New here an would like some adivse
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Stage II
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
New here an would like some adivse
Hi, I’m new here and to Harley. You guys seem to know you stuff here so I’m here ask. I’m hoping you guys can give me some advice on this. A co-worker is going to sell me a 1977 Sportster, 1000cc XLH with 13,000 miles on it for $1,500. It’s in pretty good shape no rust expect, for the chain guard an some on the rear wheel that’s it. He said it hasn’t ran in 10 years, so it’s been garage ever since. The guy said he drained all the gas from tank. I’m wondering if a new battery, oil, plugs, fuel filter would get it started. I my self don’t know much about working bikes. A friend of mine said he would me with it. What do you guys think? Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 94
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RE: New here an would like some adivse
Well........common sense tells a person there is a reason it's sat 10 years. Don't kid yourself on that one.
Price is fair though.
If the guy is a co-worker..........he should let you stick a battery in it and gas and see if it fires.
Here's the IMPORTANT advice.
If you are looking for a cheap HARLEY so you can be join in the Harley fad. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not like or wish to work on a bike "YOURSELF". DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not wish to sink some cash into a bike. DO NOT BUY THIS ONE.
If you do decided to buy this bike. BUY A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL & PARTS CATALOG FIRST THING!
Also be aware an Ironhead vibrates, needs constant tinkering. It's not for everyone. It's an antique motorcycle by todays standards.
I just gave you real advice & a reality check.
Think this over and get back to us.
Price is fair though.
If the guy is a co-worker..........he should let you stick a battery in it and gas and see if it fires.
Here's the IMPORTANT advice.
If you are looking for a cheap HARLEY so you can be join in the Harley fad. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not like or wish to work on a bike "YOURSELF". DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not wish to sink some cash into a bike. DO NOT BUY THIS ONE.
If you do decided to buy this bike. BUY A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL & PARTS CATALOG FIRST THING!
Also be aware an Ironhead vibrates, needs constant tinkering. It's not for everyone. It's an antique motorcycle by todays standards.
I just gave you real advice & a reality check.
Think this over and get back to us.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: New here an would like some adivse
I also gotta go with Horse on this one.
An ironhead is not a bike that you are going to just climb on, push a start button and ride off every day without having to work on the bike 3 days out of every 30.
If you decide to get the bike, make your first accessory purchase a factory repair manual.
The price of the bike seems fair, but sitting for 10 years means it will take a bit of effort to get it started.
Also, if the gas has been drained......be sure to look in the fuel tank and make sure there is no rust inside...........pg
An ironhead is not a bike that you are going to just climb on, push a start button and ride off every day without having to work on the bike 3 days out of every 30.
If you decide to get the bike, make your first accessory purchase a factory repair manual.
The price of the bike seems fair, but sitting for 10 years means it will take a bit of effort to get it started.
Also, if the gas has been drained......be sure to look in the fuel tank and make sure there is no rust inside...........pg
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
RE: New here an would like some adivse
ORIGINAL: Horse13
Well........common sense tells a person there is a reason it's sat 10 years. Don't kid yourself on that one.
Price is fair though.
If the guy is a co-worker..........he should let you stick a battery in it and gas and see if it fires.
Here's the IMPORTANT advice.
If you are looking for a cheap HARLEY so you can be join in the Harley fad. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not like or wish to work on a bike "YOURSELF". DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not wish to sink some cash into a bike. DO NOT BUY THIS ONE.
If you do decided to buy this bike. BUY A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL & PARTS CATALOG FIRST THING!
Also be aware an Ironhead vibrates, needs constant tinkering. It's not for everyone. It's an antique motorcycle by todays standards.
I just gave you real advice & a reality check.
Think this over and get back to us.
Well........common sense tells a person there is a reason it's sat 10 years. Don't kid yourself on that one.
Price is fair though.
If the guy is a co-worker..........he should let you stick a battery in it and gas and see if it fires.
Here's the IMPORTANT advice.
If you are looking for a cheap HARLEY so you can be join in the Harley fad. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not like or wish to work on a bike "YOURSELF". DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE.
If you do not wish to sink some cash into a bike. DO NOT BUY THIS ONE.
If you do decided to buy this bike. BUY A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL & PARTS CATALOG FIRST THING!
Also be aware an Ironhead vibrates, needs constant tinkering. It's not for everyone. It's an antique motorcycle by todays standards.
I just gave you real advice & a reality check.
Think this over and get back to us.
Sitting that long there will be many issues even if it ran well when parked.
Rust in the tank,possibly inside the engine as well.
Gaskets and seals will be dried out and no good,electrical connections will be corroded and the insulation old and brittle.
This is a bike that will need restoration at a cost well over what you paid for it and once done will still be an old bike that needs constant attention to ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,134
Likes: 146
From: texas
RE: New here an would like some adivse
i want to say somthing really positive and just tell you to go for it but i really dont know you and dont want to just tell you to close your eyes and jump......
i agree with everything said above.i will say though if its somthing youve always wanted and dont expect miracles too quickly and dont mind working on stuff...and youre friend is legit(knowledge and not just a talker......the 2nd is always more important than the first with everything).........then i would say go for it.you also might want to compression check it just for a little more info on about what it is gonna take.sometimes stuff just gets set aside....ive seen plenty of things set aside for small reasons.....and it sits and sits.....dont get me wrong...stuff can just break by sitting there....corrosion.....mice....whatever.-----also thnk about your relationship[ at work if it doesnt turn out like you think......1500 for a complete bike is probably pretty fair.....seems to me they are getting harder to find.-----just remember...youre either gonna do or youre not....be happy with whatever you decide.
i agree with everything said above.i will say though if its somthing youve always wanted and dont expect miracles too quickly and dont mind working on stuff...and youre friend is legit(knowledge and not just a talker......the 2nd is always more important than the first with everything).........then i would say go for it.you also might want to compression check it just for a little more info on about what it is gonna take.sometimes stuff just gets set aside....ive seen plenty of things set aside for small reasons.....and it sits and sits.....dont get me wrong...stuff can just break by sitting there....corrosion.....mice....whatever.-----also thnk about your relationship[ at work if it doesnt turn out like you think......1500 for a complete bike is probably pretty fair.....seems to me they are getting harder to find.-----just remember...youre either gonna do or youre not....be happy with whatever you decide.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New here an would like some adivse
ORIGINAL: Y2K
+2 I rode an Iron for years,it's a bike that will need constant TLC and you .................................................. ..................will still be an old bike that needs constant attention to ride.
+2 I rode an Iron for years,it's a bike that will need constant TLC and you .................................................. ..................will still be an old bike that needs constant attention to ride.
( yer avatar )
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
RE: New here an would like some adivse
ORIGINAL: Horse13
ONE QUESTION Y2K--------- Why is my sister on her knees, buns up, on the seat of yer bagger?
( yer avatar )
ORIGINAL: Y2K
+2 I rode an Iron for years,it's a bike that will need constant TLC and you .................................................. ..................will still be an old bike that needs constant attention to ride.
+2 I rode an Iron for years,it's a bike that will need constant TLC and you .................................................. ..................will still be an old bike that needs constant attention to ride.
( yer avatar )
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 775
Likes: 2
From: OC California
RE: New here an would like some adivse
I can guarantee you the front brake is toast after sitting for ten years. +1 on all the above comments. Please see the "thank you everyone" thread if you decide to go for it. That gentleman sums it up.
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