Funny you should mention the Bonneville. I had a pretty sweet 76 not long ago. First, the oil change is a concern with that in frame filter that there seems to be some debate about regarding clean or not. Then the Positive ground thing. But overall I found it to be not too bad to work on. I ended up having intermittent power failure, which was a bitch to chase down. Turns out it was in the main harness connector. It just got old and would break contact when jostled - about a mile from home.

And yes, it was fun to kick. My knee still hurts from some kick-back.

 

I'm surprised to hear a '76 is positive ground, maybe a Brit market bike?
I also can say I don't recall running into Whitworth fasteners on mine, usually SAE.
I have only checked that oil screen at frame bottom a couple times, always been clean, never a sludge issue with Amsoil 20-50.

 

If you're going to do it, take your time and learn all you can beforehand. With any really old bike, it's more about it's personality than the mechanics. If you're going for 100-point authenticity, that's a whole other level. If you want a rider, don't worry about little things like original igniton, etc. To me, a perfect original isn't worth much if it doesn't get used as intended. Always cool to see an antique on the road, even if restored.
My antique friends run everything from '30's Flatheads to Knuckles, Pans, Shovels, and Indians. One of them has a '26 JD with a sidecar that looks nicer than the one in the H-D museum. I've gone across several states with them on my Shovel, and those bikes are runners, as well as looking like they just rolled out of the showroom (that JD doesn't get out of state much...too slow). Some of the internals have been improved/modified on them, but at least they go places.

 

Lots of good advice. You seem to have the desire and the appreciation of an older bike, so I say go for it. It seems obvious, but read up and look carefully. You will definitely be well served the more knowledge you have and the better the machine was maintained for all these years. Being mechanically inclined and LIKING doing necessary maintenance goes a LONG way. Old bikes are really pretty simple but that doesn't mean you can't get (a little) frustrated, but that's all part of the program. If you take the plunge, get ready to get really attached, lol.

 

Sorry for momentary hijacking the topic. 1959 Triumph TR3a. The only pics I have on my tablet are from a couple of weeks ago, for my insurance company to give the go ahead on a repair. I was in my loft, boarding it for storage, looked down. Vertigo. Dropped a floor board through the rafter onto the bonnet. You can see the crease and the way it no longer fits. Ł4,000 insurance claim! Should be back with me in a couple of weeks and I'll post a picture in all its finery. I've not told my dad yet...

 

With the exception of the bottom end of the motor...vintage Harleys are almost as complicated as a riding lawn mower...

If you have basic wrenching skills, and a factory service manual, you can handle most things that come up...

The trick is to recognize when you are in over your head, and get help...

 

They can however be time consuming:

Setting the primary chain tension on a tank shift rigid:
Loosen trans bolts, scoot it back, retighten
Now you get to set the rear wheel for chain tension, then the mechanical brake linkage , then the clutch rod free play , then the shifter rod to align with the gate on the tank !

Or properly set up a star hub

ARRGG !

Motto of vintage riders

"Cruise and adjust"
LOL

 

Wow, thanks to everyone who has posted on this!

I’ve taken all of it to heart. Tomorrow I am going to call what has turned out to be a well regarded indie (only 3 miles from my house!) who advertises that they’ll work on any bike, any model, new or old. The place has been around since the early ‘60’s, so my guess is that they’ve seen just about everything.

 

the newest bike in my garage is a 82 flh..if you want a " classic" bike...( re: old banger) look around for a low milage, not customized, OEM well maintained Evo.They're out there.... Then up grade your tool box to do the easy stuff

 

Here’s a nice, clean vintage bike.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/...ide-5013086992