Newbie Question
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3
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From:
Newbie Question
Hello all! I am looking at purchasing my first Harley, albeit a used one, and was wondering what your thoughts on the late 70's early 80's sportsters were and if they are reliable. I understand AMF had ownership then and there were some quality issues. I am looking at that range of years due due budgetary issues, and my young age. Thanks for your input in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Newbie Question
Don't have much experience with the older HD's I was riding Hondas back then. Some of the other members will be able to help you out a little bit. A lot will depend on your ablity to wrench, time, and budget of course.
Hope you find what you want, good luck with your search. In the meantime you should find lots of help here...
Mac
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Epsom NH
RE: Newbie Question
Stay away, i repeat stay away from 78-80 Sportsters. Earlier 70 Ironhead Sportsters are o.k. I work in a motorcycle shop and I see a lot of ironhead sportsters. You can do a lot to and old ironhead, as i have see some killer ones, but from 78-80 Harley just took parts that were sitting on thier shelves in a stockroom some where and threw them on ironhead sportsters. This makes finding parts that fit them very hard and fustrating. Like i said, earlier ironheads are good, but stay away from 78-80. Hope this helps! 
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg Florida
RE: Newbie Question
I have a '75 and it runs great. I think the best years are probably '72-'77. If you are not used to a right side shift, then I recommend a mid '75 - '77 model as 1975 was that last year of the right side shift. I would definately get one fitted with an electric leg in addition the the kick- start.
An XLCH of that era in average running condition should cost around $3500 - $4500. If it is in excellent shape $4500- $5500. $6000 would probably be the most I would pay if it is an exceptional bike in with upgraded ignition, brakes, charging systems etc and looks like it could win a trophy in a show.
Be prepared to do your routine maintence (oil changes, filters, sparkplugs, chain tension etc) because if you treat it like a newer Evolution which does not require as much to maintain, you will have problems. If you stay on top of your routine maintence, you should have no problems.
Good Luck!
An XLCH of that era in average running condition should cost around $3500 - $4500. If it is in excellent shape $4500- $5500. $6000 would probably be the most I would pay if it is an exceptional bike in with upgraded ignition, brakes, charging systems etc and looks like it could win a trophy in a show.
Be prepared to do your routine maintence (oil changes, filters, sparkplugs, chain tension etc) because if you treat it like a newer Evolution which does not require as much to maintain, you will have problems. If you stay on top of your routine maintence, you should have no problems.
Good Luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
RE: Newbie Question
Howdy, welcome to the forum. About the issues of Sportys I can't help you any but I hope that you are able to get your questions answered and are able to get that Sporty that you want. Good luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: Newbie Question
Welcome to the forum! Not much I can help you with on the question of which year to get, but I can tell you they are a blast to ride!
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RE: Newbie Question
Patrick [sm=welcomesign.gif]
If you are a really good mechanic and don't mind going to swapmeets for parts you might be OK. If you can squeeze out enough money to by an 86 or newer you would be much better off.
If you have to buy an older one make sure you know it's history. Get a service manual and have a ball.
Remember, The worst day on a harley is better than the best day in a car!
Terry
If you are a really good mechanic and don't mind going to swapmeets for parts you might be OK. If you can squeeze out enough money to by an 86 or newer you would be much better off.
If you have to buy an older one make sure you know it's history. Get a service manual and have a ball.
Remember, The worst day on a harley is better than the best day in a car!
Terry
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