74 sporster (1000cc) worth trading??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
Are you prepared for a right-foot shift? Guaranteed that Sporty isn't going to stop or take off anything like a rice rocket. It's going to vibrate. It will be noisy, clunky, ticky, and not really all that comfy in a sort of jar your spine kind of way. You like to work on bikes? A lot? It will take a considerable amount of time, effort, and money to get that Sporty in decent shape. If it's been chopped, customized, or otherwise adulterated I would pass unless I REALLY knew old Sportys. If it's pretty much stock and in one running piece I'd have the hots for it.
I would not trade bikes. If everything I and the others before me has said makes you drool and shake all over I would make that guy a cash offer for it. You can ride the Kawasaki while you get the Sporty ready. Otherwise, you won't be riding much.
Let us know what you decide and if you get it, post up pics.
I would not trade bikes. If everything I and the others before me has said makes you drool and shake all over I would make that guy a cash offer for it. You can ride the Kawasaki while you get the Sporty ready. Otherwise, you won't be riding much.
Let us know what you decide and if you get it, post up pics.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Tough decision. Might be a fair deal if the bikes are in similar condition.
If you enjoy working on bikes go for it. If you need a reliable bike, keep your Kaw.
My guess is for not much more $$$ you could sell your's and buy a bigger bike.
If you enjoy working on bikes go for it. If you need a reliable bike, keep your Kaw.
My guess is for not much more $$$ you could sell your's and buy a bigger bike.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
An old Ironhead is a classy bike in it's own right, but not a great choice for a primary bike considering the price of used sporty's in the 2001-2003 years with far better reliability, rideability and parts and service...how many miles did you put on the Kaw last year?
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
Trade and have the following website tattooed on your body somewhere -- you will need it.
http://www.billscustomcycles.com/
Bill is without a doubt the leader of the Anti-dEvolution Revolution.
I have looked at a couple mid-70s XLs with the intent to buy and if I could find someone just mildly crazy on the price (everyone I've hit so far has been full-blown lunatic) I'll pull the trigger. 72-76 are like 66-68 -------- just prime years when you can get them.
http://www.billscustomcycles.com/
Bill is without a doubt the leader of the Anti-dEvolution Revolution.
I have looked at a couple mid-70s XLs with the intent to buy and if I could find someone just mildly crazy on the price (everyone I've hit so far has been full-blown lunatic) I'll pull the trigger. 72-76 are like 66-68 -------- just prime years when you can get them.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Toledo, Ohio
It does run but needs new starter atm but he is replacing it. I only rode a lil over 6k last year, i was a full time pizza driver and there rule is cages only. I also split the miles last year with my old 82 kz 550 ltd. I will try and get a pic of my vulcan up it does have a dent on the tank that can be covered up with a new badge with ease. Here is a pic of the sporster it's sorta a shity pic the guy hasn't exactlly embraced the digital era so he is a few years behind. When I saw it was right side shift i actually got sorta excited I thought it was different and cool lol. Was 74 before they took all the lead out of gas, and would i need an additavie? Are the older bikes 4 speed not 6? Still 1 down rest up?As far as value they are blue booked about even.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
that ironhead is worth more in pieces, then a factory condition kaw 500 is. the bike you pictured looks really nice.by now any amf problems would have been fixed a long time ago.. as far as maintenance, you would have normal oil changes, and a yearly points check/clean.. if you put an electronic ignition on the bike like a Dyna-s or something, it would be just as reliable as any newer carbed bike..
i would trade in a second and never look back..
a 74 would have hardened valve seats. lead was phased out in 72, and gone by 74.
it would be a 4 speed, 1 down,3 up.
as far as blue book value, that is what a dealer could expect to get.. it is hard to sell any jap bike under 600cc. and even if it is like new will never see $2k for it.. an ok ironhead with out even seeing it would bring $2-4k and up
i really like that bike in the picture. if you decide you don't trust an old HD, i have a really nice yahaha virago 1100 i would trade you for it. im only a couple hours away
i would trade in a second and never look back..
a 74 would have hardened valve seats. lead was phased out in 72, and gone by 74.
it would be a 4 speed, 1 down,3 up.
as far as blue book value, that is what a dealer could expect to get.. it is hard to sell any jap bike under 600cc. and even if it is like new will never see $2k for it.. an ok ironhead with out even seeing it would bring $2-4k and up
i really like that bike in the picture. if you decide you don't trust an old HD, i have a really nice yahaha virago 1100 i would trade you for it. im only a couple hours away
Last edited by j1mmy; Jan 16, 2012 at 01:49 PM.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Toledo, Ohio
why don't you like your virago.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
1974 Sporty is a good project bike for experience/fun!!! If you don't have the time/tools to keep that XL in top shape, think about it before make your decision. I'm biased and rode a '69 XLCH for 19 years...Learned a lot in those 19 years that I will never regret, not to mention the good times!!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio