So which do you consider to have more cool factor?

Some points...XLCH is kick only and right shift but older vintage for sure. Running when parked, but looks like crap now. However it doesn't matter as either of these is a total frame up project.

The 85 is a basket but running well when disassembled for new paint which it has. Obviously this is more modern but still an iron head. Probably would be very little to do other than reassembly.

I am considering a rigid build but who knows what will happen. Both are $1500.

So is the cool factor of the XLCH worth the extra effort? I don't know and I am curious about others opinions.

 

IMO the cool factor of the XLCH is worth the extra effort

 

although we are now all sheep, in the old days there was nothing cool about electric start. go for the ch

 

I am leaning towards th XLCH. If I do go for a rigid build the kickstart just feels right to me.

 

Yeah...considering the vintage thing, get the XLCH. I have a 77 XLCH. No kick though. Still, it's a fun project.

 

Not much cool about an 85, everything is cool on a 74

 

85's handled better than the 74's, though.

 

The 85 presents more value for the 1500 bucks.

 

Well I have a third candidate and possibly just another purchase to accompany the iron head and that is a 2002 with a bit of hot rod action. An 883 with a 1200 conversion and Wiseco 10:1 kit as well as an Andrews cam not yet installed. Reportedly runs great.

At $1500 unless it is an absolute dog it would be hard to go wrong I think.

 

The '75 for sure. If it is stock, then not just yea; HELL YEA!