New (to me) 1972 Sportster
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 868
Likes: 6
From: Kentucky
New (to me) 1972 Sportster
Hi,
I just purchased this 1972 Sportster and will pick it up on Sunday. Many years ago I rode a 1976 Sportster and have missed it. I know next to nothing about this bike I am purchasing and would like to learn as much as possible. I'm not very mechanically inclined, so I hope this wasn't a mistake. After reading over your posts it sounds like this could end up being a lot of work. Thankfully there is a manual included.
Here are some pics. Let me know if you have any comments or know anything about this bike that I need to know.
Thanks,
Barry
I just purchased this 1972 Sportster and will pick it up on Sunday. Many years ago I rode a 1976 Sportster and have missed it. I know next to nothing about this bike I am purchasing and would like to learn as much as possible. I'm not very mechanically inclined, so I hope this wasn't a mistake. After reading over your posts it sounds like this could end up being a lot of work. Thankfully there is a manual included.
Here are some pics. Let me know if you have any comments or know anything about this bike that I need to know.
Thanks,
Barry
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Florida
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
Nice find. It looks really clean. I can see the generator has the solid state regulator. That's a good thing. Get real freindly with the manual. Check every bearing and adjustment. Should be lots of fun.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 868
Likes: 6
From: Kentucky
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
Thanks. I paid $2,800 for it. I think it is a pretty good deal, but it's really hard to price these older bikes.
Here is part of the seller's ad:
My one fear is that the forward controls will be too far out for me. I'm only 5' 8" and the guy selling it is 6' 1". Unfortunately, he didn't keep the stock controls. I'm also hoping I can add a speedometer.
Barry
Here is part of the seller's ad:
Up for sale is a '72 H.D. Sportster. Bike has electric start and kick start. New battery this summer. The 1000 cc. motor runs strong and sounds good. I was told the motor runs a S&S Super "E" carb. I've replaced the gas tank, rear fender and forward controls in the past year. Wanted a larger capacity gas tank plus one that fit down on the frame better than the stock one. Aso replaced the rear fender to match the front one-cruiser style fenders. Also added a tombstone taillight. The tires are in good condition-the front is a Challenger 100\90-19 and the rear is a Continental Conti-Blitz 130/90-18. The front rim has a couple of small rust spots in the chrome. The chrome on the rear rim is kinda cloudy/hazy-but no rust. The bike has front and rear drum brakes. No speedometer, just a small electronic tachometer. It has an old chromed swingarm and has some pitting and flaking of the chrome. The paint is just plain satin black. Included is an extra oil tank and a solo seat. The bad: some oil leaks around the primary (usual) and the foot shifter needs adjustment.
Barry
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
if the controls are to far for you I'll gladly trade you I'm over 6' and I'm pretty cramped when I need my feet on the controls. I like the long rear fender too. Real nice Ironhead. Got any plans for it?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 868
Likes: 6
From: Kentucky
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
if the controls are to far for you I'll gladly trade you I'm over 6' and I'm pretty cramped when I need my feet on the controls.
I like the long rear fender too. Real nice Ironhead. Got any plans for it?
Barry
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
if it needs any carb work I would definately put a newer style stock CV on it if it doesn't have it already. I put it on mine and I haven't had any problems in over 10,000 miles. But I'm pretty sure no one rides their ironheads as many miles as me 
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
If you have any questions a few of us have had our Ironheads stripped down to the frame and the engines completely taken apart. Including me, piniongear, skjold, and probably a few more.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
ORIGINAL: tedali2004
Nice find. It looks really clean. I can see the generator has the solid state regulator. That's a good thing. Get real freindly with the manual. Check every bearing and adjustment. Should be lots of fun.
Nice find. It looks really clean. I can see the generator has the solid state regulator. That's a good thing. Get real freindly with the manual. Check every bearing and adjustment. Should be lots of fun.
Remember, the brakes are, shall we say, marginal.
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: New (to me) 1972 Sportster
If you're building a rider, and not trying to keep it original, adapt some disc brakes. If you want to keep the original drums, clean 'em up, check 'em for roundness, deglaze or replace the shoes. The front brake really isn't that bad if it's in good shape, but the rear is too small, IMHO. Heck, they were ridden for years with those brakes, so just take it easy on 'em and you'll do fine.,