I'm new here and I'm really hoping someone can help me. My husband bought a Harley Sportster back in 02. According to the paperwork it is a "1972 HD XLCH". When he purchased it, the bike had a kick start which he did not like. He had the kick replaced with a starter & has since had quite a bit of work and upgrades done. Now he is having problems with the engine (not exactly sure what the problems are but the bike has a large piece of metal that was blown off somehow & it will not start). Once he began looking at the bike, to make the repairs, he has discovered that the id # is different along with several other differences in the engine that I am not sure of. It is a right side shift with a starter and it appears that parts for a 69 XLH have been used. I have tried to find engine specs & information on both bikes. He would like to know the differences in the two & if these parts were compatible or if possibly that is what caused the current problems. Also, are there any differences in a 883 - 900 to 1000 cover? I am desperate for help. If anyone could answer these questions or guide me in the direction of answers, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Try posting in the Sportster forum.

 

I don't have any answers but welcome to the forum and I hope you have success in finding your solutions to posted questions.

 

Welcome, post this in the sportster section along with the VIN #'s and I am sure someone can help you with the info you need. There is a lot of knowledge here.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sportster-models-10/

 

go to this site run the vin see what it is https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/ni..._vincheck.html

 

Good luck with your quest. Glad to have you join in the fun. Great place to hang around.... you may learn a little, may learn a lot, may not learn anything. But you will have a few good laughs and make some new friends. Welcome. Geez

 

Welcome to the forum. The early seventies sporties were notorious for blowing starter solenoids. At one point, I went through three in one year on a 72 1000cc bike. Don't know where your physically located, but for reference materials, the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee has an excellent collection of Sportsters that are all in original or restored condition. The sportster forum also has some very knowledgeable people over there.

 

Welcome to the forum. Have fun, Ride Safe

 

Thanks guys for responding and not acting like I was a total dumbbell. I might like sticking around here for a minute or two.

 

Welcome aboard the Forum!