Need some help 1971 Sportster
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Joined: Feb 2009
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Need some help 1971 Sportster
My brother is wanting to buy a '71 Sportster 900 that he found, said it looks to be mostly complete, doesn't currently run but it's in decent shape, may need some carb work or new wiring, said they want $1,300 for it. I don't know much about the older bikes, does anybody here know anything about this year sporty, good or bad points on it? How's the price sound? Is this an "AMF" bike? Any reason we should stay away from this year? Is there anything that I should watch out or or check when I go look at it with him? Going to look at it tomorrow with him, for the help guys.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
Yes, the 1971 is an AMF model. There is absolutely nothing wrong with an AMF era bike, regardless of the widespread rumor regarding AMF.
AMF was the best thing that ever happened to Harley Davidson.
They provided money to move on and stay in business at the time.
Back to the bike......
A 1971 was the last year of the 900cc engine.
1971 was the first year to use a wet clutch (a good thing)
It will not run? Why not, does the owner know the reason? He must have some idea.
Is it an XLCH or an XLH model? CH will have a small battery on left side and no electric start.
XLH will have side mount oil tank, center mount battery (large) and electric start.
Look over the bike carefully.
Look at the oil. Run a stick across the bottom inside of the tank. What do you see on the end of the stick?
Are the tires dry rotted or have spiderweb lines on the sidewalls?
Do the levers and pedals move easily?
Does the electrical wiring (that you can see) look like it is undisturbed and in tact?
This would be a desirable thing because it would indicate that no one has worked on the electrical.
Most owners are incapable of doing proper electrical or mechanical work on an ironhead...... members here being the exceptions of course.
Is the battery good?
If not, connect a car battery up with jumpers and check the lights, ignition etc. A bike that has been taken care of will have the electrical working and in proper order.
There is no historical problem with an ironhead.
Most problems come as a result of the owner not changing the oil ofter enough, or otherwise neglecting the machine.
No Harley dealer will work on this old machine, although some independent shops will. So be prepared to do a lot of your own work.
If you buy the bike, the first tool you will need to buy is a factory service manual. Not a Clymers or some such rag, but a factory manual. In there is how you repair almost (but not entirely) all of the problems you may run into.
Forum members here can offer you loads of help too.
There is not a question that cannot be answered by some member of this group.
Hope this helps you a bit. You always take a chance on a machine that cannot be started up. But then, you have been warned, so good luck.
Let us know if the bike is purchased........... pg
AMF was the best thing that ever happened to Harley Davidson.
They provided money to move on and stay in business at the time.
Back to the bike......
A 1971 was the last year of the 900cc engine.
1971 was the first year to use a wet clutch (a good thing)
It will not run? Why not, does the owner know the reason? He must have some idea.
Is it an XLCH or an XLH model? CH will have a small battery on left side and no electric start.
XLH will have side mount oil tank, center mount battery (large) and electric start.
Look over the bike carefully.
Look at the oil. Run a stick across the bottom inside of the tank. What do you see on the end of the stick?
Are the tires dry rotted or have spiderweb lines on the sidewalls?
Do the levers and pedals move easily?
Does the electrical wiring (that you can see) look like it is undisturbed and in tact?
This would be a desirable thing because it would indicate that no one has worked on the electrical.
Most owners are incapable of doing proper electrical or mechanical work on an ironhead...... members here being the exceptions of course.
Is the battery good?
If not, connect a car battery up with jumpers and check the lights, ignition etc. A bike that has been taken care of will have the electrical working and in proper order.
There is no historical problem with an ironhead.
Most problems come as a result of the owner not changing the oil ofter enough, or otherwise neglecting the machine.
No Harley dealer will work on this old machine, although some independent shops will. So be prepared to do a lot of your own work.
If you buy the bike, the first tool you will need to buy is a factory service manual. Not a Clymers or some such rag, but a factory manual. In there is how you repair almost (but not entirely) all of the problems you may run into.
Forum members here can offer you loads of help too.
There is not a question that cannot be answered by some member of this group.
