Im thinking all the bugs are probably worked out by now, I have had my 81 xls for 17 years it was a great way to learn how to work on a bike I think if its still on the road and only needs speedo and master cylender 100.00 max. Buy it and have fun...

 

my 76 iron head runs great most of the time right now needs plugs), kick only so I have a real time getting it going (my son has no problem)sound like an ok buy just remember it is an old bike but for bar hopping on weekends should be great . mine needs a speedo also but not really .. also mine still has drum rear brakes. don't look at all the pic my garage is even worse now 7 bikes in there two run..

 

Nice bike. I had a 73XLH and the only major problem I had was a bearing/bearing carrier between the clutch and transmission; other than that, zero problems.

It’s been 35 years since I had mine but I don’t recall it having a front disc brake. It may have had disc though, that HAS been a few billion brain cells ago!

I still have the owners manual but it’s not handy right now.

 

I've got a '77 XLH - it has a "new" engine in it that lets me run unleaded and it has an S&S carb and otherwise it's completely stock and reconditioned, it was somebody else's money pit but he had to sell it (wife reasons). It gets used on nice days, locally and I don't hammer it. I like the left foot gear change.

Great bike but not a modern harley and I treat it accordingly. I know I'll need to look after it and spend a bit more than I probably expect to but it is such a nice bike to ride and look at that it's worth it.

If you know that you shouldn't have any problems.

 

I bought a 1973 XLCH new in March 1973 (I was 18). It was my first Harley and the worst piece of junk I ever owned. Everything went wrong with that bike... Spokes broke, rear sprocket sheared, rear wheel adjusters broke, engine cases were defective, valves needed constant adjustment, electrical problems and I could go on. Granted, all of these problems were fixed under warranty, but the bike was in the shop more then it was out. I wouldn't go near any Harley that AMF built.

 

That is an excellent price. Buy it. You can't go wrong even if it was a basket case. There was nothing wrong with AMF Harleys regardless of what those say that never had one. I had one for twelve years and wish I still had it.

The 73 XLH is electric start. The XLCH is kick start. The gear shift is on the right on a 73. I think it was changed in 74. I would switch out the ignition system from points and condenser to electronic. Probably a little over $100. May want to consider a S&S carb, but not required.

Damn, I wish I could buy that bike for $2000. Good luck and respect for looking out for your brother.

 

I answered you in the touring section with the manuals to get for it.

 

Thanks dawg,
I saw your response and if I do end up buying it tonight, that will be the first thing I will order.

To all others: Thanks for the advice, I think that I am going to go buy it unless there are some unforseen problems with it. I am really looking forward to the project. You will hear from me soon likely with questions on how to fix it. I thank you all in advance. This is one of the reasons I couldnt let my brother get a jap bike for the same price, the help that I am able to get on here.

 

If the bike is basic stock... I think your getting a deal....

 

thats a pretty impressive turd you've got there. My turd still drags my butt around all the time.

I really like the solo seat on a sporty. I may have to pick one up some day.


Carl