Ironhead years needed
1979 to 1981 used the "cafe racer" frame so those years have a special seat and a few other parts. 1979 in particular has a few unique parts. Do a Google search on XLFAMES [XL Fits All Models Except Seventy Nine] for more info.
There are special needs for all model ranges. I have never spoken with a 1979 owner who was unhappy with their choice.
There are groups of owners who find the 60s XLs to be the best. My favorute is 1978. Lots of different opinions. No one will agree.
There are special needs for all model ranges. I have never spoken with a 1979 owner who was unhappy with their choice.
There are groups of owners who find the 60s XLs to be the best. My favorute is 1978. Lots of different opinions. No one will agree.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: montreal
Whatever year you buy, try to get a machine that's as close to stock as possible because a mish-mosh of parts on a bike is a bitch to troubleshoot and tune. I ended up buying the FM for 69 and 79 because of the mix of parts that mine came with.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
light position
hey I am looking to relocate my lights like yours are did you buy a kit from a dealer? or do it yourself?
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Clayton, NC
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: florida
I restored a '74 ironhead about 15 years ago - the results of a fire. It took me a while to get it back together, but finding parts didn't seem to difficult (of course, that was 15 years ago). Harley seemed be to pretty good at mixing and matching parts, using previous years parts inventory for preceding model years for XL's and Big twins. until they got smart and started JIT (just in time) management. On the flip side, however, that led to a certain amount of parts obsolescence that we all see and suffer from more and more.
On a final note, remember that motorcycles rear brakes were standardized internationally in the mid-70's. For XL's, that makes for a very interesting mixing and matching because the frames didn't change in that respect until I think 77. Between the begining of the standardization and 77, HD just made a Mongolian cluster of the rear brake linkage (no offense intended to any of you Mongols out there). Right: they used up all the old frames made in previous years.
Good luck in your search: if you find a good one, there'll be a lot of maintenance, but it'll run like a bat out of hell.
On a final note, remember that motorcycles rear brakes were standardized internationally in the mid-70's. For XL's, that makes for a very interesting mixing and matching because the frames didn't change in that respect until I think 77. Between the begining of the standardization and 77, HD just made a Mongolian cluster of the rear brake linkage (no offense intended to any of you Mongols out there). Right: they used up all the old frames made in previous years.
Good luck in your search: if you find a good one, there'll be a lot of maintenance, but it'll run like a bat out of hell.
Last edited by lnrider; Sep 9, 2009 at 10:05 PM.