Hope this helps you a bit. You always take a chance on a machine that cannot be started up. But then, you have been warned, so good luck.
Let us know if the bike is purchased........... pg
$1300.00 is not too much. Even a basket case may get $1500.00. Much depends on where you are. A bike that sells for $3500 here might sell for $2500 elsewhere.
It is not a running bike. It is a project bike. It will have to be completely stripped down, one section at a time preferably, and everything cleaned, inspected, repaired/replaced as needed. If you are looking for a bike to ride this is not it. If you are looking for a project bike, to bring one of the greatest bikes ever made back to life, if you are ready for the IronHead Love-Hate relationship [mostly Love] then this is for you.
Of course you have a shop/shed/garage to work in. And extra cash to throw at it. And willingness to work it back to life. And willing to wait as long as it takes before actually riding it.
It is not a running bike. It is a project bike. It will have to be completely stripped down, one section at a time preferably, and everything cleaned, inspected, repaired/replaced as needed. If you are looking for a bike to ride this is not it. If you are looking for a project bike, to bring one of the greatest bikes ever made back to life, if you are ready for the IronHead Love-Hate relationship [mostly Love] then this is for you.
Of course you have a shop/shed/garage to work in. And extra cash to throw at it. And willingness to work it back to life. And willing to wait as long as it takes before actually riding it.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
Yes, the 1971 is an AMF model. There is absolutely nothing wrong with an AMF era bike, regardless of the widespread rumor regarding AMF.
AMF was the best thing that ever happened to Harley Davidson.
They provided money to move on and stay in business at the time.
Back to the bike......
A 1971 was the last year of the 900cc engine.
1971 was the first year to use a wet clutch (a good thing)
It will not run? Why not, does the owner know the reason? He must have some idea.
Is it an XLCH or an XLH model? CH will have a small battery on left side and no electric start.
XLH will have side mount oil tank, center mount battery (large) and electric start.
Look over the bike carefully.
Look at the oil. Run a stick across the bottom inside of the tank. What do you see on the end of the stick?
Are the tires dry rotted or have spiderweb lines on the sidewalls?
Do the levers and pedals move easily?
Does the electrical wiring (that you can see) look like it is undisturbed and in tact?
This would be a desirable thing because it would indicate that no one has worked on the electrical.
Most owners are incapable of doing proper electrical or mechanical work on an ironhead...... members here being the exceptions of course.
Is the battery good?
If not, connect a car battery up with jumpers and check the lights, ignition etc. A bike that has been taken care of will have the electrical working and in proper order.
There is no historical problem with an ironhead.
Most problems come as a result of the owner not changing the oil ofter enough, or otherwise neglecting the machine.
No Harley dealer will work on this old machine, although some independent shops will. So be prepared to do a lot of your own work.
If you buy the bike, the first tool you will need to buy is a factory service manual. Not a Clymers or some such rag, but a factory manual. In there is how you repair almost (but not entirely) all of the problems you may run into.
Forum members here can offer you loads of help too.
There is not a question that cannot be answered by some member of this group.
Hope this helps you a bit. You always take a chance on a machine that cannot be started up. But then, you have been warned, so good luck.
Let us know if the bike is purchased........... pg
AMF was the best thing that ever happened to Harley Davidson.
They provided money to move on and stay in business at the time.
Back to the bike......
A 1971 was the last year of the 900cc engine.
1971 was the first year to use a wet clutch (a good thing)
It will not run? Why not, does the owner know the reason? He must have some idea.
Is it an XLCH or an XLH model? CH will have a small battery on left side and no electric start.
XLH will have side mount oil tank, center mount battery (large) and electric start.
Look over the bike carefully.
Look at the oil. Run a stick across the bottom inside of the tank. What do you see on the end of the stick?
Are the tires dry rotted or have spiderweb lines on the sidewalls?
Do the levers and pedals move easily?
Does the electrical wiring (that you can see) look like it is undisturbed and in tact?
This would be a desirable thing because it would indicate that no one has worked on the electrical.
Most owners are incapable of doing proper electrical or mechanical work on an ironhead...... members here being the exceptions of course.
