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11-12-2012, 11:44 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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FNG :)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Lafayette, LA
Posts: 17
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1959 Harley Sportster
I recently picked up a 1959 Harley Sportster on a trade, and I have some questions regarding OEM equipment. This bike has been chopped and has a stretched front end, and also has the stock wheel with drum-styled brake. I noticed that there is no electrical on the front brake, in order to operate the rear brake light. Can someone PLEASE shed some light on this issue?
I want to restore it and ensure it is safe and legal, so I need to know what I can and can't do...
Thanks in advance...
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11-12-2012, 12:42 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Hater of the dyno!!!!!!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: In a house
Posts: 5,129
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The switch for the brake light is on the brake hand grip.
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I'm Just Sayin'...
2007 FLHT 103 CID SE-255
IDS drive W/30 tooth Andrews
K&N Air filter system
Vance & Hines Pro Pipe BP & FuelPak.
Torque(A bunch) HP(enough)
I have learned, Just say NO to Dyno's!
Member DooF Clenas , and proud of it.
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Disclaimer.
I do not work for Vance and Hines, I just like their stuff. Any suggestions I make are to be used at your own risk.
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11-12-2012, 04:48 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Evil Clown
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Greensboring, NC
Posts: 1,481
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I'm not sure, but according to this forum there was not front brake switch until 1969. You may not have one. See the 6th post down on that page.
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Helmets: Let those who ride decide
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11-13-2012, 04:43 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Seasoned Rider
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: pa
Posts: 57
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No switch on front brake. I had a 66 xlch, same way.
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12-10-2012, 06:48 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Seasoned Rider
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: the 'ville,ky.
Posts: 55
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68XLCH has no front brake lite switch also(before ralph nater)
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12-10-2012, 05:48 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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IronButt
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: CENTRAL INDIANA
Posts: 2,694
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Can you post a picture? I'd love to see it.
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12-10-2012, 06:08 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Ironbutt
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: O'fallon, IL
Posts: 6,902
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A lot of those older bikes don't even have front brakes...consider that.
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Current bikes in the stable:
2009 Street Glide
- 107ci, stage III heads, D&D Fatcat exhaust, Andrews 54 cam, TTS, 108hp 122tq
2003 Heritage Softail Classic
- 95ci, stage III heads, RB LSR exhaust, S&S 510 cams, 100hp 102tq
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12-10-2012, 06:12 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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IronButt
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: CALIFORNIA
Posts: 683
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jack6hd
No switch on front brake. I had a 66 xlch, same way.
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I agree on the '66 XLCH. I looked at one today.
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12-11-2012, 07:12 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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IronButt
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: El Dorado, AR
Posts: 668
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I got a Buddy that has a 60' setting covered in the shed that he had about 200 miles on a complete rebuild when his Wife made him park it in about 1998. I've been trying to buy it from him for years. It will need a good going through, but should be excellent once road ready. Does anyone know what the realistic value of this thing is. I've seen it under the cover, and lifted the cover, but there isn't anything sitting on it. It looks pretty nice. He would not let me sneak a pic. But figuring average value for this? I know wide guess. I just want to find out if I've been lowballing him or not..
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06 FLHTCUI Ultra Classic
88 inch, Stage 1, cheap-o slipons
Other than that is very stock.
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12-12-2012, 07:56 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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IronButt
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Debary, Fla
Posts: 490
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Had one in 1969.  No front brrake switch, on back of rear brake pedal.
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 2008 Road Glide
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12-20-2012, 01:43 AM
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#11 (permalink)
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IronButt
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 184
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Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Thirty bux a year buys a full-color quarterly magazine that's well worth the price, but if you're serious about restoring (not half-assed renewing/repainting/customizing) that '59, that's the organization to join. Google it.
If you din't know bikes had no front brake-brake light switches before the '70s you can't be blamed. That was the normfor all motorcycles until 1968 & the US Gummint put the safetly-nazis in charge of "automobile safety." and the new federal bureaucrats had to start writing regulation after regulation to justify the money in their gummint paychecks.
Yours also shifts on the right and (rear) brakes on the left foot (changed around to be "uniform" in 1973 with a jury-rigged, modified brake pedal used as a foot-long shift lever, for a couple of years).
Shift-on-right was the old English bike system copied by H-D when they brought out the sidevalve ("flathead") 45 c.i. "K" model (unit construction, not separate transmission like the old "45 Harley) that your OHV Sportster is based upon, in 1952. The OHV Sportster came out in 1957.
There's a whole world of information, and owners and restorers dedicated just to Harley Sportsters. Look up the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and take the first step. You'll like it!
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