Hi, Ill admit im new to the world of HD as an owner. I just got a couple of weeks ago a 1977 HD Sportster Ironhead 1000 XLCH. From what ive learned they only had a kick start because they were the competition model. Now I know that the HD kick start is suppose to be hard. But im 240lbs and with all my weigh and strength that kick stick will not cycle down. It just holds me up in the air. And when it doesnt do that it just releases through and doesnt try to start the bike. I've already hurt my knee kicking it once. But I want to run it before I figure out how to put on the electric start that the XLH has. Any tips, tricks or ideas, on how to get this thing to kick over.

Thanks

 

Your best bet for advice would be going to the Ironhead section under the "Classics". They may have a trick of cycling the kicker in order to get it working for you.

 

I would suspect that the engine might be locked up. If it rolls, it's probably not the transmission. I have a 1975 XLCH and my 160 lb carcass can start mine even though there is a lot of compression there. Have you tried to do a push start?

I know what you're saying about bangin' your knee when she slips.