Motorcycle Repair: cylinder, sportser, special tools

Question
I got a 73 HD sportser and the front cylinder smokes quit a bit when i ride it ,other than that it sounds good starts every time. What do you recommend other than taking it to a shop, is it possible that a novice could fix the problem? Please let me know I would really hate too sell it then find out it was a minor problem. thank you keith in dayton

Answer
Your smoking is one of two things. Oil is getting past the rings or oil is getting past the valve guides. You would have to remove the head and cylinder and mic them to see which one it is. If you have never done tis type of work I wuold recommend taking it to a shop. Even if your going to try it yourself you are ntop going to hacve the special tools that you will need.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike