New to this whole motorcycle thing. Been working on Jeeps and boats for years. I have a chance at a 77 HD XLHC 1000cc sportster, lots of surface rust, bad coil, key start conversion and no missing parts. Just wondering what you guys were thinking as a starter project bike. Friend said it was running a year ago and then stored outside under a tarp. I expect to break it down and go through it. Just wondering if you guys think its worth the hassle. Not going to be a show bike. Most likely a bobber with a rattle can job and lots of TLC. If you were to throw a crazy price what would be a good range? Thanks again. I am new to this and really don't want to end up throwing $2000 into a $500 bike.

 

You will never get what you put into it. Just enjoy it . Like what a mechanic said to me when I was working on mine he told me Ironheads are boat anchors. I like the passion of enjoying the ironheads. Just gether running and enjoy and little by little build her up

 

Thank for the reply. I never intend to throw crap at it with custom paint, chrome everything, bored out or chopped. I just want to get it running and strip it down. Simple paint maybe trim fenders. I figured buy it for a $1000 throw another $1000 over the next year to get it running an get the rust off. Figured I would break even if I cleaned it up got it running and sold it, not expecting to make any money.

 

If you enjoy a little wrenching these are awesome machines to have. You need to buy these two manuals ...

99484-78 Factory Service Manual
99451-78B Factory Parts Catalog

Buy from a local indie bike shop or HD dealer, or put the part numbers into the eBay and Google searches.

The manuals from Clymer and Haynes are good too, as second references.

The oil tank is easy to replace, with lots available new or used on eBay or from "the usual" suppliers like J&P Cycles. You may need to replace the fork tubes, "Forking By Frank" being the supplier of choice. Hoping the surface rust cleans up. Likewise for the wheels - if the rust is just external they will be OK, but if they got rusty inside too you may need to replace them.

Looks like it has both a kick and electric start. Replacement kick arms and pedals are easy to come by.

Buy it, get it running and ride it for a while before doing any complete dismantle.