www.goodfellasmotorco.com/tacoma-used-cars-tacoma/detail/Used-1985-Harley-Davidson-Xlh-1000-Sportster/879/1HD1CAH18FY114092


Gents,

I've always wanted an Ironhead sportster. Found one in my area, the shop wants $2900. I think I could get him down to about $2400-2500. It's been on the lot for awhile. I don't know a whole lot about Ironheads, or even older motorcycles in general. What do you guys think? Do these have any notorious issues? Last thing I want is another money pit.

Anyone that knows Ironheads in the Seattle-Tacoma area want to take a look at it with me? Beers and lunch is on me.

-Ben

 

they are fun if you want something to throw around town but not much on long rides. It looks somewhat stock and has stock exhausts, may need some paint but you could do a lot with it if you wanted. I would think closer to $2400 if you can, I bought a basket case 76 for $1200 a few years ago and had a friend buy an 81 fully restored for $3100 so you can figure from there. These are east coast prices I'm quoting now. Hey, if it runs good and you like it and you know its something to play with then go for it. Don't think you can make any money on it.

 

I like those old IH Sportsters. But like Retirementtoy says, they're really best at short hop around town rides. This is partly because they're known for running hot. But hey, you're in the Pac North West, so it might not matter that much. Meanwhile, If you really like it then I'd throw a $2200 offer their way and see what happens. If the lot doesn't accept the offer right away, then just wait for a while. As a former car and motorcycle sales lot employee, I can tell you that a slow sales day might just have them giving you call.

 

I like pre-evo HD's as well but I'd only own one as a secondary bike. I've limited free time and I'd prefer to spend that time riding not wrenching.

It's not so much what's famously wrong with a model,...it's they're really friggen old and something is always needing attention. You fix a leak, ride, replace a fouled plug, ride, clutch cable snaps, ride, exhaust falls off, ride, brake light stops working, ride, replace points, ride, choke lever falls off, ride,.....you catching my drift?

Some people enjoy the work.

 

Looks to still be fairly stock, which is good. Has a different carb, exhaust, seat, gas tank, and some other do-dads, but not bad. The only knock on the '85 models is the bearing that supports the clutch and alternator. I have an '83 that has about 51,000 miles on it and it's been very dependable.

 

Just like any old Harley...be prepared to turn a wrench. If you're not into that kind of stuff, I'd look for something newer. **** will break on a regular basis. I'm not saying every time you take it out but be prepared to fix something every couple of months. Also depends on how much you're actually riding. I commute on it everyday so it gets its miles.

 

Take it from an Ironhead owner, if you like wrenching as much or more than riding, if you're prepared for the transmission to blow, if you like riding in shake-rattle-and-roll fashion, the Ironhead is a great bar hopper. Beyond that, they are simply are temperamental romantic relics from another time when "Then Came Bronson" was on TV.

 

In my area, if in excellent condition, retail is $2,840 - trade in less than $2,100. I would guess fair price to be around $2,450 but not what they're asking. There are many, many newer models for sale for less around here, especially after riding season.

 

I bought a new Super Glide back in 1974 and so wanted a Sporty as a stable mate, but just couldn't get to love one, no matter how I tried. If you are able to test ride it do so, simply to get an impression of what it is like to ride. Plenty of them were sold new back when they being made, so you won't be alone if you fall in love with it!

 

Perfect...I wouldn't want my bike any other way.