Hello Guys I would like some advice on a Harley I have seen. I have always liked the look of the hard tails and I know how they ride stiff and stuff like that. But I would like to know about the Ironheads. People have complaints and stuff about them and I know all the issues with Ironheads and AMF complaints as I have done resurch. But I am looking for guys who have had these either hardtail or stock and how they liked it and what I should look for when looking at this bike. It is 1900. So let me know what you guys think about Ironheads and what to look for and the kind of work I would expect to do to keep this bike running on the road. The add says that it runs great.
this should be a picture for you guys to go by thanks for all the help

Peace

 

It's all I ride prefer the feel of rigid of course don't have any back problems at 62 yet so as long as I can will ride rigids. By the way I currently have two one registered 51 with a 75 AMF Shovel built up considerably and also a kicker only and other 2004 custom rigid rear 1250 sporty HSR 48 Mikuni It does have modern touch electric start first one ever for me. Ride Safe Wild Bill

ps and its your choice check out the bike and maybe find a indie shop to look at just know there's a higher level of maintenance involved but that's a good thing at least for me and all the other old school riders

 

I would love to have that bike!

I don't think I would pay the $1900 for it, because I see a lot of things I would change.

As for the engine, I wouldn't worry at all. The Ironheads get a bad rap, but the '76 XLCH I had would run circles around most mildly built big twins. The worst part was the 4 speeds top end limitation. There is still a good parts network for them, so that shouldn't be a concern.

Like Hurricane said, they do require a bit of attention, from time to time, but they are easy to work on. Get the bike and a manual and have at it!

 

Older vehicles mean a bit more maintenance and sometimes a tougher time finding parts... But, that's a good lookin' Sporty. I honestly don't think 1900 is too high, but I'm a sucker and haven't really priced older bikes recently.

My first bike was a ridgid frame. I was young and didn't have close to 35 years of construction work behind me. These days, I am not sure I could do it.... But, back then I loved that ride.

As for bad reputations, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. People who love their bikes and have no problems with them are usually out riding, instead of posting on an Internet forum. I've owned two AMF era HDs. My only complaint was that one of them was a short lived model, some parts were hard to find. The mid 70's Sporties, not so much.

 

I have a ridged frame on a '81 without a spring seat and love it at 63yrs old , this bike is for when I feel 23yrs and a '80 Tour Glide for my Geezer Glide at '63

There's no head like a " Ironhead "

The Sporster --- the longest running made of a model of any make motorcycle worldwide

 

For a 42-yr-old Sporty, that bike's in decent shape (externally). If you decide to throw in an offer, see if they'll come down on price a bit. Also, ask for maint records, which are nice for history. As far as problems, those old Irons leak/spit, but run strong. If it was well maintained, as it looks, then run it and fix what breaks...do a normal service schedule and mod away - good luck!

 

Thanks guys for all of the advice and help and talk about your irons and hardtails. I am curious about what the regular maintenance on these irons are? I am not afraid of doing some work and learning as I go. I would just like some advice on what regular maintenance is. Or if the maintenance manual has the information on how to keep these running long and strong.

 

What's 1900 these days go for it looks like it would be a blast, if it was in front of me I would jump on it.
lets be serious I recall stories here wher people spend that kind of money to have the dealer put new bars on their bikes

 

I had an '83 iron head and loved it, wasn't rigid though. Every bike has its uniqueness.

 

in Calif you can't get any Harley for $1900, unless it's a basket case. Cheapest If seen is around $3000 for a legal running bike. My only concern would be if the rigid rear end added on is straight or crooked & strong welds, ( or is it bolt on? I can't see good enough to tell ). Look at tire wear and chain wear to see if it's been running straight or crooked? You could sell it for parts for that much here if it's got papers. I'd buy it in a minute if it was close by