Advice on buying a 83 Ironhead
#1
05-13-2010, 06:45 PM
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Advice on buying a 83 Ironhead
I think I may have found a good deal on a 83 sportster but I don't know much about these models to make up my mind.They want $1500 for it with about 15000 miles.Of course it needs a little work. something wrong with the charging system.The rest is nickel and dime stuff.I should be able to do most of the work.
I guess my question is is this a model that have a lot a problems?
I guess my question is is this a model that have a lot a problems?
#2
05-13-2010, 10:27 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
I think I may have found a good deal on a 83 sportster but I don't know much about these models to make up my mind.They want $1500 for it with about 15000 miles.Of course it needs a little work. something wrong with the charging system.The rest is nickel and dime stuff.I should be able to do most of the work.
I guess my question is is this a model that have a lot a problems?
I guess my question is is this a model that have a lot a problems?
i don't know alot about ironheads but that was 2 years after AMF owned them so thats one good thing haha
#3
05-14-2010, 08:58 AM
Road Warrior
The '83 is one of the most trouble-free Ironheads built. First, it came with the last version of generator used on a Sportster, and it's the best one H-D ever put on a bike. In mid-1984, H-D dropped the generator and went to an alternator located behind the clutch, like used in the Evo. There were numerous problems with them.
Second, it has a reliable electronic ignition (unless someone's changed it to points), a solid-state voltage rectifier, and a good carb.
Third, the '83 was the last year of Ironhead to have dual disc front brakes, which I like.
Fourth, it has the late frame, which means things like front ends, shocks, fenders, seats, tanks, etc. that fit many of the later Evos will also fit the '82-'85 Ironheads, so parts are relatively easy to find on eBay and elsewhere.
Lastly, the Ironhead evolved over its history, so the '83 benefited from all the improvements made since 1957.
As you may have noticed, I like the '83. In fact, I own one...
Second, it has a reliable electronic ignition (unless someone's changed it to points), a solid-state voltage rectifier, and a good carb.
Third, the '83 was the last year of Ironhead to have dual disc front brakes, which I like.
Fourth, it has the late frame, which means things like front ends, shocks, fenders, seats, tanks, etc. that fit many of the later Evos will also fit the '82-'85 Ironheads, so parts are relatively easy to find on eBay and elsewhere.
Lastly, the Ironhead evolved over its history, so the '83 benefited from all the improvements made since 1957.
As you may have noticed, I like the '83. In fact, I own one...
Last edited by 83XLX; 05-14-2010 at 09:00 AM.
#4
05-14-2010, 05:51 PM
but I´m about to buy a sportster and looking on a 883 1982, 1000 1974, 1000 1976 and a 883 converted to 1200 from 1995. what are the good year´s and bad ones?
#5
05-14-2010, 06:51 PM
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#6
05-14-2010, 07:54 PM
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The '83 is one of the most trouble-free Ironheads built. First, it came with the last version of generator used on a Sportster, and it's the best one H-D ever put on a bike. In mid-1984, H-D dropped the generator and went to an alternator located behind the clutch, like used in the Evo. There were numerous problems with them.
Second, it has a reliable electronic ignition (unless someone's changed it to points), a solid-state voltage rectifier, and a good carb.
Third, the '83 was the last year of Ironhead to have dual disc front brakes, which I like.
Fourth, it has the late frame, which means things like front ends, shocks, fenders, seats, tanks, etc. that fit many of the later Evos will also fit the '82-'85 Ironheads, so parts are relatively easy to find on eBay and elsewhere.
Lastly, the Ironhead evolved over its history, so the '83 benefited from all the improvements made since 1957.
As you may have noticed, I like the '83. In fact, I own one...
Second, it has a reliable electronic ignition (unless someone's changed it to points), a solid-state voltage rectifier, and a good carb.
Third, the '83 was the last year of Ironhead to have dual disc front brakes, which I like.
Fourth, it has the late frame, which means things like front ends, shocks, fenders, seats, tanks, etc. that fit many of the later Evos will also fit the '82-'85 Ironheads, so parts are relatively easy to find on eBay and elsewhere.
Lastly, the Ironhead evolved over its history, so the '83 benefited from all the improvements made since 1957.
As you may have noticed, I like the '83. In fact, I own one...
#7
07-07-2013, 06:06 PM
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#8
07-07-2013, 07:21 PM
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#9
07-08-2013, 12:45 AM
Cruiser
used sportsters
#10
07-08-2013, 06:27 AM
Some people talk bad about the old Ironheads, but my '85 883 had 126,000+ miles on it when I sold it in '97, with no major repairs. And, it's still running around Eastern NC without any major repairs. The guy who bought it in '97 stills rides it occasionally and says it just burns some oil so the plugs need to be cleaned every couple of months.
Go for the Ironheads. They are fun to own.
Go for the Ironheads. They are fun to own.