79 Ironhead - Harley Forum

cb1911 · #1 05-01-2009, 12:59 PM

Hey guys, new here. I came across a "deal" on a 79 ironhead sportster. Tell me what you think. New tank,paint,apes,wiring,starter,cables,seat,ect. I think it might even have new tires. Heres the story. Says he had it in a shop being rebuilt and ran out of money. The bike is complete but the motor is just put together hand tight and needs all new seals. Says it even has new pistons in it. I dont know much about these old bikes but I am a mechanic. Thoughts? How hard is it to find parts? I found a complete seal kit online for $83. Thanks in advance for your time. CB.

cb1911 · #2 05-01-2009, 01:00 PM

$2000 asking price. Sorry got in a hurry.

aceharleywrench · #3 05-01-2009, 03:24 PM

I'd approach with caution,the "motor is together hand tight" sounds pretty fishy.The 79 is a weird year,one off pipes.oil tank,etc,not really H-Ds finest effort.

cb1911 · #4 05-01-2009, 05:52 PM

I noticed alot of one off parts specific to 79 when doing searches on the internet. What about the engine? If everything else is good to go, is an ironhead an ironhead pretty much, regardless of year? Or will that be specific also? Thanks for your help. I need it!

aceharleywrench · #5 05-01-2009, 06:03 PM

The engine is not unique & parts are readily available

cb1911 · #6 05-01-2009, 06:08 PM

Thanks for the info.

street bob · #7 05-01-2009, 08:16 PM

I think the frame is a 79' specific as well!!!
I'd be cautious as was stated.
2000.00 is an OK price, not great.
I had an iron head and totally loved that bike.
Just something about those old ironheads that create that early Harley ball busting bike.
If you want a bike to play with, go for it. If its going to be an every day rider... be careful, its a bike you need to wrench on often, but again, loads of fun.

1haugster1340 · #8 05-03-2009, 09:04 AM

In my opinion this is the single worst bike the MoCo ever produced followed closely by the 1980 & 1981 Sporty. Look on craigslist.org and you should be able to find complete running Ironhead Sporty for $2000 or not much more. I have seen Evo Sportys for $3000 and these are much better machines than the Ironhead. I have seen Big Twin Shovels and Evo FXR models as low as $4000 on craigslist. Only check out bikes that are close enough to you so you can see them person to avoid being scammed. Just me 2 cents.