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Jul 30, 2010 | 02:05 PM

CorneliusRox

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Hows it going

Whats up guys. I picked up an old 1979 sportster 1000 as a project. It hasnt been laid down or anything, but it wouldnt start. Since then I have welded and rebuilt the S&S carb (it was cracked...), new generator, new battery, new cable and plugs, and I got it alive.

I just took it out on its first ride and realized that 1) the brakes suck, and 2) the clutch never completely disengages...

I have an 03 honda cbr 600rr that I take to the track, so I know how just about everything works when it comes to bikes, but I have some questions if anyone knows answers?

1) the brakes: change the fluid and get some sintered pads? would that work, or are these just bad master cylinders, rotors, and or calipers to begin with?

2) the clutch: Is this how all older HDs are? Or is there something I can do to fix this? I already adjusted the clutch cable and that is not the issue, so I was going to pop off the cover and see what it looks like. too strong of springs maybe?

Thanks guys, and hopefully you will be seeing me on here a lot more, and maybe I will get a build thread going.

Jul 30, 2010 | 02:17 PM

Cheesecake

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,160

Likes: 3

From: Houston, Texas

Howdy from Houston!

I would go through the brake system anyway...but don't expect CBR brakes...

You should be able to adjust the Clutch...
I have not done it on a 79 Sportster...so I don't want to mislead you...
The oldest HD I have owned was a 81 Lowrider... and as I recall it was no big deal...
you need a service manual.... you will use it....

CC

Jul 30, 2010 | 02:24 PM

woosh

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 3,085

Likes: 1

From: Minnesota

Welcome to the forums.

Jul 30, 2010 | 02:28 PM

tjvrodrick

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 10,499

Likes: 0

From: San Diego/Tj mexico

Welcome to the forum.put the front tire up to a wall and slip the clutch 2 or 3 times and see if that fixes it. Have fun here,Ride safe
Always Ride like everyone is trying to KILL you. Why? because they are...

Jul 30, 2010 | 02:36 PM

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

Likes: 821

From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Also know that this forum is a lot bigger than just the new member sign in area..
U won't get as many looks or answers in this area..
U need to go to the Sporty and or tech areas and then ask the same questions.. Also use the search feature above in the blue line,,, Ur not the first to ask such ?'s and there's plenty of info to look up in here..

Heres the link to the home page in case U haven't seen it yet,,
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/index.php

Also U need to read the forum rules if U haven't already.. There the four Announcements at the top of the thread start page..

Welcome to the Forum and safe riding.
From Indiana

Jul 30, 2010 | 02:54 PM

CorneliusRox

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Thanks for the advice guys, I am going to try that wall trick, and I will post in the tech spot, and I was just reading through the site rules.

Cheesecake - Wow, I love the bike! What kind of rear are you running? I was thinking of trying to squeeze a sportbike tire on it so that had a bit more grip in the corners. did that mount on your rim or did you pick up a different one?