I have been picking through the forums here. I just bought a 1977 Sportster XLH for 1500 dollars. Runs and rides like a dream. I am going to keep it as close to stock as I can. I see where a lot of people chop them up and bob them.


My question is what would you all do to it right away to make it as mechanically sound and to circumvent any issues that you have heard of happening with these model year ironheads?


I have changed both the front and rear rubbers out with new. I am going to do gaskets on the primary and O-Rings as soon as I get them in the mail. It leaks, but I have heard the old ironheads all do.


Thanks in advance for the help and knowledge.

 

I would consider swapping out the points for an electronic ignition. The oil filter setup is not the best, an external spin on kit is available. Look after it and you'll have a great machine

 

The only IronHeads that leak are the ones that do not get proper maintenance. Here are my check lists. Focusing on these should overcome most issues ...

Regular Maintenance
https://1drv.ms/w/s!Aqi8K9NoC4jihDn2rIIWybMutyW-

Winter Project
https://1drv.ms/w/s!Aqi8K9NoC4jihVozOvct2xipdtjV

Get both of the factory manuals. These are your most important shop tools ...
99484-78 Factory Service Manual
99451-78B Factory Parts Catalog
Order from a local indie motorcycle shop, HD dealership, or put the part numbers into the eBay and Google searches.
It is also useful to have the Haynes and Clymer manuals as they have different points of view, photographs, etc.

Best choice IMO for an electronic ignition, if you should so decide, is the Ultima ...

Good price from a reliable eBay seller
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/ultima-ignition

Web Page [you need the complete ignition kit but not the programming kit]
http://www.ultimaproducts.com/programmableignition.html

Installation Notes [some parts are not very clear]
http://www.ultimaproducts.com/53-644_Ignition.pdf

If you get this note in particular that the VOES switch must always be set to OFF even if you do hook up a VOES. Read the instruction sheet very very carefully to discover this.

 

I appreciate all the info. Thanks ironmick

 

Good morning, Mick. Are you referring to "kcint" as the endorsed eBay seller? Thanks, Kim

 

Loctite.
More Loctite.

 

Yes. I have bought from them a number of times over the years. I think their storefront is KC International.

 

I would run through all the basic services, clean and grease the brakes, check the battery fluid level, oil change, etc. and just get to know the bike for now.

I swapped out to electronic ignition several years ago when the bolts holding the points plate broke. No problems since.

Funny thing about my bike, it doesn't leak one drop of oil. My shovel leaks, my EVO even leaks! but that durn ironhead won't do it.


carl

 

A thorough going over for safety sake. Check, inspect, grease, replace if need be. Wheel bearings, swing arm bearings and neck bearings.


Change out all fluids, completely bleed brakes, check tires, etc.


Old Ironheads "might" leak, but shouldn't. Sometimes a drop or two out the breather tube. You may want to do a compression check just for your own knowledge. I personally like points (as long as there's nothing wrong). Keep them in good shape and set properly and always keep a spare set around (6 cylinder chevy) ....cheap.


'77 is a good year Ironhead...first year true shift on left. A well build, well maintained Ironhead will give you great service.


Post some pics!!!