put a deposit down on a local 1980 XLH sporty that i plan on picking up around tax time and had a few questions about her.

i would like to add forward controls to the bike and noticed alot of 79 and 80 sporties with forwards had the master cylinder moved up to the same spot like on my night train. was this just with a certain brand of forwards that required the master cylinder moved?

thinking on adding either a mini ape bar or taller risers so my arms are up higher when riding (about shoulder level). it has the stock buckhorn bars.
whats about the tallest i can go without having to lengthen the cables, wires?

 

It just depends on what brand of fowards you purchase but most likely the master cylinder will be up front with you if you buy non-Harley. The forwards on the pre '04 Sporty Customs might fit your bike and then you would not need to relocate the master cylinder.

 

thanks GermanyBert

 

I believe that ape hangers will require new cables...on a bike that is 25 or more years old, that is not a bad thing--other than cost. Really is hard to give a good answer without seeing what you have (or will be getting).

As for the forward controls, these are readily available for 1984 and later bikes as well as some of the older bikes. I could not find a listing for 1980 models, so you might want to check with the forum members who hang out in the Classic/Ironhead area.

 

thanks for the info and i attached a photo.
Im usually a supporter of the phrase "if its not broke dont fix it" but i do agree that alot of the items could stand to be replaced mainly due to the age. but im just trying to figure out what i NEED to replace first and then work my way towards the other items that dont need it right off. doing this for money reasons or i would just go thru the whole bike at one time.
the whole reasoning for replacing the bars is for riding comfort. the drag bars onmy night train cause my lower back to hurt after extended riding periods from being hunched over. i wouldnt be really hunched over with the 80 sportster but the more i can lay back and keep my arms around shoulder length, the more comfortable it is to me.


[IMG]local://upfiles/12313/BBB576DFA29A4B6DBABBE7325CBA5016.jpg[/IMG]

 

From your picture, it appears you have some extra play room with your cables. Likely not enough for ape hangers, but find the bars that are comfortable and then add cables in need. Good luck on your Ironhead and enjoy the ride. Hope your tax return comes soon so you have begin workin' on your bike.

 

thanks rharrison.
yea im pretty excited to say the least about getting my tax return and getting the bike. i already have a vision circulating in my head of how i want it to turn out when i get everythng done to it.
i have always loved the older bikes so im more anxious to pick it up then when i got the night train.
around this area you can see newer harleys everyday but the older ironheads, panheads, knuckleheads and shovelheads are getting pretty scarce to see on the roads so im looking to change that with the 80 sporty.