1971 50/5 Rocker Arm problems

[jeffrey.salman]

Hello,

Newbie here. I want to buy a '71 50/5, but the guy selling it says that it has rocker arm "weirdness". What is a rocker arm, and is it something that is "fixable" if I buy the bike. I will be doing a restore on this bike, eventually if I purchase it. Thank you!!

Jeff

[schrader7032]

Any more info on what he means by weird? There are some adjustments as well as the ability to replace them, especially the early versions with later versions.

Anton has a great page which shows the various rocker arms:

http://www.largiader.com/tech/rockers/

Basically, the Airhead engine is a pushrod engine. The rotating camshaft and lobes push on long, thin pushrods. These pushrods then "rock" the rocker arms so that the valves are actuated.

It's basic stuff and easy to work on. If you find out more about what is "weird", report back.

[jeffrey.salman]

He was selling it for $700 and it was gobbled up by someone else within minutes of his add being posted. Oh, well, I will continue my search for a /2 or early /5, not easy out here in California. Thank you for the info and have a great rest of the summer.