AMF question
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: AMF question
AMF bought the MoCO in 1969, so the 1970 models were the first real AMFers. AMF sold the MoCO in 1981.
The tales of lousy reliability have a basis in fact, but are greatly exaggerated. My AMF '78 HD FLH was a completely reliable bike, going over 200,000 miles before I sold it in 1997(?). It is still on the road today. Any real problems with an AMF era bike have likely been well sorted out by now.
The tales of lousy reliability have a basis in fact, but are greatly exaggerated. My AMF '78 HD FLH was a completely reliable bike, going over 200,000 miles before I sold it in 1997(?). It is still on the road today. Any real problems with an AMF era bike have likely been well sorted out by now.
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RE: AMF question
thanks for the info. i'm looking at an 82 sportster 1000 for 3500 dollars. it is in my price range but don't know if it will be a reliable ride. the motor and trans were rebuilt 500 miles ago. i can work the bike myself although i have never owned a harley i have had other bikes all my life. I just dont want to be wrenching more than riding. any tips or things to look for when buying would be helpful.
thanks
tom
thanks
tom
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: AMF question
According to the Kelly Blue Book, that's a reasonable retail price. As far as reliability, just remember its an older Sporty, and will require more maintenance than a newer bike. More maintenance than riding? Not unless it is a lemon, or the rebuild job was a lousy one.
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RE: AMF question
Personally,I'd pass on it.
The only reason to buy an old Ironhead is because you just happen to want to mess with one.
You'll have fewer headaches with an Evolution-engined machine.Parts are easier to get,etc.etc.etc.And an older Evo one can be had for not much more money.
I may just be in a minority,but I also prefer to buy something that is stock,or very close to it.That bike is nowhere close.
The only reason to buy an old Ironhead is because you just happen to want to mess with one.
You'll have fewer headaches with an Evolution-engined machine.Parts are easier to get,etc.etc.etc.And an older Evo one can be had for not much more money.
I may just be in a minority,but I also prefer to buy something that is stock,or very close to it.That bike is nowhere close.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: AMF question
Rittman is near my old stomping grounds in Wayne County. While the bike isn't stock, it is a looker, but that means different things to different folks. If the engine and tranny rebuild are good, it'll run 25k -40k before needing a top end. Might go more than that with unleaded gas.
It's still an Ironhead with a 12v generator, solid lifters, and that translates to more maintenance. But it isn't an unreasonable amount, and since it has an electronic ignition, tune-ups will be a matter of adjusting the pushrod/lifter clearance. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
It's still an Ironhead with a 12v generator, solid lifters, and that translates to more maintenance. But it isn't an unreasonable amount, and since it has an electronic ignition, tune-ups will be a matter of adjusting the pushrod/lifter clearance. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
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RE: AMF question
Thanks alot!! I appreciate the comments keep them coming. I dont have alot of cash and tis seems like an inexpensive way to get going. If I do end having to put some money into it i wont feel so bad and shouldnt take too bad of a beating when i got to sell it. i vend sunglasses at alot of big rallies and its time to ride more. ditching the enduro for a sportster.
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RE: AMF question
seems like an ok deal to my i've put 250 miles on my 74 in the first 4 days i've had it and besides the battery and starter drive that i knew were shot when i bought it i haven't had to replace or fix anything
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RE: AMF question
Well I won the auction and ended up getting it for 3000! im going to pick it up saterday. thanks for all the info it helped alot. now im just crossing my fingers and hoping i didnt get skunked with lemon. This site kicks a$$ and youll be seeing alot more of me around here now.
Thanks Tom
Thanks Tom