New 1934 Harley Davidson VD owner

[34VDharley]

Good morning. I recently acquired a nicely restored 1934 Harley Davidson VD from a local broker here in Arizona whos well versed in older Harleys. It appears to be mostly correct with a few reproduction parts added during the restoration. She runs nicely and I'm taking her for a cruise this weekend. I do have general questions which I'd like to ask the group. They are:

1. How often do you drain the oil from the crankcase with your V series bikes? I was told to do it every time I start up the bike after it has been sitting for a while or anytime I refuel. I was advised to add a cap of both Marvels and 2-stroke oil to help lubricate the valves.

2. Fuel type? I'm currently giving her pump 87 due to the low compression rating for the VD model. Is this enough or do I need to go with a higher octane rating?

3. Range? What's the typical range on a full tank? Whats the furthest you can ride without worrying about adjustments or checking timing, etc?

4. Buddy seat? My gal wants to ride but as you can see its currently set up as a solo bike. Does anyone make a period correct repro buddy seat so I can drag her along?

Thanks in advance. I look forward to everyones advice.

[Jerry Wieland]

Oh my... You need to familiarize yourself with a Harley VL total loss oiling system. The oil is drained with a foot valve in the left engine case. Push it down and the oil drains out on the ground or preferably in a tray. You then need to replenish that oil using the hand pump in the tanks. Once the engine starts the pump on the right side of the engine will meter oil into the crankcase to replace what is burned. Much simplified explanation.

Jerry

[34VDharley]

Oh my... You need to familiarize yourself with a Harley VL total loss oiling system. The oil is drained with a foot valve in the left engine case. Push it down and the oil drains out on the ground or preferably in a tray. You then need to replenish that oil using the hand pump in the tanks. Once the engine starts the pump on the right side of the engine will meter oil into the crankcase to replace what is burned. Much simplified explanation.

Jerry

I'm familiar with the system, however, how often do I need to drain and fill the crankcase? Every time I start the bike?

[JoJo357]

Welcome to the forum Tim~nice VD. Tim, i suggest you read and memorize this, before taking a...'fateful trip'. Maybe then you could ask some questions?


AMF Vintage Motorcycle Library <---- 1934~35~36 -- 74'' & 80'' -- Big Twin Harley-Davidson.

*M.A.D.*

[Steve Slocombe]

I'd also hope you have my VL Restoration book which answers your questions. You can buy it in the US or from my vlheaven.com Website.

[34VDharley]

Thank you everyone. This is my third classic bike but my first HD. Previously owned a 1944 DKW NZ 350-1 and a 1939 BMW R-71 w/sidecar. Looking forward to cruising with this and learning more!

[34VDharley]

Also is there a speed you'd recommend not going over with these? I was told to keep it below 60.

[Jim]

Also is there a speed you'd recommend not going over with these? I was told to keep it below 60.

I like going about 40 - 45 mph. I'm in No Hurry, so I just enjoy the ride and scenery. But, I've also run it at 50mph with no issues. IF in doubt about your oil... drain, and then fill your oil with 3.5 pumps. Then go for a 15-20 mile ride and then drain your oil. SEE how much has drained out. I get about 5.5 oz. no matter how far or short my ride is. I think that's good. After mine has drained, I close the lever and I put 3.5 pumps in which gives me ABOUT 5.5 oz.

Just have FUN with your VL!!

[Steve Slocombe]

Speed depends oin gearing and how high you want to take the revs. The VLs were probably undergeared for the dirt roads of the time, so will take taller gearing for our paved roads. The rear sprocket, clutch and countershaft gears do not change, so all gearing is altered with the drive sprocket. I've done 103 mph electically timed on a '34 with a special 27 tooth drive sprocket, 25 tooth was the highest available at the time, standatd for 1934 was 23 then 22 and, as VDs were also used as sidecar bikes, drive sprockets went down to 19 teeth. If you don't have steep hills then a 24 or 25 tooth drive sprocket should hit the spot.

[34VDharley]

Shes got a 24 according to the seller. Also ran into issues today. She started sputtering and bucking before completely dying. She'll start for 3 min then die. Granted ambient temps were 108 today but this was earlier when it was 95. Fuel issue? Coil bad? Had to have my friend tow her

[Steve Slocombe]

Those are high temperatures but electrical problems are usually what stops older motorcycles on road runs.

[Jim]

Shes got a 24 according to the seller. Also ran into issues today. She started sputtering and bucking before completely dying. She'll start for 3 min then die. Granted ambient temps were 108 today but this was earlier when it was 95. Fuel issue? Coil bad? Had to have my friend tow her

Two things when I had the exact same issue... One was a clogged fuel filter. The other time it was running ROUGH and found it was the spark plug wire end was burned off where it goes down inside the coil. I just stripped the coating back from the wire core a little bit and pushed it back down into the coil as far as it would go. Started right up and ran smooth.

Just a couple EASY things for you to check.

GOOD LUCK!

[Peter Cooke]

And perhaps the fuel caps are not venting like they should.

[exeric]

And perhaps the fuel caps are not venting like they should.

Years ago, I had that non-vented gas cap issue as well, Peter. It will stop you dead after a few miles but easily restart in a few minutes. Aggravating, and embarrassing.

[Steve Slocombe]

Good call, and remember that the VL side-vented gas caps don't take the leather washers like the earlier top vented ones.