Hello I am in the market for either ironhead or shovelhead, mostly to have a project to work on, because I like the look and sound of these engines. From what I can tell, it seems that an ironhead for be had for at least 2K cheaper than a shovel. Does that sound about right?

So, I went to see a 1981 ironhead today, and have pics to show. What do you all think of this bike? The owner is a nice guy, but only has had for 2 yrs, and doesnt know the repair history or miles, as has no speedo/tach. It seemed to have numbers matching frame/case, but is this frame neck a weld on? Is the battery box/ oil tank original?? Frame looked to be rust-free and chain/sprocket looks fairly new. I am new in the market for these bikes so dont know alot about them. Does $2800 sound reasonable?




Thanks alot for your input.

 

The first three pics show a nice, clean, apparently well-kept IronHead. The last two are hard for me to get. What is with the dimpled, wrinkly look? Is that wrinkle-paint? Something like that was commonly used on cylinders but i do not know about on frames.

What is pictured in the last two? Is it the frame under the tank? Which way is up in those two pics. Can you rotate the pics so up is up and then re-post them?

Most important - the frame VIN and the Title paper VIN should match up. Better still if the engine VIN also matches.

A pic of the frame neck from the right side would be useful.

The battery box and oil tank are original.

 

Thanks alot for looking. The second to last pic is that of the downtube in the front of the frame. I took it because I wondered if this was a factory weld seem or not. I will try to rotate the pic.

The last pic, yeah, it also looked to me like wrinkle finish, but only on the frame neck area, another reason why I wondered if this had been welded in as aftermarket. Your thoughts?

When comparing the frame and engine VINs, should they both be exactly the same? Is it a big deal that the bike has no odometer to know mileage? Is this bike worth $2800?

Thanks alot.

 

sportys run between 1500 and 4000 < early XLCH type bike - i have a 77 and i am asking the same money its the going price for one 2800

you said ironhead or shovelhead - 2 different bikes they cost about the same to own and have work done, But the sporty is going to always be a 2500 3000 dollar bike - you will need the parts and service books for it - Not a 5000 7000 dollar bike like a shovelhead FLH

 

No odometer/speedometer is common so not a problem.

I can see that the pic is of the front downtube, now that i know.

The factory applied engine VIN on 1981-on bikes is a subset of the frame VIN. Since engines are often changed for whatever reason the laws do not require that it be original [on 1970-on bikes]. But it is best if all VIN match as it indicates a bike that has a better history.

What exactly are the numbers on the frame and on the engine? I have the Factory Service Manual and can verify if they follow the correct format. A pic of the engine VIN would be helpful. Send by PM if you do not want it to be public.

You will need both of these ...
Factory Service Manual 99484-85
Fatcory Parts Catalog 99451-85A

Put part numbers in eBay and Google searches, or buy from local HD or indie motorcycle shop.

 

Heres a pic of the engine stamp. Thanks.

 

CA == model XLH [not XLS, XLX, or XR-1000]
H == engine displacement code
B == 1981 model year [C== 1982, ..., F == 1985]
049374 == sequential number starting with 010000, yours is #39374 off the production line

The same information is in the frame VIN, but there is additional information in it ...
1 == made in USA
HD ==
1 Heavyweight motorcycle
CAH
1 == regular introduction date [or 2 otherwise]
* == check digit, factory use, 0 thru 9 or X
B
Y == plant of manufacture [York]
049374

Does the frame VIN look like this? 1HD1CAH1*BY049374

 

Thanks. I cannot read the vin from the frame in my pic.

 

I would carefully clean off the area, being certain to not scrape off any metal. I do not know what technique would be best, maybe some paint stripper?

 

Thanks for the information. What are the big ticket item repairs that i should be on the look out for on this bike? Generator? Also if i do buy it, what safety related items should I check before getting on the road(was thinking swing arm bearings, fork bearings, wheel bearings, tires, brakes)???

Thank you.