86 Electra Glide
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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From:
86 Electra Glide
I just purchased a 86 Electra Glide. Had someone pick it up for my since I am still deployed over seas. This is my first Harley and I am looking for some general tips. It has about 75,000 miles on it. At what point should I look at having to do repairs on it. The bike ia a one owner that said he changed the oil every 3,000 miles. Just looking for some general guidance.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
RE: 86 Electra Glide
If you got it at a reasonable price that motor/transmission should give you some good miles. There are two or three things you should check with the former owner about.
1. Does it still have the tapered mainshaft for the clutch basket? If so, has he installed the steel ring on the back of the basket to prevent splitting? Also, pickup a spare set of "clutch fingers" part # 37084-79. Carry 'em in your tool kit. You can change 'em on the side of the road in about 10 minutes if you have 'em.
2. When was the last time he replaced the lifters? Not a big issue, or expensive, but at 75,000 it may be due. Some people replace 'em at about 35,000. YMMV.
3. Transmission......Final drive gear is pressed on the shaft. Later versions were welded since torquing the nut can pull the shaft out of the gear. It looks like a quad seal leak, but you can't fix it without replacing the gear (I tried 3 times before I found it). And, if you open the gear box *replace the shifter return spring*! It's the first part to go in & the last part to come out. It *will* break someday, & even if it doesn't do any damage it's a PITA to get to.
None of those problems are major or expensive. My FXR has been through all of 'em & was completely rebuilt when I stroked it 10 years ago, but has always been reliable.
1. Does it still have the tapered mainshaft for the clutch basket? If so, has he installed the steel ring on the back of the basket to prevent splitting? Also, pickup a spare set of "clutch fingers" part # 37084-79. Carry 'em in your tool kit. You can change 'em on the side of the road in about 10 minutes if you have 'em.
2. When was the last time he replaced the lifters? Not a big issue, or expensive, but at 75,000 it may be due. Some people replace 'em at about 35,000. YMMV.
3. Transmission......Final drive gear is pressed on the shaft. Later versions were welded since torquing the nut can pull the shaft out of the gear. It looks like a quad seal leak, but you can't fix it without replacing the gear (I tried 3 times before I found it). And, if you open the gear box *replace the shifter return spring*! It's the first part to go in & the last part to come out. It *will* break someday, & even if it doesn't do any damage it's a PITA to get to.
None of those problems are major or expensive. My FXR has been through all of 'em & was completely rebuilt when I stroked it 10 years ago, but has always been reliable.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
RE: 86 Electra Glide
ORIGINAL: Terminal Velocity
I just purchased a 86 Electra Glide. Had someone pick it up for my since I am still deployed over seas. This is my first Harley and I am looking for some general tips. It has about 75,000 miles on it. At what point should I look at having to do repairs on it. The bike ia a one owner that said he changed the oil every 3,000 miles. Just looking for some general guidance.
I just purchased a 86 Electra Glide. Had someone pick it up for my since I am still deployed over seas. This is my first Harley and I am looking for some general tips. It has about 75,000 miles on it. At what point should I look at having to do repairs on it. The bike ia a one owner that said he changed the oil every 3,000 miles. Just looking for some general guidance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: 86 Electra Glide
ORIGINAL: bagga
if it ain't broke, don't fix it. why would you throw money at something if it isn't giving you problems?
if it ain't broke, don't fix it. why would you throw money at something if it isn't giving you problems?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
RE: 86 Electra Glide
At 75K it is not ready for a rebuild if it has been taken care of like you have been told. Evos are great motors, and unlike shovels don't require frequent rebuilds. Enjoy.
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