Wife says I need a project and I am thinking a bobbed sporty would be fun to build. Is it possible to find ironhead or early evo sportsters for under $2k. Seems everyone wants a small fortune for any year any condition bike.

 

Don't expect to get a running engine for that price. Sporties bottom out around 3K in ride it home condition. Doesn't mean you can't find someone desperate to sell, but Craig's list won't be loaded with them. And sometimes a 3 grand bike is more expensive than a 4 grand bike... If you find a tempting basket case, price out the obvious parts and you might change your mind. Some of those cheap used parts on ebay are in horrible condition, too. I'm refurbishing my 89 Glide, and it's sucking up 3 grand in parts without even touching the cosmetic stuff.

 

This. I've seen $1800 iron heads on CL but they look like they were in a nuclear holocaust...

 

go for it ,but be prepared..very time consuming and can be a money pit...but lots of fun

 

Time to tour some of those old barns in your area. I once found an old BSA Red Star sticking out of a barrel that someone was throwing away. I went to the door and asked if they really were throwing it away. They told me yes and handed me boxes of parts. It took a while to get it together but was worth every minute. So, when you do find what you need keep us posted and show some pics. Good Luck.

 

You have to look everyday, something will pop up. Right time - Right place

 

The answer is no.
I have a '92 883 Sporty (first year belt drive - 25k mi.) that I'm selling along with a 40 degree Paughco Hardtail chassis and rear axle/fender kit. The bike runs great, has 2 tanks and 2 seats.
$2000 will not buy it. But I'd entertain double that figure (and I don't consider it to be a "small fortune").