How I kickstart my 59 year-old Harley - Consistent cold starts

One of my most favorite - and also least favorite - bikes I own is this 1965 Harley Davidson Sportster XLCH 900. It's temperamental, constantly breaking down, and handles really poorly, but it's loud, looks rad and is a blast to ride despite all that.

This bike is magneto fired, meaning there is no battery and it is kickstart only. When it has been sitting for more than a few hours there's a certain process I follow to make sure the bike fires up without ten minutes of frustration and kicking. Check it out.

PS - yeah it's technically an XLH but the only XLH part left after 56 years is the stamp on the engine case. whatever.

PPS - A lot of people will say to use your right leg to kick these things, but I broke my right knee a few years ago in a bike wreck so that's a no go for me. Do what you feel is comfortable. Watch out for kickback and keep your knee bent. Sportster knee is a thing.

PPPS - A 900 ironhead is the best sounding harley ever made. fight me.

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