Looking at purchasing a 1973 XLH
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: San Jose Ca
Im thinking all the bugs are probably worked out by now, I have had my 81 xls for 17 years it was a great way to learn how to work on a bike I think if its still on the road and only needs speedo and master cylender 100.00 max. Buy it and have fun...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 990
Likes: 3
From: lakeside ca.
my 76 iron head runs great most of the time right now needs plugs), kick only so I have a real time getting it going (my son has no problem)sound like an ok buy just remember it is an old bike but for bar hopping on weekends should be great . mine needs a speedo also but not really .. also mine still has drum rear brakes. don't look at all the pic my garage is even worse now 7 bikes in there two run..
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 108
From: Tennessee
Nice bike. I had a 73XLH and the only major problem I had was a bearing/bearing carrier between the clutch and transmission; other than that, zero problems.
It’s been 35 years since I had mine but I don’t recall it having a front disc brake. It may have had disc though, that HAS been a few billion brain cells ago!
I still have the owners manual but it’s not handy right now.
It’s been 35 years since I had mine but I don’t recall it having a front disc brake. It may have had disc though, that HAS been a few billion brain cells ago!
I still have the owners manual but it’s not handy right now.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
I've got a '77 XLH - it has a "new" engine in it that lets me run unleaded and it has an S&S carb and otherwise it's completely stock and reconditioned, it was somebody else's money pit but he had to sell it (wife reasons). It gets used on nice days, locally and I don't hammer it. I like the left foot gear change.
Great bike but not a modern harley and I treat it accordingly. I know I'll need to look after it and spend a bit more than I probably expect to but it is such a nice bike to ride and look at that it's worth it.
If you know that you shouldn't have any problems.
Great bike but not a modern harley and I treat it accordingly. I know I'll need to look after it and spend a bit more than I probably expect to but it is such a nice bike to ride and look at that it's worth it.
If you know that you shouldn't have any problems.
Last edited by fxdxrider; Jul 21, 2009 at 03:02 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: NYC
I bought a 1973 XLCH new in March 1973 (I was 18). It was my first Harley and the worst piece of junk I ever owned. Everything went wrong with that bike... Spokes broke, rear sprocket sheared, rear wheel adjusters broke, engine cases were defective, valves needed constant adjustment, electrical problems and I could go on. Granted, all of these problems were fixed under warranty, but the bike was in the shop more then it was out. I wouldn't go near any Harley that AMF built.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
That is an excellent price. Buy it. You can't go wrong even if it was a basket case. There was nothing wrong with AMF Harleys regardless of what those say that never had one. I had one for twelve years and wish I still had it.
The 73 XLH is electric start. The XLCH is kick start. The gear shift is on the right on a 73. I think it was changed in 74. I would switch out the ignition system from points and condenser to electronic. Probably a little over $100. May want to consider a S&S carb, but not required.
Damn, I wish I could buy that bike for $2000. Good luck and respect for looking out for your brother.
The 73 XLH is electric start. The XLCH is kick start. The gear shift is on the right on a 73. I think it was changed in 74. I would switch out the ignition system from points and condenser to electronic. Probably a little over $100. May want to consider a S&S carb, but not required.
Damn, I wish I could buy that bike for $2000. Good luck and respect for looking out for your brother.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
Thanks dawg,
I saw your response and if I do end up buying it tonight, that will be the first thing I will order.
To all others: Thanks for the advice, I think that I am going to go buy it unless there are some unforseen problems with it. I am really looking forward to the project. You will hear from me soon likely with questions on how to fix it. I thank you all in advance. This is one of the reasons I couldnt let my brother get a jap bike for the same price, the help that I am able to get on here.
I saw your response and if I do end up buying it tonight, that will be the first thing I will order.
To all others: Thanks for the advice, I think that I am going to go buy it unless there are some unforseen problems with it. I am really looking forward to the project. You will hear from me soon likely with questions on how to fix it. I thank you all in advance. This is one of the reasons I couldnt let my brother get a jap bike for the same price, the help that I am able to get on here.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 62
From: South Jersey
Thanks dawg,
I saw your response and if I do end up buying it tonight, that will be the first thing I will order.
To all others: Thanks for the advice, I think that I am going to go buy it unless there are some unforseen problems with it. I am really looking forward to the project. You will hear from me soon likely with questions on how to fix it. I thank you all in advance. This is one of the reasons I couldnt let my brother get a jap bike for the same price, the help that I am able to get on here.
I saw your response and if I do end up buying it tonight, that will be the first thing I will order.
To all others: Thanks for the advice, I think that I am going to go buy it unless there are some unforseen problems with it. I am really looking forward to the project. You will hear from me soon likely with questions on how to fix it. I thank you all in advance. This is one of the reasons I couldnt let my brother get a jap bike for the same price, the help that I am able to get on here.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama