I'm looking for my first bike. I have found a 1980 Ironhead on a rigid frame. Looks to be in good shape. I was wondering what some of your opinions where on this type of bike?

 

as with everything it depends, the ironhead by itself is good enough however the rigid frame suggests it is a custom. Depending on the quality of purchased materials and craftmanship it could be trouble. As for the hard tail, it will beat the snot out of you.....

Sportsters are cheap enough, sometimes Buell's are cheaper. Stock bikes are easy to maintain and if taken care of are usually trouble free.

 

may get more responses in the sportster section. post up some pics when you can. rigid frame...hope you're a young guy lol.

 

You will need a serious spring seat. If you have any back pain at all today, walk away from that rigid.

 

+1 Never owned a rigid but drove a friends for an afternoon. Would never even consider it.

 

Also...what's your height? Sportsters are known for being a bit top heavy, so a bit trickier for beginners than some bikes with a lower center of gravity. Ditto on all the comments about rigid frames. And, if you're going for an older bike, be prepared to do some wrenching, even if it's in good shape and well maintained.

 

I would definitely NOT recommend a iron head for a first bike. You"ll be working on it more than riding it. iF it's dirt cheap,and you can do the repairs yourself,maybe..

 

^^^^^^^^ Yeah that.^^^^^^^^

 

Agree. This sort of bike should be limited to someone who has an extensive knowledge and mechanical background of Harleys. For a first cheap Harley, look for an older (2001 or later) 883. You can find these bikes for around $3k. It will give you more power than the ironhead and much more reliability.

 

Spend a little more money on a newer used bike. Unless you're an expert mechanic you should get something a bit more reliable.