Going to look at a 1976 ironhead sometime today. I have not seen a pic so for all I know it could be rusted to the bone. Ad says runs but needs work. What are some things I need to look for? (I have never owned a bike earlier than late 90's and now on a 2000FXST). $1200 or best offer for the price. What are most paying for ironheads? Thanks in advance for any info

 

If is is mostly original and runs, it is worth the 1200 buck asking price, IMO. You could part it out and make a few bucks on it.

 

Price sounds right,to make it a nice bike you'll likely spend twice what it's worth when done and that's if you do the work yourself.
The old Irons require a lot of TLC to keep up and running,you really have to love them to want to ride one.
I spent 8 years with an XLCH as a daily ride so I speak from experience.[&:]

Is it a CH? (kicker only) if so make sure the kicker is all in good shape.
The bushings get washed out,the shaft gets bent and the kicker/sprocket covers get broken and often have been repaired or may be cracked and ready to break.
Lots of work and expense to get all that right.
You can almost figure on doing a top end job even if it still runs,the weakest point is the heads.
No valve seals in an Iron so good guides and seats are important and need to be upgraded for unleaded gas,figure on that if the heads will be coming off and they likely will to replace the old leaking base gaskets and rocker box gaskets.
Ignore the heads a you'll likely suck a valve and destroy the motor.
The clutch will likely drag or slip and need to be disassembled,cleaned & inspected with parts replaced as needed, then you'll go through a very finicky adjustment process.
Never seen an old iron yet with a clutch that would stay in good working order without constant TLC.
The charging system is a constant pain on the old generator Sportys so you'll be lucky if it's working.
If it needs to be gone through buy the best parts you can get,the china crap will fail you for sure.
If it has the OEM carb it's most likely crap,smart money will get an adapter and a CV40 of an EVO sporty,great upgrade.
The stock ignition is a PITA,the points and timing are simple enough but don't be surprised if the advance unit behind the timing plate is a pos and needs work,best bet if to replace the whole unit with a new one.
There are some good electronic ignition upgrades for these bikes you might want to consider.
More than likely the drive chain and sprockets will be shot so figure on a new set and buy a good o-ring chain if you want it to last a while,they need to be done as a set,both sprockets and the chain.
Check the front brake to see if it works,they were ok but the caliper often needs gone through on a bike that's been sitting a while,the rear drum is pretty simple and should work or be any easy rebuild if needed.
If you dive into this thing get a service manual,it will be the best money spent.
Go here for a wealth of knowledge from other riders.
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/
Best of luck,figure on a project or run away screaming...my 2 cts. [8D]

 

Thanks for the info. Stilltrying to set up a time to see it. How difficult are they to work on? I make no bones about the fact that I'm not a mechanic, but do my own maint and smaller projects. Either way I would learn even if it kills me

 

If you are no mechanic, don't worry about it. By the time the Sporty has finished with you, will have become one.
The forum here is, for the most part, a bunch of wrenches who do their own work, rather than shop and spend for chrome junk to hang on their machines.
There is probably no question that cannot be answered by one or more of the members here. All you have to do is ask.
If you buy the bike, make sure your second purchase is a factory repair manual. It will be invaluable..........pg

 

Havin just bought a rat bike 72 sporty, i have to say yes to all of the above. My wife calls my bike the mistress, cuz its always taking up my time and costing money. All the things thay sead are true. My cluch is fryed, my points are a pain,the rear head leaks and the rear brake needs rebuilt. And my bike was rode and started regurlary by a guy that had fun but did not know much about them.