Hi, All,

I introduced myself on the Noob site and the General site and now I am here to ask some questions because I am so new I should have my butt spanked to make sure I know how to cry...

Anyway, last weekend I bought a 1980 Sportster. I paid $3200 with taxes (is that too much?). I rode her home but stalled her. She wouldn't start because the battery was shot and I had to roll her downhill and pop the clutch, like I used to do with my old Ford Escort back in the day.

I need new tires and definitely a new battery. I can jump start her with my mini-van but she won't hold a charge. Someone else said she might be draining the battery.

Also, when I get her started she wants to stall out, but only when I idle. So, at a light I have to keep revving her up to keep her running. Would that be the carb causing that? Or idle set too low? Or sparkplugs?

I'm taking her to Earl Small's HD in Atlanta this Saturday for a Road Ready diagnostic and get whatever needs to be done to make her safe and operational.

Right now thats' the main two things - bad tires, won't hold a charge, and stalls out.

Any experience or advice is very much appreciated.

Jen

 

3200 too much? Depends on the person.

Expect each tire to soct 150-200 installed, ~400 max for both front & rear.
Everything you describe could simply be the battery. They will diagnose the electric system. The stator, rotor & voltage regulator sound to be fine if it does not stall when held higher than low idle. Don't go cheap (wallmart) and buy some junk battery. There have been enough posts about nEverstart batteries already.
Buying it used the previous owner could have the idle set too low, the plugs & wires could be old, all stuff that is good to get replaced anyway.
Without knowing the mileage it is just a guess that the original fuel in the machine is old & krapy, a carb cleaning may be a good thing.

 

I agree 100% with everything. If the tires are worn the maintance most likely needs to be done. BTW, you can really screw up the bike's electronics jumping it all the time.

Dallas.

 

I'm not going to jump it again until I take it to Earl Small's.

I'm not starting the mini-van when I jump it. I'm just hooking the battery up and waiting 15 minutes before I start the bike.

Thanks for the tips. I hope that all I need is a new battery and tires (for now). I never did something so spontaneous like this before so I am a little nervous about the money I spent being wasted...but I am optimistic.

 

I don't think you wasted yer money. You get that straightened out, it'll be a pretty neat ride
Welcome to the Sporty section.

 

do you still want your butt spanked?

 

That's really a cool looking old sporty...congrats and welcome aboard.

[IMG]local://upfiles/48168/596EA4B05AFC4A199199948AA8F09535.jpg[/IMG]

 

[sm=lildevil.gif] Stay tuned....I'll let you know...

 

Thanks! The color is actually more of a royal blue. But for some reason it comes out baby blue in the pic. If I ever get a better pic I will replace it.

It's definitely vintage and I like that. And I like the level of noise. It's not ear splitting like some Harleys that ride though my neighborhood. But you can hear it coming.

I live in a neighborhood that sees a lot of bikes, especially on the weekends and Bike Night at the Vortex. I live on one of the main drags and I can hear those big bikes even when I'm in my house. It's fun to watch them.

Hopefully I will soon be joining them!

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?t...nnel=151822555

 

nice ride!!

change the battery and the tires, should cost around 500 if u do it at once at an indy.

and the fact that you were able to ride it home without too many problems is a VERY good sign.

Check if it leaks, and if it does, how much and around which area of the bike is it leaking?

I would STRONGLY suggest you change all the fluids, primary and engine oil, drain the gas tank, put fresh gas in, and run Techron or Seafoam for a few tanks, 1 ounce to every gallon of gas, that stuff works wonders and if it doesnt idle on its own after that, have the idle raised at your shop.


other than that, looks like you came across a good bike, should last you awhile if you take care of it asap.