1927 j

[Martin Pettingell]

Hello,

I have just joined the ranks of H-D J ownership - in fact picked the bike up on Saturday. This is my first non flathead. Its already been restored at least once so sadly not original paint and it has been a bit neglected for a while but the engine starts easily and runs strong although I have not taken it the road yet.

Has what I believe to be the correct shebler carb for the year and the rear brake has been reconditioned

All the numbers seem good - frame, engine , crankcase and gearbox.

The gas tanks have been lined years ago and the liner is coming off - they are a mess inside. One of the first jobs is to get them off and cleaned out. I am sure there will lots more to do as I get into it.

Couple of questions to start with if somebody can help me please. The air intake on the carb has a hole in the side with a thin hinged plate across. if left open it would allow air directly into the carb - and it is a bit bent so doesn't fit well anyway. What is the purpose of this and should it be kept closed for normal running. The air filter container that sits to the rear is empty. It looks as though it should come apart - there are a series of clips and a band with a screw fastening but when I tried to take it apart they were locked solid. I don't want to waste time trying to get them apart if they are actually one piece. Finally should there be some form of filter material in the trumpet end - maybe some oiled gauze or similar. If the two parts don't separate I am not sure you could get anything in there.
All being well I have attached a picture of the bike - the only one I have at present but it shows the carb air filter assembly.
Thanks

Martin
in the UKIMG_0583.jpg

[Steve Swan]

Gorgeous 27 ! I'm restoring 27JD 11090, which i purchased in pieces and few at that.

There are a number of guys extremely knowledgeable of things JD on this forum, so i am learning as i go. I've collected as much literature on the 25-28 JD's as i can find, as well as, as many pictures of unmolested machines as i can find. My 2£ worth, that air horn and air "strainer " appear the 1928 type. And, the picture seems to show a 28 rear cylinder. Other fellows will tell you more details on that horn and air cleaner.

More pictures is a good thing.

[Martin Pettingell]

Thanks Steve,

I acquired a riders manual with the bike but it seems to cover the earlier models. What is the best source of information on the J /JD models? Are there any books out there that I should be looking out for? Does anybody reproduce the old work shop manuals for this period?

I have seen a HD Shop Dope advertised which looked as though it might be useful but nothing else which is detailed or specific.

Appreciate your input

Regards

Martin

[Jerry Wieland]

Martin Not a lot of good literature out there on JD's. Also I would not waste my money on the compilation of paper that HD now sells. Nothing more than a bunch of photocopies shop dopes and parts catalogs. The bike looks nice and get it running and ride.

Jerry

[23JDCA 808]

Try https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/harleyjd/info
as another source of information. Watch eBay for J and JD parts, reproduced parts and reprinted manuals. Take your time and don't buy the first thing you think you need.
Sources are listed on the above site also.

[Steve Swan]

For paper references, i've been using 22-26, 22-27 and 27-31 Parts Books.

Also the copyrighted 1926 Rider's Handbook. And also the 1929 Supplement to the 1927 Rider's Handbook. As stated per page 1 of the 1929 Supplement to Rider's Hand Book, "It is to be used with a 1927 (copyrighted 1926) or 1929 Rider's Hand Book"

Also, use the 1923 US Army Motorcycle Repairer's Manual.

And the 1917 Factory Repairer's Manual.

[Martin Pettingell]

Thanks guys - all useful stuff

Martin

[DanM]

Martin- I don't think any filter material was in that air cleaner. As far as the plate, I think it swings open to look inside or something like that, I think closed is normal running, but as I see it it won't matter open or closed. Bike looks great, I am sure you will enjoy it.

[c.o.]

That's a great looking bike Martin. I look forward to hearing more about it.

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Martin, I agree there is a shortage of technical material on the JDs. Bring the bike to our European Meet at the American Motorcycle Museum in Raalte, Netherlands May 8-10 where you'll find a bunch of helpful guys with similar models. The same goes to all our US readers if you can make it. Your air intake is the 1928/9 style and the rear canister has no packing but, in theory, swirls the air round and knocks out the dust and water through the drain hole which should be at the bottom. The hole in the front cast section may be for 'high speed running' like the earlier HX Scheblers. Call me in the UK if you need help.

[Steve Swan]

For paper references, i've been using 22-26, 22-27 and 27-31 Parts Books.

Also the copyrighted 1926 Rider's Handbook. And also the 1929 Supplement to the 1927 Rider's Handbook. As stated per page 1 of the 1929 Supplement to Rider's Hand Book, "It is to be used with a 1927 (copyrighted 1926) or 1929 Rider's Hand Book"

Also, use the 1923 US Army Motorcycle Repairer's Manual.

And the 1917 Factory Repairer's Manual.

i meant to say 1918 instead of 1917, specifically http://www.ebay.com/itm/1919-Harley-...ae2cc9&vxp=mtr

[Martin Pettingell]

1927 j

MAP_3682_5060 (2).jpgMAP_3673_5051 (2).jpg

Thanks for the comments. Couple more pictures of the bike as I got it. Should have the tanks off this weekend.

The brakes are interesting - two pedals and one hand leaver all working on one drum with the inner and outer brake straps. Just pushing it around the garage none of them seem to be very effective at stopping it.

From what I have read so far this may be a particular curiosity of bikes shipped to Europe being required to have at least two brakes?

Looks like the bottom fin on the left side of each cylinder has been badly broken - in fact there was so little of it left I didn't notice the absence at first.

I'll try and post some more pictures from time to time as I get into it.

Steve - thanks for the offer of help. I'm sure I will be in touch in due course. Looks like there is a need for somebody to write a definitive restoration guide for J /JD's along the lines of your work on VL's

[Martin Pettingell]

1927 j

MAP_3682_5060 (2).jpgMAP_3673_5051 (2).jpg

Thanks for the comments. Couple more pictures of the bike as I got it. Should have the tanks off this weekend.

The brakes are interesting - two pedals and one hand leaver all working on one drum with the inner and outer brake straps. Just pushing it around the garage none of them seem to be very effective at stopping it.

From what I have read so far this may be a particular curiosity of bikes shipped to Europe being required to have at least two brakes?

Looks like the bottom fin on the left side of each cylinder has been badly broken - in fact there was so little of it left I didn't notice the absence at first.

I'll try and post some more pictures from time to time as I get into it.

Steve - thanks for the offer of help. I'm sure I will be in touch in due course. Looks like there is a need for somebody to write a definitive restoration guide for J /JD's along the lines of your work on VL's

Martin

[kiwi tibbs]

Martin,
that is a great looking bike mate.
You probably have it sorted but if you were looking for someone to sign write or do your stripes, I'd love to do it for you.
take care

Tony

[Steve Swan]

Martin, thanks for sharing pictures. Beautiful bike.