I am eyeballing a 69 Sportster in my local area. I would be basically restoring it. is ther any opinions on if its worth it? are parts reasonable, can I get engine /trans hard parts for example? any info appreciated.

 

Here is one resource for parts and information that may be helpful? http://www.easternmotorcycleparts.com/parts_index.html

You could restore it to match the bike on the 60's TV show "Then Came Bronson"

 

Hard to say since it's not in good shape. Getting most parts isn't too hard, though. No problem sourcing anything for my 72. Between places like JP Cycles and other online vendors, they make damn near everything.

 

Yeah I was just looking at it. I would definitely have to trailer it home. Transmission is apart. the bike doesnt look 100% stock, but thats ok. Not quite sure what to offer, it has a "reconstructed titile" It says XLCH in the triple trees. For some reason I am infatuated with it. Seems like a nice project, has right side shift, 900cc's four speed. Literally a basket case, I would have to figure out and find whats missing to get it running. I suppose if the price was right. I am thinking under a grand, maybe $850 is a reasonable offer?

 

I found a 1980 original XLH1000 Ironhead in great shape that had been in storage for some 30+ years and bought it for $800 + tax and license...Rebuilt the carb and replace all the worn stuff i.e. battery, tires, voltage regulator, oils/brake fluids/gas, etc. About 2 weeks ago, I sold it for $3,200 so about broke even.

A 69 is a lot more desirable than an 80 ironhead so I believe your thinking is about right. If you are not keeping it original, easy to find stuff.

When I bought it....


When I sold it...in good running condition

 

The thing with restoring anything that age is you will always end up with more into it than you can sell it for but that's not really the point anyway...it's a labor of love so if your in love just buy it and love it.
Between $500.00 and $750.00 would be a decent buy, again a few hundred one way or the other won't really matter in the end.
Can't wait to see the rebuild thread!!!

 

 

Im not quite sure what the R title means, for a car it means it was totaled then rebuilr or "reconstructed" with a bike, it may mean the vin on the frame dont match or something. It looks like a stock frame though.

 

That bike is in alot better shape. The 69 is a basket case. i am thinking parts are missing, the transmission is out of it etc. Its nice that you found an ironhead like that for less than a grand.

 

I just went on CL to make an offer, and it was gone. Either someone gave the guy what he wanted(was asking 1100) or he was insulted and pulled the bike down off the listings. I couldnt see offering $1100 for an R title basket case. It would make a nice RAT bike though .