Looking to add a kick starter to my 74 FLH. I can see where I may run into clearance issues with the exhaust header.
Before I get too far into this..can it be done? or am I going to have to look at exhaust work to allow kickstart fitment.
I'm just sizing up the kickstart cover and coils spring over the currently installed cover.
Your comments and guidance appreciated.
Thx
Jim

 

your correct about the exhaust, the OEM exhaust drops down and covers 1/2 the kicker cover - the after market exhaust does not it goes around the front of it -

the kicker kit is not to bad to install but you will need an exhaust change to do it - jz

 

check fleabay -- sometimes you can find just the rear pipe -- shovelhead exhaust

 

But I thought the pipes were a 'one piece' arrangement with the crossover that slides into the left side behind rear cylinder.
Jim

 

some were and some were not one piece usually the original is one piece but a 35 year old bike might have a replacement -- jz

 

Get a pic ( use photobucket ) of your pipes on the bike close in and I can tell you if it can be done and what it'll take . Some FL pipes will clear with an extended kicker shaft others won't .

 

I'm on the road..actually in the air..
Dropped u a PM.
Thx
Jim

 

Cheapest way is to buy a good quality kit. It gives you all the parts and gaskets. You will have to get aftermarket pipes to clear the cover. Not as much selection as their used to be. FX pipes will not work unless you change the battery box and brake set up.

 

Bummer,
You'd think there was an easier way out...for the sake of a few inches of clearance on the cover...

 

Why Harley made the decision to change the pipes is beyond me. The 66 to 69 pipes cleared even after they removed the kickstarter in 67. They used the same cover with just a plug in it. I imagine you could use 66-69 pipes. They were multipiece. A separate front and squish pipe, a rear pipe, a Y pipe and on some models a crossover. The front pipe looped forward to clear the generator then under the frame and had a flat section that came out between the frame and the motor to join up with the Y pipe.