I want to rebuild the engine on my 1984 Sportster XLX 1000

[kclymer]

I have a 1984 Sportster XLX. I am a newbie, but I want to learn to do basically everything for my bike on my own. As of now, the bike runs good, but its an old bike, and I have no idea when the last time the engine was rebuilt. I saw a rebuild kit from J & P Cycles that had everything, or so it appeared. What tools do I need to do this though? Are there any special tools that I need to order that are hard to find? If someone could tell me what I need to get to do this right, I would appreciate it.

Basically I want to do a little bit of preventative maintenence.

 

[Sharky1948]

Before you launch into a rebuild, I would check the compression on the cylinders, look for oil leaks, check for oil in the exhaust, etc. No sense in rebuilding unless you really have the need for it.

JMHO. I'm sure Glider will jump in and comment.

 

[scottaudio]

I agree-look at the mileage. I just retired a 27 year old Honda (1980 model) that only had 9k miles on it. Still ran great, no leaks, started on 1st or second kick every time. Even got 63 mpg! I sold it to a vintage collector/restoration specialist to help finance some accessories for my Harley (after all, the purchase of the bike is merely a down payment on the accessories!).

I would not recommend going into the engine unless it really needs it...

 

[HarleyHarry]

I have a 1984 Sportster XLX. I am a newbie, but I want to learn to do basically everything for my bike on my own. As of now, the bike runs good, but its an old bike, and I have no idea when the last time the engine was rebuilt. I saw a rebuild kit from J & P Cycles that had everything, or so it appeared. What tools do I need to do this though? Are there any special tools that I need to order that are hard to find? If someone could tell me what I need to get to do this right, I would appreciate it.

Basically I want to do a little bit of preventative maintenence.

Don't fix it if it ain't broken newbie. Enjoy the riding first. There's enough rainy days ahead in which to tinker.
And a warm welcome to the forum

 

[HarleyHarry]

A manual...get it read it...it will give you a list of speciality tools, specs and procedures and when you get to the point where you give up, bring it to me or another qualified tech because we love those of you who think they can fix something that doesn't need fixing...:bigsmiley31:

I apologize for being blunt but I see it all the time..."it's just a thing...if someone else did it why can't I"...my friend the xl is much more intricate than the Fl...(trans comes apart with the cases) (4 cams)...if you are bent on doing it yourself...take your time, be patient, read the manual and you'll get er done...get a sharpie and mark everything for orientation and location...good luck...

Amen to that brother!