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I have been hunting around for an Ironhead, and wanted a 74-and-earlier for the R/H shift but cant find one I can afford (transport makes a lot of bikes unaffordable right now especially).
I would greatly appreciate hearing from experienced Ironhead enthusiasts about the 79 XLH 1000 engine and tranny versus other Ironhead years. Durability relative to other 70s or early 80s models, any weird quirks unique to the 79 that need to be addressed, etc., would all be really helpful.
One thing in particularin addition to whatever else you think I should know about the 79is to what extent Harley had worked out the L/H shift by this year. Was it all ironed out?
Hi NM Pan-shovel,
Please take the time to search the web with a question like this one:
"Harley Sportster 1979 advantages and disadvantages ?"
Alongside the responses from the respective AI, a host of links and pointers appear, all of which
are certainly helpful.
I tried this out yesterday for the 1979 Sportster, and everything was very informative.
An old buddy of mine here in Germany is also looking for a Sporty from the same model years, but
unfortunately, he hasn't found one yet...
I had one as my first bike, bought with my brother and father. It was and is considered a bitch year, first and only year for lots of parts like the clutch hub. Bike had low miles and was basically stock when we got it. I had electric and kicker and still the dam thing would not start half the time. The other times it did start the new rear disc brake would over heat and lock up. Bike was a real handful.
When I bought the bike it was only 8 years old and going to the dealership was a viable option. The guys at NYC HD knew me and would just laugh when I walked in because they knew what i had bought. 1979 the worst, 1980 similar problems but a little better sorted, 1981 they have the triangle frame worked out. I would recommend staying away form 1979 and 1980. Before and after are all good for what they are. Maybe if I owned the bike now with more knowledge and a bigger wallet I could get her sorted a little better, but I doubt it. Part sourcing will be a thing for sure, Good luck.
All her glory in Queens NY about 1989 maybe 1990. My brother's new to him Shovelhead cropped out.
I have Nothing against the 1979, except the Brake MC location and the Exhaust (which I personally Like) being One Off.
The Tranny was addressed for 1977, (in My experience, the tranny did not change appreciably, till the 5-Speed) also the first year of Natural left shift, and mini-sump, with New, (preferred) Oil Pump.
If ya gotta have a 4-speed ... I much prefer the 1977+.
Beautifully written, well illustrated, worth reading.
I was never really a Sportster fan; personally, it were always the Big Twins for me.
The reasons are manifold, though, as is almost always the case, that is a completely different
topic...
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1979 XLH 1000 - a good year?
