I'm taking a serious look at this puppy:
https://fredericksburg.craigslist.or...530070765.html

My research for a chopper has been directed towards Big Dog and I know nothing about American Ironhorse.

I want to make sure I don't acquire a maintenance nightmare.

1) Any year(s) and/or model(s) to avoid?
2) Are replacement components limited to eBay or can HD parts be swapped?

Thank you

 

Its a nice bike. One thing I noticed is the owner says it has a baker transmission. AIH never came with a bakers Bigdogs did! The two things AIH as Known for is the speedo going dead when they get wet. But they were made by wires plus and they did fix the problem and you can buy a replacement . They will even put the mileage on that you request. And the tranny early AIH 2002 came with a 5 speed jims or a 6 speed roadmax [Korean}. I think after 2004 they just offered the 6 speed. The bike motor is an S&S evo it pulls like a freight Train and is a good motor. There are A few AIH guys on face book that can help you out if you buy this bike.. There are people on the forum that can even get you wiring schematics on the bike and there are places online that still sell parts. But keep in mind its NOT a HONDA.... But they are fun to ride.... good luck with your choice....swifty

 

There's a place in Texas that sells AIH parts, pretty much whatever you need but the one thing that caught my attention was the pulley. If it were to take a dump, you'd have to ship it to them and have them rebuild it. I can't have my bike down for that long so AIH is pretty much out for me.

 

These wheels are aluminum, and the rear fender struts and foot controls don't appear to be chrome either. That's a lot of aluminum to polish, Amigo.
Bike looks good and that is a fantastic color combo. The price is right too. I have always preferred the looks of the Big Dog tank and fenders.
I actually have the S&S 111 with a Baker 6 speed, and I love it. It's a 'square engine (bore and stroke are identical) and as Swifty says, it is torquey as hell. Some tappet noise,mtho.
I don't know about AIH, but the Big Dog guys have a forum and seem to find everything they need to keep running.
And with all respect, this is a hardtail. I rode one for 350 miles once and wasn't right for a few days.......make sure it matches your riding style.

 

Look at Thunder Mountain.They use Harley motors, trans, electronics, controls, etc. Depending on model they are as much as 80% Harley. Many really look like hardtails but are softail frames.