Is the battery good?
If not, connect a car battery up with jumpers and check the lights, ignition etc. A bike that has been taken care of will have the electrical working and in proper order.
There is no historical problem with an ironhead.
Most problems come as a result of the owner not changing the oil ofter enough, or otherwise neglecting the machine.
No Harley dealer will work on this old machine, although some independent shops will. So be prepared to do a lot of your own work.
If you buy the bike, the first tool you will need to buy is a factory service manual. Not a Clymers or some such rag, but a factory manual. In there is how you repair almost (but not entirely) all of the problems you may run into.
Forum members here can offer you loads of help too.
There is not a question that cannot be answered by some member of this group.
Hope this helps you a bit. You always take a chance on a machine that cannot be started up. But then, you have been warned, so good luck.
Let us know if the bike is purchased........... pg
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Yuma, AZ
SO GLAD TO HAVE FOUND YOU! Joined this group so I could talk to you. PG, you seem to be very generous with your knowledge of the earlier sportsters, maybe you could help me out. So, I just bought my first Harley, a '74 ironhead XLCH. I'm pretty much building it from the ground up, brought it home as a pickup bed full of parts. It's supposed to have all the original parts but right now it has an extended rigid rear end on the frame and had these goofy apes when I got it. I'm putting it together right now and I have a few concerns:
-Wiring is everywhere, especially the handlebar mounted cluster and under the seat
-Guy said it 'maxes out at about 70, then vibrates so bad you don't wanna go any faster'
-Claimed he was only the third owner, but produced no registration. Said it was 'off the grid' and couldn't find the original bill of sale for me. Said he'd send it later, but claimed it'd be easy to register as a new bike.
Now, I just got the chassis rolling and the engine was already mounted in the frame. One box has what looks like enough wiring to re do most of it, and all new lights, but it looks like a mess and my manual just looks like a maze to me. Any suggestions? Should I find a kit or something?
I intend on restoring to original, not building a bobber like I think he wanted to do. What he said about the vibration worried me, maybe when he did the rebuild he foo-barred it out of balance. What do you think? I need to finish the wiring and get a battery before I try to start it and see, don't know what the deal might be there. And about the registration, my grandparents are freaking out, I'm stoked as ever to have the bike, but they think it's gonna be a nightmare to register, think it might be stolen or something. The VIN numbers match on the engine and the frame, don't know if that helps, but how do you go about registering a bike with so little documentation? If worse comes to worse I can always sell it in Mexico.
Couldn't find the hardware when I tried to swap to the original rear end so I thought I'd just stay with the simpler hardtail for the time being 'till I get the engine tuned. The carb is supposed to be rebuilt, but probably not tuned. I'm gonna have a hell of a time kicking it when I get done, I'm a little dude!
For $1600 I think I got a good deal. I think I have all the parts and many new ones as well. Spedometer says 30,841. Sounds alright for a '74, I'll probably put that on it within a year when I get it 'goin, I get around the country quite a bit. Let me tell you, this is gonna be quite the improvement from freight trains and hitchhiking! And damn, will it ever feel good to be a 16 year old with a Harley!
That's alotta advice i'm asking of you, I'm mainly concerned about the wiring though, maybe you'd have a diagram for me, too? I sure got my work cut out for me, never worked on harley's before. I very much appreciate your time for reading this and any help you might have to offer!
-Clyde
-Wiring is everywhere, especially the handlebar mounted cluster and under the seat
-Guy said it 'maxes out at about 70, then vibrates so bad you don't wanna go any faster'
-Claimed he was only the third owner, but produced no registration. Said it was 'off the grid' and couldn't find the original bill of sale for me. Said he'd send it later, but claimed it'd be easy to register as a new bike.
Now, I just got the chassis rolling and the engine was already mounted in the frame. One box has what looks like enough wiring to re do most of it, and all new lights, but it looks like a mess and my manual just looks like a maze to me. Any suggestions? Should I find a kit or something?
