1979 IH
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
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RE: 1979 IH
I am the origainl owner of a 78 Sporster and I remeber in 79 when they rolled out that bike. I was glad I bought when I did. I like to wrench too, and like to learn as I go along. Find yourself a 78 or older. The AMF debate is bullSh_t. I have pulled the motor and replaced almost everything over the years (not lower end) without much difficulty.The part are out there (just boughtdecent stock header pipe on ebay). I purchased my bike in 78 for $3500. $2500 for a thirty year old rat is, out of the question. My opinion. Good luck. Jim
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 71
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From:
RE: 1979 IH
well I hear all the replys and cant argue with but a few. I own and ride a 79 every daythe fastest stock Ironhead sporster built. the original stock exhaust (siamese) was the only year for this exhaust in chrome the CR's had them in black. They called em the roadster cause they were bigger and more road worthy than the other older models. The front tire was bigger and most had a bigger tank. almost all parts fit except for changes for the exhaust and bigger tanks. If you want a truely unique old sportster then a 79 cant be beat most even those who think they know harley dont know em...... first for many of the new adaptions soon to be stock for the later models. The web site to ask about the is xlfames.com this is a site for the Fits All Models Except Seventy Nine
I paid 1900 for mine in running condition and put another 1500 in it and wouldnt sell it for less than an arm or a leg. I have all the stock parts but still havent put it together sometimes you just like to ride go get it Dusty
oops the site is xlfames@yahoogroups.com
I paid 1900 for mine in running condition and put another 1500 in it and wouldnt sell it for less than an arm or a leg. I have all the stock parts but still havent put it together sometimes you just like to ride go get it Dusty
oops the site is xlfames@yahoogroups.com
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: 1979 IH
Well I went and looked at the bike and she is one beautiful rat bike. I loved every spray painted dirty little piece of metal on it. It was a hodge podge of chrome and rust. I also had the opportunity to play with a basket case 79 with a 74" S&S stroker kit. The motor was still apart and part of my trip was to ummm complete a deal someone had reniged on. I think I am going to get this bike and strip the wiring right out. I hate messing with someone elses mess so just start from scratch.
Another question though. How many of you have a kick start, a magneto and no battery? Was it fun? No kick start on here but I may change that.
I agree that 2500 is too much for this bike and will probably be able to walk away with it for 1800. It runs but the charging system is shot. I will be needing the Service Manuals and will check the flames site but does anyone have them on CD? I fell in love with the damn thing the moment I saw it and I hope to be tearing her apart in a couple of weeks.
Another question though. How many of you have a kick start, a magneto and no battery? Was it fun? No kick start on here but I may change that.
I agree that 2500 is too much for this bike and will probably be able to walk away with it for 1800. It runs but the charging system is shot. I will be needing the Service Manuals and will check the flames site but does anyone have them on CD? I fell in love with the damn thing the moment I saw it and I hope to be tearing her apart in a couple of weeks.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 71
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From:
RE: 1979 IH
wiring for these old ironheads is pretty simple, and the manual gives pretty good description, but on this or the XLFAMES site (I forget got CRS) the are some awesome diagrams that will allow you to wire it bare bones and eliminate most of your problems....oh get a Harley manual 1979-1981 part no 99484-80 see em on ebay pretty often for about $20. Yesterday, I rode mine all day, rode the mountains(so called) here in Alabama. The leaves are a beautiful site and the smells were awesome. The only wrenchin I do on a regular basis is tightening lots of bolts... the vibration gets them, but the vibrations also gets the gals lol. Just give enuff time for your fingers to become un-numb(lol) buy itespecially if you get the price down some and seems ya really want it. I did a top end on mine with help from a guru and the cost was about 600 includingthe beer. no leaks, no smoke, just fun. good luck Dusty
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 791
From: Heart of Dixie
RE: 1979 IH
ORIGINAL: jdusty21
....Yesterday, I rode mine all day, rode the mountains(so called) here in Alabama. The leaves are a beautiful site and the smells were awesome....
....Yesterday, I rode mine all day, rode the mountains(so called) here in Alabama. The leaves are a beautiful site and the smells were awesome....
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1979 IH
I've got one! It's a '79 XLS Roadster. Yeah, the dealership warned me that finding aftermarket parts would be hard, but it hasn't been too bad. I think the motor's the same, it's just frame-related parts, and I still managed to get a new seat and pipes for it.
Heck, after reading everybody's comments, I'd be embarassed to tell you what I paid for it! It was in fairly rough condidtion when I got it, but I've been doing a slow restore on it. I had to update the top end for unleaded gas right off, as the valves were badly worn out. I straightened out some wiring (they had put extended bars on, and "extended" all the wiring with a six-inch splice and four huge gobs of electircal tape). They had also put on an O-ring chain, which was too big to go into the primary cover without rubbing, and tore itself up on the highway.
Regarding your starter, I had to service mine a while ago - just needed new brushes. Not hard at all.
I like mine. I feel like it's a good ride. It does seem to break easy, but to its credit, it fixes pretty easy too!
D.
Heck, after reading everybody's comments, I'd be embarassed to tell you what I paid for it! It was in fairly rough condidtion when I got it, but I've been doing a slow restore on it. I had to update the top end for unleaded gas right off, as the valves were badly worn out. I straightened out some wiring (they had put extended bars on, and "extended" all the wiring with a six-inch splice and four huge gobs of electircal tape). They had also put on an O-ring chain, which was too big to go into the primary cover without rubbing, and tore itself up on the highway.
Regarding your starter, I had to service mine a while ago - just needed new brushes. Not hard at all.
I like mine. I feel like it's a good ride. It does seem to break easy, but to its credit, it fixes pretty easy too!
D.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
RE: 1979 IH
In -79 there came different "EVO-style" frame, same as XLCR (77-78) and XR750. Difference into those frames are end section ( back from rear shock upper mount point)
So all frame related parts don't fit from older models without modification, main issue is related to rear brake master cylinder.... Engine is same from 77 ->82 ???
So all frame related parts don't fit from older models without modification, main issue is related to rear brake master cylinder.... Engine is same from 77 ->82 ???
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1979 IH
Engines were the same from '77 to about mid '84. '77 was the first year for the left side shift. In '82 the compression ratio was dropped to 8:1 for emissions. They just popped on thicker head gaskets for these.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 71
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From:
RE: 1979 IH
83xlx
I live in Pell City, near Talladega, Mt Cheha, Double Oak and Saddleback mnts. Gr8 area, have a great indy shop, Two race tracks and two MX tracks, plus the Barber Museum and two great Biker Resorts, 29 Dreams in Dunnavant, and Cherokee, near Rockford. You get thisaway give me a shout out (jdusty22@aol) Dusty
I live in Pell City, near Talladega, Mt Cheha, Double Oak and Saddleback mnts. Gr8 area, have a great indy shop, Two race tracks and two MX tracks, plus the Barber Museum and two great Biker Resorts, 29 Dreams in Dunnavant, and Cherokee, near Rockford. You get thisaway give me a shout out (jdusty22@aol) Dusty