I will be purchasing my first Harley, and I just wanted to some gerneral advice about questions I should ask or what I should look out for and any other advice in general. The bike is a 1978 Ironhead and unknown miles due to no speedo. These are the photos I have. Any help will be greatly appreciated

 

Unless you are mechanically inclined & can do your own repairs a Ironhead Sportster is not a good first bike for you. There's not many shops out there that will work on them. They run hot, shake like hell, & need the valves adjusted every thousand miles or so.I've owned a '74 Ironhead for 39 years & they are simple to work on & it's a good thing because these bikes need frequent attention. An Evolution Sportster would be a better choice for you if you would rather spend your time riding instead of wrenching....

 

^^^^ What he said. I've had 2, 77 and 78. Great bikes but, unless you can work on them or, have very deep pockets, I would suggest an evo.

Mine:

 

If you want to own a bike like that, you should already know what to look for and how to deal with it. Buy a late model bike. I owned a '78 Sportster..

 

It's been hacked up with a hardtail. Not something your back will love after a 100 mile ride. Ironhead Sportsters need constant maintenance. Considering the bike is a 41 year old survivor, ya know it will take a beating and keep on ticking. Ironheads are NOT beginner bikes. If ya don't know and have to ask on a forum, DO NOT get it. Here's my 3rd Ironhead Sportster, a 1977, completely restored by me. Only work I farmed out was cylinder boring, valve seats and valve guides. Save yourself the frustration and take a pass.

 

A well cared for Ironhead, close to stock is (can be) a great bike, even a first bike. I've had several 70s XLCHs and they were a blast. THAT one may be a hand full. Hopefully you have tools and some mechanical sense. Have fun!!

 

Evo's require a lot less work, they just run.
Here is my 1988.

 

Not much '78 left...kinda like my '74.
Unless you built it, it's gonna be a big learning process.

 

Carson,what you're looking at there,is not a Harley. It's a homebuilt custom,with a Harley engine. You might want to take a copy of the title or registration to your insurance man,and find out if they'll cover it,and how much it will cost.
Since you don't have Harley experience,I'd suggest a more 'stock' bike. This is kind of a cool bike,but every time you need a part,it's going to be a search and learn experience. You won't be able to just go online or to a dealer and order a part for a '78 Sportster'. Unless you have a local shop that knows the bike,or is really into custom Sportsters,I'd pass.

 

Having owned a '77 ironhead Sportster, my advice is.........don't walk...............RUN away from that bike as fast as you can, and don't look back!