Show Your Ironhead Sportster
#191
08-18-2024, 06:11 PM
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#192
08-18-2024, 06:13 PM
#193
08-18-2024, 06:49 PM
Road Master
#194
08-20-2024, 10:14 AM
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#195
09-03-2024, 05:14 PM
Road Master
So, I really like the '77~'78 model years for a number of reasons. Oscar's specimen is a beauty (as are several of the other bikes). But I have a question:
At what point does one reach the optimum combination of (i) useful engine refinements, and (ii) lower price point in the Ironheads?
My sense is that '77~'80 might be the sweet spot. I really like the earlier bikes but they are really pricey. But could any Sporty enthusiasts correct that impression? Reason I ask is that I am thinking of rounding out my stable with an Ironhead: '51 FL, '71 OIF Triumph Bonneville, and Ironhead Sporty, but need to decide on the best model year(s) to maximize my limited funds.
At what point does one reach the optimum combination of (i) useful engine refinements, and (ii) lower price point in the Ironheads?
My sense is that '77~'80 might be the sweet spot. I really like the earlier bikes but they are really pricey. But could any Sporty enthusiasts correct that impression? Reason I ask is that I am thinking of rounding out my stable with an Ironhead: '51 FL, '71 OIF Triumph Bonneville, and Ironhead Sporty, but need to decide on the best model year(s) to maximize my limited funds.
#197
09-03-2024, 07:23 PM
Road Master
Cool, thanks for weighing in.
There's a '72 XLCH on Fleabay right now that I was thinking might be an alternative, in view of the slim pickins' these days.
What do you think of that year's XLCH? It's got a clear title and the bidding is sitting at about $1,500. Add the seller's fee of ~$150 and lots of PB&J to feed me while flatbedding it back from CA...
There's a '72 XLCH on Fleabay right now that I was thinking might be an alternative, in view of the slim pickins' these days.
What do you think of that year's XLCH? It's got a clear title and the bidding is sitting at about $1,500. Add the seller's fee of ~$150 and lots of PB&J to feed me while flatbedding it back from CA...
#198
09-05-2024, 02:41 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
So, I really like the '77~'78 model years for a number of reasons. Oscar's specimen is a beauty (as are several of the other bikes). But I have a question:
At what point does one reach the optimum combination of (i) useful engine refinements, and (ii) lower price point in the Ironheads?
My sense is that '77~'80 might be the sweet spot. I really like the earlier bikes but they are really pricey. But could any Sporty enthusiasts correct that impression? Reason I ask is that I am thinking of rounding out my stable with an Ironhead: '51 FL, '71 OIF Triumph Bonneville, and Ironhead Sporty, but need to decide on the best model year(s) to maximize my limited funds.
At what point does one reach the optimum combination of (i) useful engine refinements, and (ii) lower price point in the Ironheads?
My sense is that '77~'80 might be the sweet spot. I really like the earlier bikes but they are really pricey. But could any Sporty enthusiasts correct that impression? Reason I ask is that I am thinking of rounding out my stable with an Ironhead: '51 FL, '71 OIF Triumph Bonneville, and Ironhead Sporty, but need to decide on the best model year(s) to maximize my limited funds.
'79 and up was a frame change which many don't care for and '80-'81 had that ugly oil tank/battery mount.
'73-'74 front disc brakes, still RH shift. '75-'76 LH shift via crossover shaft. '77-'78 true LH shift. Other than that, very little difference. All had the option for kick-start.
#199
09-05-2024, 09:36 PM
Road Master
There's really not much difference from '73-78.
'79 and up was a frame change which many don't care for and '80-'81 had that ugly oil tank/battery mount.
'73-'74 front disc brakes, still RH shift. '75-'76 LH shift via crossover shaft. '77-'78 true LH shift. Other than that, very little difference. All had the option for kick-start.
'79 and up was a frame change which many don't care for and '80-'81 had that ugly oil tank/battery mount.
'73-'74 front disc brakes, still RH shift. '75-'76 LH shift via crossover shaft. '77-'78 true LH shift. Other than that, very little difference. All had the option for kick-start.
The '72 on Fleabay sold for $1,575. I had called the seller (wrecking yard) and he was totally honest and told me it was probably frozen because their description typically will say 'engine turns over but won't start.' Also, he checked on line and informed me CA MVD had $150 in past-due fees that would've had to be paid whenever someone tried to transfer the title. Plus the seller's (wrecking yard) fee of $175. So, it actually would've cost $1,900 with the probability of a frozen engine. Then my cost of driving out to CA and trailering it back...
So, I'm glad I let it go, all things considered. If in NM or any of the adjacent states, might've been worth it...
