I am looking into possibly buying a 59 sportster that is a project bike that is "75%" complete, for whatever thats worth. I have alot of questions for you, but I don't know enough about it yet to know what to ask. Any anyone has comments based on not having any info I would glad to listen. As i know more I will post more.

Thanks in advance, FB

 

75% complete means you'll have to find/fabricate/steal 85% of the parts on the bike. If you are a good mechanic and/or patient and/or rich, then restoring this is a great project. If you're building a chopper or bobber of it, then you're probably okay, as long as the engine is together (preferably running). If neither of those conditions sounds like you, I'd walk away. With the little information you have, it's really hard to give solid advice, so the preceding are just really general (and somewhat tongue in cheek) guidelines, and may not fit your particular situation at all.

On the other hand, my first bike was a '57 Sportster, and I'd kill to get my hands on another one, in damned near any condition. If you have a particular affinity for this bike, then it doesn't really matter, does it? The real and final test of a purchase: how do you feel about it in your gut? Go with your heart! Whichever way it leads...

 

What I have Is not worth much but here goes,,
Met a guy with a 59,,,
He was riding it,,
He made things like the exhaust and seat for It.
Had been searching for two years for a working Speedo,,
Had an empty housing up front,,,
He rides the thing to work,,,
The pipes sounded great XD

 

"If you're building a chopper or bobber of it, then you're probably okay, as long as the engine is together (preferably running)."

This is my plan as of now, will know more when I know more.


Osco I think that will be me.

Pictures to follow when I get them.

 

If you can negotiate a price you are comfortable with...then I'd be all over that one. They are getting rare, they are easy to work on, and they are fun.

but...keep in mind when you are negotiating a price. You may be rebuilding the motor in a year...if they claim a recent rebuild then I'd ask to see the receipts and check the compression. Kick it through a couple of times to feel if it is tight.

I just did mine. It was $3000cdn. I did the work. that was all new internals (including tranny, kicker, and clutch...I'm good for another 25yrs...I've been ride it for 20ys already.