1979 IH
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Stage IV
Joined: Nov 2007
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1979 IH
I am looking at picking up a 1979 Ironhead Sportster and wanted to ask some questions of of you that own them. First, it is my understanding that this is the first year no kick start was on them. Completely electrical start, so what's the opinion on durability maintanence and design? How do the motors stand up being AMF built (other than the standard good bike, bad bike, good bike of AMF)? I have heard and read that these Ironheads can stand up to a bunch. True? Accessability of aftermarket parts, I know most of the OEM internal parts are discontinued so what does the aftermarket world look like for these. Anybody have spec's handy? I just started surfing for info on the XL IH's and found this site. I am really eager to buy the bike and am probably going to anyway because I love to wrench. I beleive the price is too much for it but want to get an idea what I can turn it into with some wrench hours and a little bit o' money.
Here is what I know about the bike. It's a 1979 XL? (S I think but don't know yet). Has some custom work done to motor and tins. Dirty, old and leaks oil like a sieve. Last I heard had a starting problem but I have to find out if that was fixed. Has tires and good tranny. I know the bike was a regular rider for a brother a coupla months ago. $2500. I ain't scared of the work or time but if I fix it right is this a model that only responds to those who live in their garage and not on the road? Can't wait to hear what ya'll have to say.
Here is what I know about the bike. It's a 1979 XL? (S I think but don't know yet). Has some custom work done to motor and tins. Dirty, old and leaks oil like a sieve. Last I heard had a starting problem but I have to find out if that was fixed. Has tires and good tranny. I know the bike was a regular rider for a brother a coupla months ago. $2500. I ain't scared of the work or time but if I fix it right is this a model that only responds to those who live in their garage and not on the road? Can't wait to hear what ya'll have to say.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
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RE: 1979 IH
1979 was not the first year for electric start only.
1979 is a bastard, crossover year. Some things like pipes and seats are tough to find. Other standard Ironhead parts are readily accessible. IMO, the '79 is ugly, but that's one guy's opinion.
AMF Ironheads can be good or bad. With a 30+ year old bike, I'd expect more good than bad.
IMO $2500 is too much for what you describe. I'd look for another bike.
1979 is a bastard, crossover year. Some things like pipes and seats are tough to find. Other standard Ironhead parts are readily accessible. IMO, the '79 is ugly, but that's one guy's opinion.
AMF Ironheads can be good or bad. With a 30+ year old bike, I'd expect more good than bad.
IMO $2500 is too much for what you describe. I'd look for another bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: 1979 IH
The 1979 was a bit of an oddball. As a result, they are perhaps the least popular of all the ironheads. Well, that is just my opinion anyway. Some parts fit only a 79 model and they can be hard to find. The engine is going to be about the same as all the other ironheads though. The differences are in things like the frame and pipes etc.
At $2500 it sounds like far too much money to me for this one. If it were me I would just keep searching and find an earlier 1970 series model to buy. That's just my thought on it though, and that means little to you.
Good that you like to wrench if you are looking for an ironhead, because you will have your share of that regardless which model year you pick.
Ironheags are are all the same when it comes to needing regular wrench service rendered.......pg
At $2500 it sounds like far too much money to me for this one. If it were me I would just keep searching and find an earlier 1970 series model to buy. That's just my thought on it though, and that means little to you.
Good that you like to wrench if you are looking for an ironhead, because you will have your share of that regardless which model year you pick.
Ironheags are are all the same when it comes to needing regular wrench service rendered.......pg
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Stage IV
Joined: Nov 2007
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RE: 1979 IH
Thanks ya'll both went about the lines I thought. I was kinda hoping the both of you would reply. There is one other person I'm waiting on for my total consensus. I'm not to concerned with the frame, tins or accessories being year specific because the thing has already been bastardized from what I hear. Motor and drivetrain will be my big concerns. What are some of the OH MY GOD common problems with this motor?
Novice
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 18
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From:
RE: 1979 IH
I am a 79 owner. Although the bike is somewhat different that the rest of the IH's I really like mine. I guess it's because it is different is why I like it. I have found that you can fit mostof the major IH parts on the 79's. I have forward controls on mine and therefore was able toput pipes that fit the other 1000cc IH's on my bike without any problems. I have a seat from a 91 Sporty and a 5.5gal gas tank. I also have 10.5" shorty shocks on it.
