Hello All,

This is my first post here on this forum. This is quite a lot but I hope some stick with me.
The reason I’m here is that I may be getting myself, I believe, an Ironhead. The reason I’m asking is because I would be trading my 1967 Triumph Bonneville for this bike. I would say my bikes value is approximately $10,000 for all that’s done. I want to see this is a good bike from what it sounds like. My questions are at the bottom of this forum. THANK YOU!

The Possible Trade:
(Description Copied and Pasted from Seller)
(Also some Copied and Pasted Messages from Seller)
[Lots of reading not sure what all it means but willing to learn]
1972 Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000

(Description)
Cool bike. Still needs some love. Needs starter clutch I think. Actual clutch adjustment is off. Took on as a project and have lost interest. Engine is good. I have fixed oil leaks other than the normal jug seepage. Wide Glide front end with dual disk on front. I think the clutch cable came out of the new adjustment ramp last night.

(Text Messages)
Its really cool just will need a trailer. Not Drivable. I had trouble getting the clutch adjusted when I put it back together. It isn’t releasing all the way. It has a new jap carb on it. I’ve not really gotten there. It idles good. I just put a new starter on it but it needs the starter armature clutch. I get tired of kicking it to tinker.

I have the original S&S needs rebuilt. All new electronic ignition.​​​​​​​Obviously the primary chain was adjusted as I put it back together. Should be easy to fix. It was working until I put that new ramp in. Almost I had to have had it in a bind or something. I don’t mind trying to figure it out. It just can’t be a big deal. Only because it was working until I redid it. It’s something I did. Going to check on the clutch some more. Like I said I’m just not sure what’s wrong yet.

Nothing came loose in the primary I was missing the spacer for the clutch ramp so it was hanging up. Still not sure I’ve got the clutch adjustment right. Charging the battery now but it started with electrical starter today.
Haha yep. I’ve had the primary off twice.​​​​​​​I’m stoked it started electric.
It’s got one tooth missing on flywheel. I guess it was just in the right place.

I think mine hasn’t been in riden since 2019. I bought it a bit ago and rode it in a parking lot and up on a trailer. It needs a good bath. It had a terrible oil leak when I got it. I got that fixed.Yeah parts are difficult. I need 1/2x20 treaded rod to finish the foot pegs. I can’t find it local.​​​​​​​




My Questions:
Is this a good bike? Pros/Cons? Are the problems that he noted serious? Are the problems Easy/Cheap to fix? What questions should I ask him? Future problems?

Also, is there a bolt on hard tail kit for this bike? If so, is it easy to convert to? I would like to make a chopper/bobber out of this bike if acquired.


Thank y’all that help. I hope I can be a part of the Harley Davidson family soon!

See attached for some pictures.

 

Welcome to the forum from Virginia.................

 

You're saying your bike is worth 10k? He's looking for a straight trade? If so I'd saying he's drooling and wringing his hands hoping you are crazy enough to take his rolling restoration project off his hands...and give him a bike worth 10k. You're going to make him a happy man. To me, his bike in that condition with the list of problems both known and unknown I think its worth maybe 2k. There's some good sportster people here and maybe they'll have a different view on it. Good luck but I'd keep looking

 

I agree with SB, that is maybe a $2k motorcycle, if all the paper work is good. If your bike is really worth $10k, do NOT trade with him. Offer him $1500, if he balks, move along. You can find better sorted Ironheads for under $4k, good luck.

 

Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. Not even close, Bill's suggestion of $1500 is on the mark. There are hundreds of used running Ironheads for sale out there. Try to find one that isn't molested and worn out. Good luck, and stop back with another potential purchase.

 

Sounds like someone with lofty dreams and not enough skill set. That bike is basically a basket case. I wouldn't drop more than $1000 on it.

 

First welcome to the forum.

So you're wanting to trade a $10,000 bike for an old iron head with multiple known problems and who knows how many unknown problems? I wouldn't walk away from that deal...... I'd run.

 

That’s what I was thinking. He said when he finished the bike he told me it is worth around 10k. He said maybe $100-$300 into it and it should be perfect. That’s why I came here to get others opinions. I will probably just sell my bike outright and buy a different bike. It may be a couple weeks…will keep those who are interested posted. Thank you everyone for your help.

 

I can see why he thought it was a good deal.

 

The primary chain shoe has been mounted in the incorrect spot - drag raced irons for 20 plus years the stock location it never came off

walk away - go on Facebook they are 2 2500 all day long every day