Lots of good advice thanks, I just ordered parts. New points and condensor. I also ordered kick start repair gears and spring. It is a real mf when it free kicks while checking for spark.
I am going to dive in to it with some new parts and see what happens. If no success I will send to Joe Hunt in Sacramento.
Its a great old bike that will get more attention than my 09 ultra. I am looking forward to getting it running. Then repaint, change the forks ect............
Thanks and will try posting some pic soon
T

 

Some cases magneto has "turned to back to life" when it has been rotated to "wrong" direction with Cordless Drill, low rpm... for 1-2 minutes.

 

well--i sent joe hunt my mag (68XLCH) don't remember what it cost-it wasn't cheap and i was reluctant too-------but the bike fires right up and runs perfect--thinkin about sending him the mag on the 59 XLCH--i recommend his services JMMHO

 

Nibroc: That is a good lookin chopper. I think I may have commented on it before. I sent Hunt an email a while back...they didn't answer any of my questions or concerns, they just indicated they would be happy to service it for me. They didn't indicate that they would do anything that I couldn't do, so, I serviced it myself...and I hope the magnets will last another 50yrs.

bigtm: I also received a kicker kit...just this month from J&P. something to do on a snowy afternoon

 

Big TM

Years ago a local HD shop recommended aiming a warm heat lamp (drop light w/100 wt bulb in my case) next to the mag..not TOO close but close enough to warm it thoroughly for several hours...tends to dry out the coil which could be the problem. I had traveled all over the US with that red XLCH & it never had a mag problem untill it sat in a cold, damp garage over that winter of 70-71. I was a little skeptical untill the second kick tried to launch me over the bars..then I knew it was ready to go.
If you're satisfied the points & condenser are OK & there are no shorts & you have not sent it off for the big & $$ rebuild then give it a shot.
Works on my old Gravelys too..

Resto