As far as wrenching on it, it's no different than the rest of the IH's. They all require a fair amount of TLC to keep them in top running condition, but they are worth the extra work. Mine is a blast to ride. As far as being uglier than the rest I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder. Mine ain't stock looking anyway.
I paid $2500 for mine several yaers back and it was in decent condition except for the paint. Iwas planning to paint it plain ole black anyway. If the one your looking at is really rough, you might want to look around. If the engine and tranny are in really good shape the cosmetics are easy to fix.
I hope my input was helpful.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Aubrey Lindsey 79XLS
ps I've changed the pipes to Kickout Drag pipes since this pic was taken.
[IMG]local://upfiles/41918/2461BA690C5B4B84A8F9BE516F91EAA6.jpg[/IMG]
As far as wrenching on it, it's no different than the rest of the IH's. They all require a fair amount of TLC to keep them in top running condition, but they are worth the extra work. Mine is a blast to ride. As far as being uglier than the rest I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder. Mine ain't stock looking anyway.
I paid $2500 for mine several yaers back and it was in decent condition except for the paint. Iwas planning to paint it plain ole black anyway. If the one your looking at is really rough, you might want to look around. If the engine and tranny are in really good shape the cosmetics are easy to fix.
I hope my input was helpful.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Aubrey Lindsey 79XLS
ps I've changed the pipes to Kickout Drag pipes since this pic was taken.
[IMG]local://upfiles/41918/2461BA690C5B4B84A8F9BE516F91EAA6.jpg[/IMG]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: 1979 IH
I guess one of the most common problems I have seen with ironheads is that many times the engines can get scuffed piston(s) and worn out valve guides.
The ones in this condition are going to be smoking pretty heavy. Doing a top end job on it will take care of the problem. Piston(s) and a rebore make this a fairly serious (read that expensive) fix.
That is how I judge them from the curb view.
Another thing I have seen quite a bit is wear to the cam lobes. Sometimes it is only one cam out of the 4, but the surface can become quite pitted and needs to be replaced with another cam, either new, or better yet, used but in good condition. This is not a big deal.........pg
The ones in this condition are going to be smoking pretty heavy. Doing a top end job on it will take care of the problem. Piston(s) and a rebore make this a fairly serious (read that expensive) fix.
That is how I judge them from the curb view.
Another thing I have seen quite a bit is wear to the cam lobes. Sometimes it is only one cam out of the 4, but the surface can become quite pitted and needs to be replaced with another cam, either new, or better yet, used but in good condition. This is not a big deal.........pg
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
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From:
RE: 1979 IH
I owned a 79 for 7 or 8 years and after a few electrical issues I really liked it. Had an 8" over front fork and some real cool drag pipes. The front pipe was normal shape. but the rear exhaust was curved from the exhaust port towards the front and around the contour of the timing cover on the cam case and ended just above where the front pipe ends. Kinda an over and under like some of the custom softtail exhausts. My nephew owns the bike now and still rides it. The price you mentioned might be a little much unless it was in real good shape.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Heart of Dixie
RE: 1979 IH
I don't think I'd worry about parts availability - the '79 still shares most of the motor and trans parts with other years in that era. My parts book shows that the '79 was the last year to be offered with a kick start, but those with kickers will have an electric start, too. I'd be a little wary of one that leaked badly and maybe has a starting problem. I'd like to hear it run (although even good Ironheads sound like they're coming apart 
) and see if there's any oil smoke on startup or when it's revved after it's running for a little while. Many times a bike that looks taken care of is, and one that doesn't, wasn't. The price seems a little high from your description for a '79.
) and see if there's any oil smoke on startup or when it's revved after it's running for a little while. Many times a bike that looks taken care of is, and one that doesn't, wasn't. The price seems a little high from your description for a '79.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
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From:
RE: 1979 IH
If you can get the bike cheaper, it would probably be a good project. Most of the parts from '79-'81 are interchangeable, Drag pipes and 2 into 1 can be found for it. It's most likely an XLH or an XLS as the XLCH was discontinued that year and only around 150 were built. Check out Sportyspecialties.com or J&P Cycles for parts.