70 Sportster XLCH : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

75ltcamaro · 06-15-2009, 03:26 PM

First, I apologize if this is answered elsewhere, but I hadn't found an answer after searching for sometime.

My question is this: I am rebuilding a 70 Sportster from the ground up. I was wondering if there was any way to convert it from kickstart only to a dual start, as I like kickstarting it, but would like to have the option of using the electric start if I don't feel like going through the hassle of kicking it. I have read several posts where people have mentioned they had this setup.

As of now, the bike has a megneto and not a battery.

If you need any more information about the bike to answer this question, please let me know.

77Ironhead · 06-15-2009, 07:55 PM

I don't believe so, I think the engine cases that supported the starter did not become common to both the XL and XLCH until 71

sportking · 06-15-2009, 10:00 PM

If you have a 1970 model . That was the first year that both the XLH and XLCH had the same crank case . That model can be converted because it also had a battery and ignition switch.
You will have to chance ,, well maybe not ! ! The clutch basket .
Now if you have a magneto in a 1970 it was not O E .
The last year for mag was 69 and the 69 CH and older had smaller cases that cannot acomadate a starter .
So now, really what do you have ? ?

75ltcamaro · 06-16-2009, 01:44 PM

I have my suspicions that this is a moderately customized engine, to say the least...

I bought it and a frame off a guy I knew about fifteen years ago, and never had a chance to work on it until now (time flies). The numbers on it indicate that it is a 70 engine, but when I was working on the clutch and compensating sprocket, I noticed they were much more similar to a later model. I know that there was a good deal of internal work on the engine, so things may have been modified.

I have no way of contacting the guy I bought it from, so I can't just ask him unfortunately.

sportking · 06-16-2009, 02:31 PM

Start with identifing the engine cases .
1970 was the first year that the serial # was on the right side case between the two intake tappets with a star in front and behind the number
69 and older was on the left below timing plug hole . Should have read like 68xlch****
70 n up had longer serial numbers including production data and it was the first year they also put a # on the frame also

75ltcamaro · 07-09-2009, 12:28 PM

Sorry it took so long to reply, I've been out of town on buisness. The engine is a 70, based on your description. To be sure, I had a old riding buddy of mine look at it and he confirmed that it was a 70.

sportking · 07-11-2009, 09:09 AM

Then you can add a starter .
Originally it would have had a distributer , although a magneto causes no issue
It had a compensator sprocket on the crank shaft end of the primary also .
It will take finding the parts and your good to go .
Cant recall but but I believe you may have to change the ignition switch also

75ltcamaro · 08-07-2009, 02:42 PM

Thanks a lot for the info and the help! I was worried that the magneto would interfere with the electric start, but I'm glad to hear that it's possible.