XLCH; "kicker" for a first bike?
#11
09-17-2009, 08:53 AM
He's very enthusiastic; has been riding my old XL250 whenever he can, has ridden my FXDXT and loves the "older style" bikes. I would be buying the bike and letting him ride it; he's got a toddler and they just had twins so he's not going anywhere "touring" for quite a while...I started on a BSA 650 Spitfire and had a Norton 750 up to a few years ago; great character builders...we'll keep our eyes peeled this winter for a suitable ride...I'm led to believe that the Ironheads are somewhat expensive and difficult to work with if the engine has to be opened up, opinions?
#13
09-17-2009, 09:28 AM
I love that bike.
But I wouldn't suggest it for a starter bike, given what else is out there for so cheap.
#14
09-17-2009, 10:41 AM
I think an XS650 would be great; electric and kick, enough power for traffic...had a Special in '78 and it served me well...the son-in-law and I both really like the looks of this one:
#15
09-17-2009, 12:04 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Visited a co-workers home in the country today (10 miles from pavement) and he had an old 1974 Sporty XLCH in the machine shed, which I aked if I could try starting...it hadn't run yet this year...
With some well taken advice on techinque, I got it running without working up too much of a sweat or getting hurt on the couple of kickbacks; what a sweet sounding old bike! My son-in-law is wanting to get started in biking and I think a kicker; ie an old brit bike or even an XLCH would be a good initiation...I wouldn't want it to be too easy on him...what do you guys think?
With some well taken advice on techinque, I got it running without working up too much of a sweat or getting hurt on the couple of kickbacks; what a sweet sounding old bike! My son-in-law is wanting to get started in biking and I think a kicker; ie an old brit bike or even an XLCH would be a good initiation...I wouldn't want it to be too easy on him...what do you guys think?
#16
09-17-2009, 04:57 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Difficult and expensive to work on? Well that's all relative to your knowledge, tools, and wallet. This XLCH Ironhead is about as straightforward and simple to work on as anything else that you will find running the roads today.
Some people bad mouth the AMF Harleys but I owned two of them and had no problems or complaints with them. I would not hesitate to buy this bike if the price is not unreasonable (as compared to similar year and condition Harleys).
Being a Harley motorcyclist, the only other brands I would consider are those British ones that you are familiar with but the Sportster will be much more reliable and less finicky. To love a British bike or car, you have to love to tinker. At least that is my long ago happy experience with both.
Some people bad mouth the AMF Harleys but I owned two of them and had no problems or complaints with them. I would not hesitate to buy this bike if the price is not unreasonable (as compared to similar year and condition Harleys).
Being a Harley motorcyclist, the only other brands I would consider are those British ones that you are familiar with but the Sportster will be much more reliable and less finicky. To love a British bike or car, you have to love to tinker. At least that is my long ago happy experience with both.
#17
09-17-2009, 06:47 PM
Save the kid a headache and find him a late model bike for cheap. It would suck to lose someone from motorcycling from a PITA experience with an old bike. Especially if that older bike doesn't run/ride well.
#18
09-17-2009, 07:11 PM
Club Member
Visited a co-workers home in the country today (10 miles from pavement) and he had an old 1974 Sporty XLCH in the machine shed, which I aked if I could try starting...it hadn't run yet this year...
With some well taken advice on techinque, I got it running without working up too much of a sweat or getting hurt on the couple of kickbacks; what a sweet sounding old bike! My son-in-law is wanting to get started in biking and I think a kicker; ie an old brit bike or even an XLCH would be a good initiation...I wouldn't want it to be too easy on him...what do you guys think?
With some well taken advice on techinque, I got it running without working up too much of a sweat or getting hurt on the couple of kickbacks; what a sweet sounding old bike! My son-in-law is wanting to get started in biking and I think a kicker; ie an old brit bike or even an XLCH would be a good initiation...I wouldn't want it to be too easy on him...what do you guys think?
#19
09-18-2009, 07:58 AM
Difficult and expensive to work on? Well that's all relative to your knowledge, tools, and wallet. This XLCH Ironhead is about as straightforward and simple to work on as anything else that you will find running the roads today.
Some people bad mouth the AMF Harleys but I owned two of them and had no problems or complaints with them. I would not hesitate to buy this bike if the price is not unreasonable (as compared to similar year and condition Harleys).
Being a Harley motorcyclist, the only other brands I would consider are those British ones that you are familiar with but the Sportster will be much more reliable and less finicky. To love a British bike or car, you have to love to tinker. At least that is my long ago happy experience with both.
Some people bad mouth the AMF Harleys but I owned two of them and had no problems or complaints with them. I would not hesitate to buy this bike if the price is not unreasonable (as compared to similar year and condition Harleys).
Being a Harley motorcyclist, the only other brands I would consider are those British ones that you are familiar with but the Sportster will be much more reliable and less finicky. To love a British bike or car, you have to love to tinker. At least that is my long ago happy experience with both.
#20
09-18-2009, 05:51 PM
Intermediate
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Ah, the old days
My first Harley was also a 1974 XLCH. Still have the scars to prove it. Young and foolish, replaced the rear shocks with chromed struts, sat on a sliver of leather for a seat and the drag pipes made you teeth rattle. Too be young again!