Sat for 10 years
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
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From: Arizona
Sat for 10 years
I've just picked up a 99 sportster that has been sitting for about 10 years. It never had any issues the previous owner just stopped riding. I am not a mechanic so I don't know what all I should replace before riding. I know seals will need to be replaced and the fluids flushed. I want to try to do a lot of the work myself, to kinda learn about my bike as I go along. So if anyone can guide me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Lot of good information about that here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-in-years.html
I wouldn't ride on those tires, way too old, even if they look like they've never been on the road, and they might even be originals. New tubes, too, if it has them, valve stems if it doesn't. There's an oval on the sidewall with 4 numbers in it; example: 2599 - that would be the 25th week in 1999. But if it's been sitting 10 years, you can bet the tires are at least that old.
You might not have to replace any seals, wait and see if it leaks, but new engine and transmission oil first thing is a very good idea. If you intend to do a lot of the work yourself, a bike jack is a good investment, then you can also save money by pulling the wheels and taking them in for tires, unless you want to do that yourself, too. If you're not experienced in tire changes, I'd take them to a shop, not that expensive off the bike. Torque wrenches, anti-seize compound, and loctite are your friends on Harleys. You can do searches on all those in this forum and get a lot of info. Also, there are youtube videos on how to do about everything on Harleys.
When you ask questions, to get the best answers, include mileage and what model; they're not all the same, although what you're asking is pretty generic.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-in-years.html
I wouldn't ride on those tires, way too old, even if they look like they've never been on the road, and they might even be originals. New tubes, too, if it has them, valve stems if it doesn't. There's an oval on the sidewall with 4 numbers in it; example: 2599 - that would be the 25th week in 1999. But if it's been sitting 10 years, you can bet the tires are at least that old.
You might not have to replace any seals, wait and see if it leaks, but new engine and transmission oil first thing is a very good idea. If you intend to do a lot of the work yourself, a bike jack is a good investment, then you can also save money by pulling the wheels and taking them in for tires, unless you want to do that yourself, too. If you're not experienced in tire changes, I'd take them to a shop, not that expensive off the bike. Torque wrenches, anti-seize compound, and loctite are your friends on Harleys. You can do searches on all those in this forum and get a lot of info. Also, there are youtube videos on how to do about everything on Harleys.
When you ask questions, to get the best answers, include mileage and what model; they're not all the same, although what you're asking is pretty generic.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
There are some gas and oil hoses that you probably should at least look at, especially where the clamps are, old rubber tends to flake off and split there. If they look good and still feel flexible, probably not urgent. If it had gas in it when it was parked, you might end up having to pull the fuel strainer and clean the carb out. It's fairly easy to drop the carb bowl, might want to do that and see if it has ugly stuff in it. Have you started the engine yet? If it started and runs ok, might just put some Sea Foam in it for some extra cleaning. Sometimes you get lucky.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Centerville, MN
You'll want to inspect the inside of the gas tank for rust, it can flake off and plug the fuel intake to the carbs and/or bowls. There's products out there you can use to "line" the tank if it's rusted, or look for one in good shape to replace it.
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