74 sporster (1000cc) worth trading??
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Toledo, Ohio
74 sporster (1000cc) worth trading??
Hi I am new to this forum and have a quick question for the more experienced riders/ owners. I do not have a Harley yet but would love to own one, right now I have a 07 kawasaki vulcan 500, and a good friend of my dads who dosen't really care for harleys and loves jap bikes wants to trade me his 74 sporster for mine. I would love to move up to a bigger bike and get a hd at the same time. I've just heard so much bad about AMF harleys, after some web research it seems the problems wernt design flaws but qc issues, which if it runs now have probly been taking care of. But the question is is it worth the trade is a 74 sporster a known problem model or have you guys and good experiences with it. Basicly what do you guys think. Thank you for your time, and sorry about spelling and gramer.
P.S. It's white, ive only seen white police harleys was that a factory choice or probly a respray?
P.S. It's white, ive only seen white police harleys was that a factory choice or probly a respray?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 766
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From: USA
I had a 73' XLCH. To date it's the only bike I have ever regretted getting rid of.
Many of the problems encountered are so mechanically simple to fix that it really isn't a big headache, provided you have a little knowledge turning a wrench.
I'd jump all over it if the motor/tranny are healthy.
Edit: Here she is. I bought her home in several boxes and she turned into this. Please excuse the crappy pic. Its a photo of a photo since there were no digital cameras back the LOL!
Many of the problems encountered are so mechanically simple to fix that it really isn't a big headache, provided you have a little knowledge turning a wrench.
I'd jump all over it if the motor/tranny are healthy.
Edit: Here she is. I bought her home in several boxes and she turned into this. Please excuse the crappy pic. Its a photo of a photo since there were no digital cameras back the LOL!
Last edited by Nocturnalnature; Jan 16, 2012 at 03:49 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
It's a classic for sure.
I imagine it would require more maintenance than the Kawa if you rode it alot.
I imagine it would require more maintenance than the Kawa if you rode it alot.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,134
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From: texas
theres to many variables to answer that question.
What do you value your vulcan at? Look around on ebay and statewide craigslist and compare the prices.
As far as the amf years and all that i wouldnt worry about that at all. It is what it is.Most if not all of those problems have already shown themselves and have been dealt with.
YOU WILL work on this bike.After you get everything fixed you will tinker with this bike. If this bike is owned by someone who doesnt much like harley then probably it will need alot of tinkering.Be prepared to touch every part on this machine.Even if it is running there is most likey nothing that you will not need to fix in the near future.Be prepared for that.Be prepared to feeling like riding but working on the bike.Its gonna happen.
As far as a bigger bike....that is debateable....we are talking about ancient technology here.
Is the sporty complete? A complete original sporty is worth more than one that has been butchered up.That being said i like the butchered up ones more generally but it is a consideration. Dont think you will fix it up and it will be worth millions...it wont be. You might make money on a shovel but the retail just aint there for an ironhead. Maybe someday i dunno.
Does the bike run? I would check the compression on it as well even if it is running.
Personally seems like it will need to be in real good shape to justify an equal trade.
keep in mind--even if it is running that doesnt mean its not a basket case.
What do you value your vulcan at? Look around on ebay and statewide craigslist and compare the prices.
As far as the amf years and all that i wouldnt worry about that at all. It is what it is.Most if not all of those problems have already shown themselves and have been dealt with.
YOU WILL work on this bike.After you get everything fixed you will tinker with this bike. If this bike is owned by someone who doesnt much like harley then probably it will need alot of tinkering.Be prepared to touch every part on this machine.Even if it is running there is most likey nothing that you will not need to fix in the near future.Be prepared for that.Be prepared to feeling like riding but working on the bike.Its gonna happen.
As far as a bigger bike....that is debateable....we are talking about ancient technology here.
Is the sporty complete? A complete original sporty is worth more than one that has been butchered up.That being said i like the butchered up ones more generally but it is a consideration. Dont think you will fix it up and it will be worth millions...it wont be. You might make money on a shovel but the retail just aint there for an ironhead. Maybe someday i dunno.
Does the bike run? I would check the compression on it as well even if it is running.
Personally seems like it will need to be in real good shape to justify an equal trade.
keep in mind--even if it is running that doesnt mean its not a basket case.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,708
Likes: 17,550
From: Driftless Area
Had a '74 years ago. I remember that it used to try hard to take itself apart whenever I took it anyplace far away. The starter was such a weak piece of crap, I took it out and put in a kicker. And the charging system (generator) wasn't the best. Drum rear brake was adequate, but not great.
On the other hand, it was easy to work on. Get used to the shifter being on the right.
On the other hand, it was easy to work on. Get used to the shifter being on the right.