if you're going to buy a kick start bike , learn the correct procedure for starting it BEFORE you go look at it . there's plenty of kickstart harley owners out there with a limp from easing up on the pedal at the wrong time and having it kick back . don't ask me about it though , all my bikes have had electric start

 

I served my time on Velocette singles, including a Venom Thruxton, which was an adequate introduction to buying a new FX1200. The FXE was extra, for what?!

 

Deleted - duplicate post!

 

Guys, thanks so much for your input. It has been a big help and great welcome to the site.

I bought the bike. I pick it up on Wednesday where I will be taking it immediately to a local INDIE mechanic for a thorough going over. Other than the weepy rear brake line and some cosmetic dings, I can't seem to find anything wrong with her.

As soon as my post count gets up, I will post the one picture I took of her.

I look forward to leaning on you guys for your knowledge and guidance.

Thanks again and safe riding!!

-Rob

 

I have a 74 ironhead 1000cc xlh just bought it on the weekend right side shift runs well rebuilt 4000 miles ago any idea of what carb is compatible with it? Lemme kno if u guys have an idea Thanks mike

 

Was the 79 the year AMF sold back to HD. and also they made changes to that year right before the sale which made that a one off year?

 

I bought a 1979 Sporty in 1983, and it was my first big Harley. I can tell you those old 1000cc sporty's ran very hard, but needed constant attention. Mine had exhaust that ran down each side and I changed that first. When that was done I had to change jets in the carb and eventually went to an S.S. intake/carb setup because it wouldn't run right. But once the S.S.combo was installed it ran like a raped ape. I also discovered through time that the valve lash needed to be readjusted every season. Sometimes two or three times. My experiances with that bike from a mechanical viewpoint were entirely negative. It sucked a valve twice, had constant trouble with a factory defect in second gear, needed generator work three times, and a whole lot of other stuff I can't remember. That bike kept me from buying another Harley for over 28 years. For a first bike I would not reccomend it. AMF made a bad name for Harley in my book. Also you will discover most other year sporty's parts won't fit, so swap meet parts will be few and far between. Good luck!

 

After a little research, it looks like out of the 11,000+ sportsters created in 1979, it looks like my model is only 1 of 141 made that year. Thoughts?

 

I had a 77 XLCH back in 1989. the ironhead sportsters have a hell of a amount of strong torque ,they can be a real tester of strenth when it comes to kicken them over,They can kickback like a ****. that year is limited for original parts.If you want to wrench more ,than the old Ironheads will keep you more than busy!The newer evos are a more dependable ride though!

 

Here are two pics of my "new" 1979 Sportster XLCH.