IMHO that is just more BS coming from someone who may not like ironheads. I can get a bad transmission when I buy a Chevy, Ford, or Cady for that matter.
No, ironheads are not known for bad transmissions, shifter forks etc, etc. My old Sporty has 80000 plus miles on it that includes two total engine rebuilds in it's lifetime so far. The transmission has no rebuild and has never failed.
In addition, my ironhead experience goes back to 1957 and with the K models that proceeded the Sportsters. K's had the same gearbox and clutch as the Sportster since they were the Sporty's Grandfather. No problems with those either in my experience with them. This gearbox has been used since 1952.
Don't be deterred in your search for an ironhead. You will be riding something that is quite different when you pull up in that crowd of lookalike EVO's and Twin Cam 88's. In fact, you will find that most people will not even have an idea of what you are riding, other than saying it is an ironhead of some unknown vintage.
Harley dealers (around me anyway) will not work on ironheads. You know what, I bet the mechanics in these shops are not capable of working on them either. After all, most ironheads are older than the young mechanics who man the work benches with their electronic diagnostic equipment. Ha-Ha, they are not going to solve problems on an ironhead using those toys........pg

 

I agree all that piniongear Bensonjv you need to ask yourself: are you willing and capable to keep that ironhead up and running by yourself ?
If not do you know good mechanic who knows ironheads ? These aren't so complicated equipment and this forum is good help