I intend on restoring to original, not building a bobber like I think he wanted to do. What he said about the vibration worried me, maybe when he did the rebuild he foo-barred it out of balance. What do you think? I need to finish the wiring and get a battery before I try to start it and see, don't know what the deal might be there. And about the registration, my grandparents are freaking out, I'm stoked as ever to have the bike, but they think it's gonna be a nightmare to register, think it might be stolen or something. The VIN numbers match on the engine and the frame, don't know if that helps, but how do you go about registering a bike with so little documentation? If worse comes to worse I can always sell it in Mexico.
Couldn't find the hardware when I tried to swap to the original rear end so I thought I'd just stay with the simpler hardtail for the time being 'till I get the engine tuned. The carb is supposed to be rebuilt, but probably not tuned. I'm gonna have a hell of a time kicking it when I get done, I'm a little dude!
For $1600 I think I got a good deal. I think I have all the parts and many new ones as well. Spedometer says 30,841. Sounds alright for a '74, I'll probably put that on it within a year when I get it 'goin, I get around the country quite a bit. Let me tell you, this is gonna be quite the improvement from freight trains and hitchhiking! And damn, will it ever feel good to be a 16 year old with a Harley!
That's alotta advice i'm asking of you, I'm mainly concerned about the wiring though, maybe you'd have a diagram for me, too? I sure got my work cut out for me, never worked on harley's before. I very much appreciate your time for reading this and any help you might have to offer!
-Clyde
First thing is that i would not spend a single cent on that bike until after it is registered. I have heard that in many jurisdictions in your country the police are very serious about stolen motorcycles, and that they are most likely to just confiscate it immediately. Best to check this out.
Second is to get both a factory manual [FM] and a parts book. You can order both thru a Harley Davidson dealer, or from eBay or other internet sources much cheaper. Also, i find it helpful to have both the Haynes manual as it has the best photos and the Clymer manual - these are like having extra opinions on stuff at hand.
These are the two most important things that you should do right away.
Then most any parts you need can be found on eBay. The sellers there are great to work with. Over the past 5 years i have made about 75 transactions with never a problem.
Second is to get both a factory manual [FM] and a parts book. You can order both thru a Harley Davidson dealer, or from eBay or other internet sources much cheaper. Also, i find it helpful to have both the Haynes manual as it has the best photos and the Clymer manual - these are like having extra opinions on stuff at hand.
These are the two most important things that you should do right away.
Then most any parts you need can be found on eBay. The sellers there are great to work with. Over the past 5 years i have made about 75 transactions with never a problem.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
SO GLAD TO HAVE FOUND YOU! Joined this group so I could talk to you. PG, you seem to be very generous with your knowledge of the earlier sportsters, maybe you could help me out. So, I just bought my first Harley, a '74 ironhead XLCH. I'm pretty much building it from the ground up, brought it home as a pickup bed full of parts. It's supposed to have all the original parts but right now it has an extended rigid rear end on the frame and had these goofy apes when I got it. I'm putting it together right now and I have a few concerns:
-Wiring is everywhere, especially the handlebar mounted cluster and under the seat
-Guy said it 'maxes out at about 70, then vibrates so bad you don't wanna go any faster'
-Claimed he was only the third owner, but produced no registration. Said it was 'off the grid' and couldn't find the original bill of sale for me. Said he'd send it later, but claimed it'd be easy to register as a new bike.
Now, I just got the chassis rolling and the engine was already mounted in the frame. One box has what looks like enough wiring to re do most of it, and all new lights, but it looks like a mess and my manual just looks like a maze to me. Any suggestions? Should I find a kit or something?
I intend on restoring to original, not building a bobber like I think he wanted to do. What he said about the vibration worried me, maybe when he did the rebuild he foo-barred it out of balance. What do you think? I need to finish the wiring and get a battery before I try to start it and see, don't know what the deal might be there. And about the registration, my grandparents are freaking out, I'm stoked as ever to have the bike, but they think it's gonna be a nightmare to register, think it might be stolen or something. The VIN numbers match on the engine and the frame, don't know if that helps, but how do you go about registering a bike with so little documentation? If worse comes to worse I can always sell it in Mexico.
