I just pick up a 1977 XLH sportster with 7,693 miles on it. With a little work I it running. I think the old Zenith/Bendix carb is SHOOT. By the time I rebuild it and added a adjustable main jet.. Im better off buying a new one. I like the Mikuni VM-38 carb also. Witch Carb would you go with..
Tom

 

IMO a used Harley Davidson CV carb offers excellent performance at a very reasonable price. Found on eBay for less than $100. There are others with marginally better performance, but you have to pay a lot more.

 

i run a s&s super b on my 78..and get 50mpg

 

You can still get a Bendix (new) with the adjustable main and that would be direct replacement without any additional messing around.

 

I believe a brand spankin new bendix-zenith can be had for a bout $175 through various sources. I kinda like mine(old rebuilt one) because that's what came on the bike. Dennis kirk has a conversion kit for a vm-38 for around 3 bills, and I understand the harley cv's are a great bargain.

 

I run a bendix on my 78 with adjustable primary and secondary jets and its seems to run great. Its simple and easy to tune.

 

thats my vote also....................

 

i will second the cv set up

 

I run a Bendix with an adjustable main jet on my 77 XLH for 30 years
and have been happy with the performance they're easy to rebuild I keep an extra on hand you can pick them up used cheap.

 

Mikuni VM38-9. Configured by Jerry Branch specifically for IronHead Sportsters. Install and go straight out of the box. Never any tuneup, jetting, etc needed ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Miku...BYTdql&vxp=mtr