Desperately in need of guidance

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Nov 8, 2009 | 07:44 AM

sportsterwife

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 5

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From: Loganville, GA

Desperately in need of guidance

I'm new here and I'm really hoping someone can help me. My husband bought a Harley Sportster back in 02. According to the paperwork it is a "1972 HD XLCH". When he purchased it, the bike had a kick start which he did not like. He had the kick replaced with a starter & has since had quite a bit of work and upgrades done. Now he is having problems with the engine (not exactly sure what the problems are but the bike has a large piece of metal that was blown off somehow & it will not start). Once he began looking at the bike, to make the repairs, he has discovered that the id # is different along with several other differences in the engine that I am not sure of. It is a right side shift with a starter and it appears that parts for a 69 XLH have been used. I have tried to find engine specs & information on both bikes. He would like to know the differences in the two & if these parts were compatible or if possibly that is what caused the current problems. Also, are there any differences in a 883 - 900 to 1000 cover? I am desperate for help. If anyone could answer these questions or guide me in the direction of answers, I would greatly appreciate it.

Nov 8, 2009 | 07:52 AM

woosh

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 3,085

Likes: 1

From: Minnesota

Try posting in the Sportster forum.

Nov 8, 2009 | 07:55 AM

racerdj

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 13,453

Likes: 0

From: Indianapolis

I don't have any answers but welcome to the forum and I hope you have success in finding your solutions to posted questions.

Nov 8, 2009 | 07:57 AM

VTwin-Goodies

Former Sponsor

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 47,839

Likes: 1,956

From: SoCal

Welcome, post this in the sportster section along with the VIN #'s and I am sure someone can help you with the info you need. There is a lot of knowledge here.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sportster-models-10/

Nov 8, 2009 | 08:12 AM

2003Springer

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,639

Likes: 2

From: Scottsboro

go to this site run the vin see what it is https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/ni..._vincheck.html

Nov 8, 2009 | 08:22 AM

Geezer2

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 7,116

Likes: 3

From: Yakima, Wa.

Good luck with your quest. Glad to have you join in the fun. Great place to hang around.... you may learn a little, may learn a lot, may not learn anything. But you will have a few good laughs and make some new friends. Welcome. Geez

Nov 8, 2009 | 08:25 AM

dklanecky

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 392

Likes: 2

From: Southeastern Wisconsin

Welcome to the forum. The early seventies sporties were notorious for blowing starter solenoids. At one point, I went through three in one year on a 72 1000cc bike. Don't know where your physically located, but for reference materials, the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee has an excellent collection of Sportsters that are all in original or restored condition. The sportster forum also has some very knowledgeable people over there.