Newbie question
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Newbie question
Hey guys, I know I'm supposed to post in the new members forum, but I don't own a Harley yet so I didn't know what to write. I live in Maine and I am currently in search for an ironhead. I have been reading through the forum and learning all that I can about the bikes themselves. I am fairly mechanically inclined and I am looking forward to finding a bike and learning the ins and outs.
My question has to do with a 73 ironhead that I am thinking about looking at. It is in fairly good shape, no major problems that he has told me about. I am thinking about taking a look at it this weekend. I just found out that the guy has no title for the bike, only an old registration. In Maine you don't need a title to register a bike that old. I think I could get the bike for $2000 and from what I have seen that is pretty good for a running ironhead. I guess I am wondering what you guys think and if I should just stay away from it since it doesn't have a title. Thanks in advance for your help.
My question has to do with a 73 ironhead that I am thinking about looking at. It is in fairly good shape, no major problems that he has told me about. I am thinking about taking a look at it this weekend. I just found out that the guy has no title for the bike, only an old registration. In Maine you don't need a title to register a bike that old. I think I could get the bike for $2000 and from what I have seen that is pretty good for a running ironhead. I guess I am wondering what you guys think and if I should just stay away from it since it doesn't have a title. Thanks in advance for your help.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
From: West Michigan
Depending on why there is no title, that doesn't sound like a big deal. You may already know but the '73 Sporty shifts on the right side and brake is on the left. Harley changed the shifter on the Sporties over to the left side in '75 when the feds mandated it. The only Sporty that most will say to stay away from is the '79, not a bad bike, just a one year only bike, although it did share many parts with the '77 Cafe racer (XLCR).
If it's what you want.........go for it, not a bad price.
If it's what you want.........go for it, not a bad price.
The single most important thing to look for when buying a used Harley Davidson motorcycle is matching numbers on the engine and frame, and a valid title document. In some states you may be able to get away with a receipt or some other document, but in many states you will lose the bike on the spot without a valid title.
The only exception is the engine VIN which did not exist on pre-1970 motorcycles.
The only exception is the engine VIN which did not exist on pre-1970 motorcycles.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
The single most important thing to look for when buying a used Harley Davidson motorcycle is matching numbers on the engine and frame, and a valid title document. In some states you may be able to get away with a receipt or some other document, but in many states you will lose the bike on the spot without a valid title.
The only exception is the engine VIN which did not exist on pre-1970 motorcycles.
The only exception is the engine VIN which did not exist on pre-1970 motorcycles.
Other exception is year 1979 various harley models were wrongly stamped in factory. Beging of year 1979 until February engines were stamped "wrong", engine has 10 numbers "enginenumber" and in same bike, frame there is normal VIN numbers according "specs". Factory has identify those from VIN # xx43000H9 to VIN # xx48199H9 engine has numbered with "enginenumber".
Last edited by sepixlh; Feb 10, 2011 at 12:22 AM.
... Other exception is year 1979 various harley models were wrongly stamped in factory. Beging of year 1979 until February engines were stamped "wrong", engine has 10 numbers "enginenumber" and in same bike, frame there is normal VIN numbers according "specs". Factory has identify those from VIN # xx43000H9 to VIN # xx48199H9 engine has numbered with "enginenumber".
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
I think it was Factory Service Bulletin...I need to check source
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Engine Numbers
If a discrepancy took place on the numbers, would that not make those bikes extra collector desireble??
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,134
Likes: 146
From: texas
why is there no title? if it was in his name and he lost it he can easily get another.if it never was in his name then i would wonder if its stolen?i would run the info with the cops to make sure.also go by the registration place and do a check there on the last titled owner--there may be a lien against the bike.------i wouldnt run away from this bike just yet but you should do a little research(all easy) to see what you are getting into and then go from there.---------i would imagine that this guy knows he is gonna take a hit because he doesnt have his paperwork in order.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
From: West Michigan
The single most important thing to look for when buying a used Harley Davidson motorcycle is matching numbers on the engine and frame, and a valid title document. In some states you may be able to get away with a receipt or some other document, but in many states you will lose the bike on the spot without a valid title.
The only exception is the engine VIN which did not exist on pre-1970 motorcycles.
The only exception is the engine VIN which did not exist on pre-1970 motorcycles.