1934 VD issues

[34VDharley]

So this weekend I took my bike on a 40 mile ride up to Scottsdale for a bike show. Bike made it there but started getting cranky before I pulled up. Parked it for a while and then began my trip back home. about 8 miles in my battery was draining out and she cut out. Bike was smoking like a chimney. I dropped it off at a local parking lot and went home to grab the other battery. She started up but was running meh. I rode for another 13 miles when she decided to want to die. I disengaged the clutch and attempted to clutch start her going about 40. The bike locked up and I skid about 40 feet or so before I came to rest on the shoulder of the freeway.

Tried to kick her over and the pedal was locked into place (didn't move). I could stand on it and it wouldnt move. After some very firm almost violent kicks I broke it free. Grabbed the battery and left for the evening to fully charge it. The next morning, I was able to get her started and off the freeway. After riding maybe another 6 miles she started to bog down and seem to struggle to get up to any speed. I successfully got her back to the garage and she'll still kick over, but she runs poorly.

Any ideas? Carb issue? Did I fry my cylinders? Bad valve?

[T. Cotten]

So this weekend I took my bike on a 40 mile ride up to Scottsdale for a bike show. Bike made it there but started getting cranky before I pulled up. Parked it for a while and then began my trip back home. about 8 miles in my battery was draining out and she cut out. Bike was smoking like a chimney. I dropped it off at a local parking lot and went home to grab the other battery. She started up but was running meh. I rode for another 13 miles when she decided to want to die. I disengaged the clutch and attempted to clutch start her going about 40. The bike locked up and I skid about 40 feet or so before I came to rest on the shoulder of the freeway.

Tried to kick her over and the pedal was locked into place (didn't move). I could stand on it and it wouldnt move. After some very firm almost violent kicks I broke it free. Grabbed the battery and left for the evening to fully charge it. The next morning, I was able to get her started and off the freeway. After riding maybe another 6 miles she started to bog down and seem to struggle to get up to any speed. I successfully got her back to the garage and she'll still kick over, but she runs poorly.

Any ideas? Carb issue? Did I fry my cylinders? Bad valve?

This is only an opinion, 34VD,

But I'd blame the loose nut on the handlebars.

....Cotten

[maxglass]

Greetings
It sounds like the motor is seizing, or a valve is sticking, or a piston is failing. As it cools down your able to kick it/get it running. I guess what I find surprising is you left your 40 VD on the freeway overnight, unattended? You have more faith in your fellow man than I.
Max

[JoJo357]

Tim, I posted this below comment back in 6-18-2025 when You joined the AMCA. These old Motorcycles are finicky & temperamental, even the reliable VL's. You need to read the owners manual religiously to understand it...COMPLETELY!!!!!! Like Max said, it's difficult to believe You left your '34 on the side of the road!!! *Hindsight is always 20/20, but when your '34 was running awful and smoking, You should have parked it and had it towed back home. Sounds like Max expressed, motor seizing, stuck valve, or piston. Did You check your oil level before the trip? *Good Luck Tim.
**That was witty funny....Cotten, but just a little bit below the belt.




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.*

[34VDharley]

The crankcase had oil and I cleared it out each time I ran it/rode it any distance to ensure it was full. 4 pumps too. I did leave it on the freeway only because I didn't want to wait on the side of the freeway for several hours while Hagerty dispatched a truck to me...which has happened before. When cool she kicks over/starts. When hot she will still kick over/start but sounds like crap. Someone recommended that I check my plugs for fouling.

[JoJo357]

I always carry a fresh set of plugs. I yank the plugs, it's the first thing I check when an erratic motor problem occurs. Fouled plugs run bad whether a motor is Hot or cold, but the plugs will always leave a telltale sign of what's happening in your motor. Start there Tim, look at a plug diagnosis chart, and maybe a new set of plugs installed. Don't run the motor too long, because if it is a serious problem, you'll only do more harm!
You said 4 pumps Tim. You might have over-oiled with excessive hand pump oiling. Which causes fouled plugs, sticky valves and carbon deposits.


Turbo Dodge Parts-How To Read Spark Plugs <---------


*M.A.D.*

[T. Cotten]

... Someone recommended that I check my plugs for fouling.

I could be wrong, 34VD,

But fouled plugs usually don't lock a machine up for a forty-foot skid.

....Cotten
PS: But I can still relate to the experience:

S&amp;SPIST.jpg

Mine was two in the morning with a bad girl on the back.

She said she saw a flash of light under the bike, but my cases survived!

[34VDharley]

Well it locked up because I disengaged the clutch when the bike cut out on the highway (55 MPH or so) and I engaged it in attempt to start it while riding thinking the battery was nearly dead. Thats when it locked up.

[34VDharley]

Also she ran okay for 5 miles after I got her off the freeway but then bogged down and was barely going 35 mph.