77 Ironhead: Any problems?
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2016
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From: North Alabama
77 Ironhead: Any problems?
Hey guys, I'm looking into buying a very nice custom 77 Ironhead from a gentleman. It's a complete bike and has all sorts of new parts for 4500. It's styled slightly like a 70's chopper and is in really good shape. Motor has 400 miles on it since it's been rebuilt and it looks to be rebuilt very nicely. It's either this or have a shop in Houston build me a bike for the same price out of a Honda VLX 600.
My question is; are there any problems with the 77 Ironhead motors that I should know about? I watched the 21 Days In The Sky documentary on Netflix and a gentleman on it had a 77 Ironhead chopper and he didn't seem to have too many troubles other than what comes with maintenancing an old bike. My concern is buying this bike and it end up having problems when I could have had a bike built brand new for me with zero problems. I've already had the headache of buying a chopper from Wayne county TN, and as you could guess, it fell apart on me while riding. I want to go into this 77 with as much knowledge as possible. Any knowledge would be appreciated.
My question is; are there any problems with the 77 Ironhead motors that I should know about? I watched the 21 Days In The Sky documentary on Netflix and a gentleman on it had a 77 Ironhead chopper and he didn't seem to have too many troubles other than what comes with maintenancing an old bike. My concern is buying this bike and it end up having problems when I could have had a bike built brand new for me with zero problems. I've already had the headache of buying a chopper from Wayne county TN, and as you could guess, it fell apart on me while riding. I want to go into this 77 with as much knowledge as possible. Any knowledge would be appreciated.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
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From: A barrier island in NJ
As an owner of a '77 XLCH I would be cautious. The '77 does not share a lot of parts with other year Sportsters (not as bad as the '79), and has an inherently flawed transmission known for blowing out the bottom crank case. Also, the Ironheads are notorious for leaking oil. If you're looking for dependable, trouble-free operation, the '77 Ironhead is not for you. If you're looking for a bar hopper that demands some frequent maintenance and you enjoy working on your bike, there's nothing like an Ironhead!
You might want to take a gander over on the XLForum for more insight: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/modules/Jig/index.php
Good luck with whatever you decide.
You might want to take a gander over on the XLForum for more insight: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/modules/Jig/index.php
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Last edited by Thumper26; Jun 22, 2016 at 06:23 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
It's a forty year old bike that has been modified along the way. If you are handy and enjoy getting involved with maintenance and upkeep, you may be fine, but it is well worth taking a step backwards and asking what you want of a bike, before making a decision. Check the dates on the tyres, which is a quick way of seeing what you may be letting yourself into. If they are recent and in good shape you can be more confident of it than if they are 6 years or more old, which suggests neglect.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 841
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From: Yakima
I heard that ironheads have head gasket issues.
If I were to buy it I would use it as a "bar hopper" or take it to local bike nights. I'd have something else in the garage a little more reliable too.
If I were to buy it I would use it as a "bar hopper" or take it to local bike nights. I'd have something else in the garage a little more reliable too.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Friend of mine bought a 1977 XLCR some time in the early '80s IIRC. Looked the bees knees, but really was an awful thing to ride. We took the timer cover off to check the points and found a note inside, presumably from a frustrated mechanic and directed at a PO: "If you didn't f@#k about with the f@#k*r the f@#k*r wouldn't f@#k you about". Just thought I would share that!
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Stage II
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Friend of mine bought a 1977 XLCR some time in the early '80s IIRC. Looked the bees knees, but really was an awful thing to ride. We took the timer cover off to check the points and found a note inside, presumably from a frustrated mechanic and directed at a PO: "If you didn't f@#k about with the f@#k*r the f@#k*r wouldn't f@#k you about". Just thought I would share that!
thats great !! lolol
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