Newbie questions

Production K Models

Newbie questions

Postby schleykm » Tue Mar 24, 2020 9:52 pm

Hello,
I have just picked up a '55 KH basketcase. This in my first K model but have had several other Harley flatheads in the past. I am now in the research phase and have a few questions:
1) It appears that there is a lot of interchangeability between the K models and XL Sportsters. Has anyone ever put together a list of what those interchangeable parts are?
2) Is there a good transmission rebuild guide for my transmission, which came as parts in a 5-gallon bucket? I did get a parts list and am now taking inventory to see what I have.
3) Is the KH trans similar to the XL trans?
4) Can anyone I.D. the bolt-on hardtail that came with it? (Broke my heart when I realized it was not a KR part!
Attachments
IMG_1265.JPG
IMG_1265.JPG (57.09 KiB) Viewed 10055 times
schleykm
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:45 pm
Location: Rio Rico, Arizona

Re: Newbie questions

Postby EKHKHK56 » Tue Mar 24, 2020 11:02 pm

Hello, some things are continued from K to XL. The 1959 Spare Parts Book groups 52-56 K along with 57-59 parts right next to each other. This gives you an idea. The first Service book is 1959XL and is helpful. Trans set up procedure is basically the same. XL trans as unit will work in KH, with correct C/S Right Bearing in case. XL uses smaller ID Bearing than early K. Other info available in Shop Dope Bulletins. Enjoy, Erik
User avatar
EKHKHK56
 
Posts: 920
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 5:20 am
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska USA

Re: Newbie questions

Postby thefrenchowl » Wed Mar 25, 2020 6:16 am

KH countershaft needle bearing is the same as Sportster

Look at your trap door... 6 x bolts/2 x conical dowels indicate set of KH OEM cases.

Later replacement cases usually will have Sportster trap door, 4 x bolts/2 x cylindrical dowels.

Count your blessings you haven't got a KR rear rigid end... If it were to be unmolested, it's too narrow to fit a street wheel with the drum brake...

Hence why there're quite a few AM types where you can fit the drum...

Yours a nice shape and quite short, a bonus...

Enjoy...

Patrick
Flat Head Forever
https://web.archive.org/web/20071011184353/http://www.harleykrxlrtt.com/index.htm
I'm the one who has to die when it's time for me to die so let me live my life the way I want to...
thefrenchowl
 
Posts: 611
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:33 pm

Re: Newbie questions

Postby schleykm » Fri Mar 27, 2020 6:43 pm

Belated thanks to Erik and Patrick, I could not get the website to come up for a couple of days. The trapdoor and trans turned out to be 60's Sportster. Actually turned out there is about 1-2/3 transmissions in the bucket. Insofar as parts interchangeable list, I found a great book "What Fits What on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. ISBN 0-933078-11-0. I has some great K model info.
schleykm
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:45 pm
Location: Rio Rico, Arizona

Re: Newbie questions

Postby EKHKHK56 » Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:44 am

You are most welcome. That is a fun little book, however One thing that doesnt fit what is K heads. Basically 3 different ones. K 52 53 Stamped in part number, KH KHK Weak Cast number, 54-55 and Strong Cast number. KH KHK. 55-56 approximately. Different cams & valves need matching clearances in chambers above open valves. Erik
User avatar
EKHKHK56
 
Posts: 920
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 5:20 am
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska USA

Re: Newbie questions

Postby panic » Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:00 am

W/r/t "What Fits What": read my comments.
http://victorylibrary.com/tech/WFW.htm
[url="http://victorylibrary.com/L-BK.htm"]The Linkert Book[/url]
User avatar
panic
 
Posts: 132
Joined: Mon Jul 29, 2019 5:33 pm

Re: Newbie questions

Postby thefrenchowl » Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:43 am

I knew you would have had a go, Jeff!!!

Patrick
Flat Head Forever
https://web.archive.org/web/20071011184353/http://www.harleykrxlrtt.com/index.htm
I'm the one who has to die when it's time for me to die so let me live my life the way I want to...
thefrenchowl
 
Posts: 611
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:33 pm


Return to K, KK, KH, KHK

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 9 guests

cron