76 FXE Startup
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2,523
From: CT/FL
I wouldn't be looking to upgrade or change anything on a bike that I haven't ridden yet, unless obviously broken or worn out. You may wind up liking it the way it is, esp if it's been in your family. They ran in stock form for many many years. Improvements are good things, but not necessary. Ride it and enjoy it for a season then tear it apart to fix things you really don't like. Joe
ps nice bike.
ps nice bike.
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: NY
Understood and point taken. Obviously this bike has tremendous sentimental value to me. I'm not looking to really change much from the way my uncle had it. I simply want to do what's best for the bike, and to make sure it's mechanically sound.
This is exactly why I started this thread. To get different suggestions and ideas before I do anything. I really appreciate all the input.
This is exactly why I started this thread. To get different suggestions and ideas before I do anything. I really appreciate all the input.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
That bike is a piece of AMF junk! It will never run good and will suck up thousands of dollars better spent somewhere else. Shoot me your address and I'll come take that scrap heap off your hands... 
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
I kick started my '77 FXE for 11 years-never felt the need for electronic ignition. Spend the money for the necessary items to fire it first.
Points can be fixed on the road,what do you do with a little 'blackbox' if it craps out 100 miles from home? [pull the 'black box',and re-install the points to get home]!!
Points can be fixed on the road,what do you do with a little 'blackbox' if it craps out 100 miles from home? [pull the 'black box',and re-install the points to get home]!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
I kick started my '77 FXE for 11 years-never felt the need for electronic ignition. Spend the money for the necessary items to fire it first.
Points can be fixed on the road,what do you do with a little 'blackbox' if it craps out 100 miles from home? [pull the 'black box',and re-install the points to get home]!!
Points can be fixed on the road,what do you do with a little 'blackbox' if it craps out 100 miles from home? [pull the 'black box',and re-install the points to get home]!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,974
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
IIRC, back when I had my 76 FXE, we used to use the same spark plugs as was used in a 283 c.i. Chevy engine, and the same points as was used in a Chevy 6 cylinder engine.
Don't forget to install a new condenser and also the compliance fittings (tubes from carb to heads).
A little squirt of Liquid Wrench in the plug holes before slowly kicking it over couldn't hurt, and having someone check to see that the points are breaking and firing at the same time would be a good idea.
Good luck.
Don't forget to install a new condenser and also the compliance fittings (tubes from carb to heads).
A little squirt of Liquid Wrench in the plug holes before slowly kicking it over couldn't hurt, and having someone check to see that the points are breaking and firing at the same time would be a good idea.
Good luck.
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