Looking at purchasing a 1973 XLH
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
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Looking at purchasing a 1973 XLH
I am looking at buying a 1973 XLH. I no absolutely nothing about any Sportsters, and no very little about any Harley, other than what I have been able to learn since April when I acquired my 09 Road King Classic. So I apoligize for asking many questions and appreciate all the help I can get.
The sportster is a 1973 XLH that had the top end redone 4 years ago. It has had Disk Brakes put on the rear as it came with a front disk brake that is as much as I have been able to discover from the owner via craigslist.
The problems with the bike are: he says the rear master cylinder needs replaced, and the speedo quit on him "yesterday."
He is asking $2000. I will need to replace the master cylinder and speedo.
Ok now to the questions....
What does the master cylinder cost to replace. From what I can tell the same master cylinder was not changed until the mid 80's, and I should be able to find one for about $100.
I have not been able to find any info on fixing/replacing the speedo. any help or advice would be great.
Is there a service book still in print from Harley to fix it, or would you suggest other publishers. I am buying this for a project for my brother and I to work on, and for him to ride with me.
What other things should I look for when looking at the bike to make sure that I am not buying a money pit?
The sportster is a 1973 XLH that had the top end redone 4 years ago. It has had Disk Brakes put on the rear as it came with a front disk brake that is as much as I have been able to discover from the owner via craigslist.
The problems with the bike are: he says the rear master cylinder needs replaced, and the speedo quit on him "yesterday."
He is asking $2000. I will need to replace the master cylinder and speedo.
Ok now to the questions....
What does the master cylinder cost to replace. From what I can tell the same master cylinder was not changed until the mid 80's, and I should be able to find one for about $100.
I have not been able to find any info on fixing/replacing the speedo. any help or advice would be great.
Is there a service book still in print from Harley to fix it, or would you suggest other publishers. I am buying this for a project for my brother and I to work on, and for him to ride with me.
What other things should I look for when looking at the bike to make sure that I am not buying a money pit?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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A master cylinder is well under 100 bucks. A rebuild kit is about 10 bucks. The speedo could be any number of things, from a bad speedo to a broken cable to a broke drive unit.
If you plan on riding it, you probably are buying a money pit...LOL.
If you plan on riding it, you probably are buying a money pit...LOL.
Last edited by xxxflhrci; Jul 21, 2009 at 08:15 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,079
From: Brandon, Mississippi
If the bike is in decent condition 2K is a great price. The speedo problem will generally speaking, be a broken cable. Older Sportsters require a little more attention then todays bikes. I had a 77 it was a great bike. Had almost 60K miles on it and no major work.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
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What probelms have you seen on yours that have made it a money pit? If I am going to do my own wrenching how much do you think it would cost to keep running for an Iowa riding season as a weekend bar hopper. I have my Road King so I will never be hindered by it not running. Just my brother when he comes over from college on the weekends/ some evenings would have problems, but hard to find a Harley, to ride for 2500 including the cost to get safe to ride (BRAKES), that I am helping him with. I think he has it made but not if I can't afford to keep it running.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,232
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From: South Jersey
Besides being a AMF, does it have a ""right side"" shift? Kick Start or both (electric & kick).? You might find if its in pretty good condition, after doing some work, you might have a valuable bike to resell.... Just my 
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
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My understanding is the 1973's had a left side shift and as it is an XLH it has an electric start. I am going to go and look at it after work today. So we will see how condition it is in.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 378
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From: Pasadena, TX
Up until 1975, all sportsters were right side shift. On my '73 the back drum brake was almost useless, it's good that this one was replaced with a disc. $2K is a great price for a good running Ironhead. Plan on having a mechanic go through it twice a year to adjust the valves and timing. With proper maintenance, that thing will last forever. XLH's were electric start only.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Virginia
