Harley Davidson Forums - Ironhead https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ A place to talk about Ironheads. en Thu, 21 May 2026 13:16:17 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/kirsch/misc/rss.jpg Harley Davidson Forums - Ironhead https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ 1979 XLH 1000 - a good year? https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ironhead/1493873-1979-xlh-1000-a-good-year-new-post.html Tue, 12 May 2026 22:34:31 GMT I have been hunting around for an Ironhead, and wanted a ’74-and-earlier for the R/H shift but can’t find one I can afford (transport makes a lot of bikes unaffordable right now especially). I... I have been hunting around for an Ironhead, and wanted a ’74-and-earlier for the R/H shift but can’t find one I can afford (transport makes a lot of bikes unaffordable right now especially).

I would greatly appreciate hearing from experienced Ironhead enthusiasts about the ’79 XLH 1000 engine and tranny versus other Ironhead years. Durability relative to other ‘70s or early ‘80s models, any weird quirks unique to the ‘79 that need to be addressed, etc., would all be really helpful.

One thing in particular—in addition to whatever else you think I should know about the ‘79—is to what extent Harley had worked out the L/H shift by this year. Was it all ironed out?

Thanks very much. ]]> Ironhead NM Pan-shovel https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ironhead/1493873-1979-xlh-1000-a-good-year.html start the engine with the primary opend ??? https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ironhead/1493731-start-the-engine-with-the-primary-opend-new-post.html Fri, 08 May 2026 23:12:04 GMT weird question what could happen if I start the engine with the primary transmission opened. Of course with out oil.... it is a 1966 ironhead. I have oil in the engine deposit but this model has a... weird question
what could happen if I start the engine with the primary transmission opened. Of course with out oil....
it is a 1966 ironhead. I have oil in the engine deposit but this model has a sort of valve that "exchange oil" from the engine to the primary transmission.

The thing is I have some trouble with the clutch sometimes the plates keeps slipping and some times to tight and I can not release well the movement to the gearbox
if I can test it opened I will be able to to adjust that easier.

]]> Ironhead sivi8272 https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ironhead/1493731-start-the-engine-with-the-primary-opend.html