I'm going to look at an 85 Ironhead Sportster and I want to ask some of the gurus some questions. She is asking $3300. Says it has 7800 original miles, new tires, battery and brakes. The transmission was rebuilt a year ago, and all work was done by the local HD dealership with all work documented.

What should I look for as far as problems with that year/model. Issues on the old ones like where they tend to break etc, and do you think its a good deal.

Thanks.

 

Problems and issues on a 28 year old ironhead sportster? I would say primary/transmission/engine/electrics/brakes/forks might give you trouble. Did i leave out anything?

 

Are you serious?

 

I thought 84 was the last year of the Ironhead sportys. I'm probably wrong though. I had an 84, wish I still had it.

 

Wow. All that knowledge and insight in just one sentence. You answered all of my questions! I'm so glad HD Forums has you aboard. Otherwise all of us low-lifes looking for advice would be completely lost.

Way to up your post count...

 

From the picture it looks like it's in pretty good shape to me. I'd be willing to give around 3K for it. Seems like a fair price. I'd love to have something like that in my garage to wrench around on.

 

doesn't look bad, only real problem those had were with carbs. seems a little high maybe

 

I know I never one on CL around here for that price.

 

Not too bad really. '85 definitely was the last year of the Ironhead. I had an '84 and didn't give me much trouble at all but that was 25 years ago. I wouldn't steer away from it. I've owned older bikes that were trouble free but you need to know how to work on 'em because it will not be maintenance free.

 

looks like a good price. problem areas include the tranny, make sure that it works properly. as said by others, you have to maintain them, but they are cool bikes. most issues people have with ironheads is people not taking care of them.