, and I don't know a lot of details of what has been done to the bike. I remember my dads old buddies always asking or comenting about how strong it ran. It has some "custom" road side repairs goin on, mostly electrical stuff. From what I could gather he stoped ridding it before he died because it needed some work, started smoking I think.
So basically I want to keep it how it is, just get it healthy again. I have no idea how many miles are on it, no odomiter. My biggest worry is the bottom end needing to be rebuilt. I guess the reason for my post is to see if the is any good info or resources anyone can recommend. I don't have much money or experience with Harley's. I plan on doing as much of the rebuild as reasonably possible.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
So basically I want to keep it how it is, just get it healthy again. I have no idea how many miles are on it, no odomiter. My biggest worry is the bottom end needing to be rebuilt. I guess the reason for my post is to see if the is any good info or resources anyone can recommend. I don't have much money or experience with Harley's. I plan on doing as much of the rebuild as reasonably possible.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Now, whats up, dude?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
Likes: 3,705
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Plus 1 on what previous folks have said. With that in mind, any of your dad's old buddies around that can give you some history on the bike. Any receipts around for any work done?
You say it has been sitting for a few years..."few" as in how many "few".
Change oil, definitely clean carb and gas tank, probably needs a new battery. You should be able to turn the motor by engaging the kicker. Need to make sure cylinders are not froze up.
Find a friend who has some expertise in shovels. Have him help you. That plus a factory manual goes a long way.
Depending how long it sat you might need to remove the plugs and squirt a little bit of WD40 into the cylinders. If it was smoking it could be valves or rings. First start it will belch and probably puke some oil (if it contineus to puke, shut her down and inspect the oil pump check ball).
Oh and be sure you are in neutral.
Lokking forward to seeing some pics...
You say it has been sitting for a few years..."few" as in how many "few".
Change oil, definitely clean carb and gas tank, probably needs a new battery. You should be able to turn the motor by engaging the kicker. Need to make sure cylinders are not froze up.
Find a friend who has some expertise in shovels. Have him help you. That plus a factory manual goes a long way.
Depending how long it sat you might need to remove the plugs and squirt a little bit of WD40 into the cylinders. If it was smoking it could be valves or rings. First start it will belch and probably puke some oil (if it contineus to puke, shut her down and inspect the oil pump check ball).
Oh and be sure you are in neutral.
Lokking forward to seeing some pics...
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Thank you guys for the the replies. As of now I live in Boston, in the process of movining back home to California where the bike has been sitting for a little over 10 years.
The main reason for my post was to get as many resources and education as possible before I get back and start wrenching' on this old shovel. So as soon as I get back I will post some pictures.
The main reason for my post was to get as many resources and education as possible before I get back and start wrenching' on this old shovel. So as soon as I get back I will post some pictures.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Lower end where pretty durable on those old beasts unlike today's bikes . Like been mentioned a couple times already get the factory manual don't cheap out on a Hayes or Clymers . Read it the older ones had good solid tech tip that didn't take a 4 year degree to handle .
I'm bay area Cal been dealing with shovels boocoo yrs , get settled in please post back I may be able to lend a hand depending on where you are . Advice is free .
I'm bay area Cal been dealing with shovels boocoo yrs , get settled in please post back I may be able to lend a hand depending on where you are . Advice is free .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Jul 9, 2012 at 11:09 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown,Ontario
I've just spent three weeks troubleshooting a problem that turned out to be a "NEW" part that i bought. Looked everywhere else until i got back to it.
If i can offer you any advice it would be to purchase quality parts if needed. Don't waste your time with the cheap stuff it will get you in the end.
Good Luck
If i can offer you any advice it would be to purchase quality parts if needed. Don't waste your time with the cheap stuff it will get you in the end.
Good Luck
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Alright first step get a manual.
I really appreciate the help. I am determined to get her back on the road. Its good to hear about the durability of the bottom end, I would prefer not to have to crack open the case if I don't have to! I have a little mech. exp due to my first car (still own it) '64 Chevy Nova, but I have a ton to learn. This is my first HD, of more to come, but I doubt I will own an evo. I was raised around this bike and every time I hear a shovel fire up it takes be back.
I will be picking your brain often Twizted. I am going to be staying up in Redding, but originally from the bay/ centeral valley. So I might have to hit you up for spare parts.
Hate to keep you guys waiting on the pics, ASAP!
I really appreciate the help. I am determined to get her back on the road. Its good to hear about the durability of the bottom end, I would prefer not to have to crack open the case if I don't have to! I have a little mech. exp due to my first car (still own it) '64 Chevy Nova, but I have a ton to learn. This is my first HD, of more to come, but I doubt I will own an evo. I was raised around this bike and every time I hear a shovel fire up it takes be back.
I will be picking your brain often Twizted. I am going to be staying up in Redding, but originally from the bay/ centeral valley. So I might have to hit you up for spare parts.
Hate to keep you guys waiting on the pics, ASAP!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Lake Stevens, Wa.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Alright first step get a manual.
I really appreciate the help. I am determined to get her back on the road. Its good to hear about the durability of the bottom end, I would prefer not to have to crack open the case if I don't have to! I have a little mech. exp due to my first car (still own it) '64 Chevy Nova, but I have a ton to learn. This is my first HD, of more to come, but I doubt I will own an evo. I was raised around this bike and every time I hear a shovel fire up it takes be back.
I will be picking your brain often Twizted. I am going to be staying up in Redding, but originally from the bay/ centeral valley. So I might have to hit you up for spare parts.
Hate to keep you guys waiting on the pics, ASAP!
I really appreciate the help. I am determined to get her back on the road. Its good to hear about the durability of the bottom end, I would prefer not to have to crack open the case if I don't have to! I have a little mech. exp due to my first car (still own it) '64 Chevy Nova, but I have a ton to learn. This is my first HD, of more to come, but I doubt I will own an evo. I was raised around this bike and every time I hear a shovel fire up it takes be back.
I will be picking your brain often Twizted. I am going to be staying up in Redding, but originally from the bay/ centeral valley. So I might have to hit you up for spare parts.
Hate to keep you guys waiting on the pics, ASAP!