Couldn't find the hardware when I tried to swap to the original rear end so I thought I'd just stay with the simpler hardtail for the time being 'till I get the engine tuned. The carb is supposed to be rebuilt, but probably not tuned. I'm gonna have a hell of a time kicking it when I get done, I'm a little dude!
For $1600 I think I got a good deal. I think I have all the parts and many new ones as well. Spedometer says 30,841. Sounds alright for a '74, I'll probably put that on it within a year when I get it 'goin, I get around the country quite a bit. Let me tell you, this is gonna be quite the improvement from freight trains and hitchhiking! And damn, will it ever feel good to be a 16 year old with a Harley!
That's alotta advice i'm asking of you, I'm mainly concerned about the wiring though, maybe you'd have a diagram for me, too? I sure got my work cut out for me, never worked on harley's before. I very much appreciate your time for reading this and any help you might have to offer!
-Clyde
-Wiring is everywhere, especially the handlebar mounted cluster and under the seat
-Guy said it 'maxes out at about 70, then vibrates so bad you don't wanna go any faster'
-Claimed he was only the third owner, but produced no registration. Said it was 'off the grid' and couldn't find the original bill of sale for me. Said he'd send it later, but claimed it'd be easy to register as a new bike.
Now, I just got the chassis rolling and the engine was already mounted in the frame. One box has what looks like enough wiring to re do most of it, and all new lights, but it looks like a mess and my manual just looks like a maze to me. Any suggestions? Should I find a kit or something?
I intend on restoring to original, not building a bobber like I think he wanted to do. What he said about the vibration worried me, maybe when he did the rebuild he foo-barred it out of balance. What do you think? I need to finish the wiring and get a battery before I try to start it and see, don't know what the deal might be there. And about the registration, my grandparents are freaking out, I'm stoked as ever to have the bike, but they think it's gonna be a nightmare to register, think it might be stolen or something. The VIN numbers match on the engine and the frame, don't know if that helps, but how do you go about registering a bike with so little documentation? If worse comes to worse I can always sell it in Mexico.
Couldn't find the hardware when I tried to swap to the original rear end so I thought I'd just stay with the simpler hardtail for the time being 'till I get the engine tuned. The carb is supposed to be rebuilt, but probably not tuned. I'm gonna have a hell of a time kicking it when I get done, I'm a little dude!
For $1600 I think I got a good deal. I think I have all the parts and many new ones as well. Spedometer says 30,841. Sounds alright for a '74, I'll probably put that on it within a year when I get it 'goin, I get around the country quite a bit. Let me tell you, this is gonna be quite the improvement from freight trains and hitchhiking! And damn, will it ever feel good to be a 16 year old with a Harley!
That's alotta advice i'm asking of you, I'm mainly concerned about the wiring though, maybe you'd have a diagram for me, too? I sure got my work cut out for me, never worked on harley's before. I very much appreciate your time for reading this and any help you might have to offer!
-Clyde
First of all, I am going to start a new thread for you so this one is not high-jacked, OK?
So go see the new thread under '1974 restore'.
pg
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: 44022
I just picked up a 71 in full stock trim for $1500 and feel great about it. But here's the thing, the price sounds right...depending upon your goal?
At $1300, there's definitely upside.why not rebuild it. $50 in parts and it should hummmmmmmmm
As an earlier contributor stated, take it apart, and put it back together. They're easy bikes to work on, and a there are always buyers out there.
LC
RE Carbs,
At $1300, there's definitely upside.why not rebuild it. $50 in parts and it should hummmmmmmmm
As an earlier contributor stated, take it apart, and put it back together. They're easy bikes to work on, and a there are always buyers out there.
LC
RE Carbs,
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The reason there are so many basket cases out there is guys taking it apart, then getting lost in the details.
As my indie mechanic [and many others] say, Never dismantle a good running engine. This is good advice.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Portage, Mi
New here. Own a 71 Sporty
I have looked all over and cannot find out how to post a new question about anything. This is the only thing I find where I can post something. Can I get some help on how to post a question about XLH batteries?