View Poll Results: Which one?
Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll
I seriously cannot decide between doing a 1250 conversion or buying a '79 Ironhead
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Well, more power to you to if you want to do it. I guess a lot of us like madnss and me see people get way in over their heads.
I can say, expect to drop double the asking price over the next year or so just on fixes. That goes for anything historical (25+ years old).
Edit: Just noticed from the pics, but are you sure that is a '79 Ironhead?? It doesn't have the curved fender struts or the oddly place rear master cylinder. Those parts can definitely be changed (to make things a lot easier). It's just atypical for that.
I can say, expect to drop double the asking price over the next year or so just on fixes. That goes for anything historical (25+ years old).
Edit: Just noticed from the pics, but are you sure that is a '79 Ironhead?? It doesn't have the curved fender struts or the oddly place rear master cylinder. Those parts can definitely be changed (to make things a lot easier). It's just atypical for that.
.
.
.
I just did a quick Google search and you seem to have a good eye. The rear fender and struts don't seem to be original to that bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
I've been looking for an Ironhead for 3 years now. It's hard to find one that wasn't molested or messed with beyond repair. I would never buy a '79 for a lot of reasons, mostly because of the oddities I mentioned before.
And yeah, I'm just always skeptical about that stuff. The VIN match for a '79? Really, that's all you need.
And yeah, I'm just always skeptical about that stuff. The VIN match for a '79? Really, that's all you need.
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I've been looking for an Ironhead for 3 years now. It's hard to find one that wasn't molested or messed with beyond repair. I would never buy a '79 for a lot of reasons, mostly because of the oddities I mentioned before.
And yeah, I'm just always skeptical about that stuff. The VIN match for a '79? Really, that's all you need.
And yeah, I'm just always skeptical about that stuff. The VIN match for a '79? Really, that's all you need.
This '79 is numbers matching also. It runs and sounds solid. Of course, from what I've read around, Ironheads need top end work every 25k miles or so. I forget what the mileage is on this '79. Plus it is an AMF era bike. Which isn't an immediate turnoff. I'm not sure if I'd want an '82 or '83 Ironhead. They look too similar to the early Evo bikes even though they might be mechanically better than the mid to late 70s Sportsters.
I'm still kicking around my decision. I'll have to decide tomorrow because the Hammer deal ends tomorrow.
Thanks guys.
Keep voting!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,777
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
Are you sure that it does not have mechanical brakes..................looks like a mech lever on the rear hub to me but I could be wrong.
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Your eyes are correct. They're rear mechanical drums. There is no rear master cylinder. Just follow the rear brake line from the pedal to the top of the drum.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
One of my points. The '79 came stock with a hydraulic rear brake. One of the first rear disc brake Sporties.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,777
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
You asked our opinions so I will say mine. A 79' is the least desirable of all Sporties and this particular one looks to be all kinds of jury rigged. I would seek out a better Ironhead myself.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The 1250 kit is a reasonable price for a solid gain in performance. The Iron would be a continual money pit. The reason HD went from the iron head to the EVO2 motor was that with increasing power and higher speeds the iron head could not dissipate heat fast enough. It became a "hot" head.
Wait!!! Do over! Once I saw the pic of the bike, I can see your desire. No need to change anything on it. Just the maintenance that you already know about. Go get that bike. Hurry!
However, if you do go for the 1250 kit consider changing the front sprocket from the 34 tooth to a 36 or 38. The XL1200 comes with the 38 tooth sprocket. Some think that it is a little tall so a 36 might be best.
Wait!!! Do over! Once I saw the pic of the bike, I can see your desire. No need to change anything on it. Just the maintenance that you already know about. Go get that bike. Hurry!
However, if you do go for the 1250 kit consider changing the front sprocket from the 34 tooth to a 36 or 38. The XL1200 comes with the 38 tooth sprocket. Some think that it is a little tall so a 36 might be best.
Last edited by lh4x4; Dec 1, 2013 at 07:26 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
