Prices of Sportys - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 06-09-2007, 09:39 AM

I was at the AMC meet in Rhineback, NY yesterday and was blown away by how cheap used Sportsters are. I saw a stunning white ironhead with fresh paint, new tires, completely rebuilt engine. The bike looked great.

They were asking $4,000 or best offer, and tht was on the first day. If it doesn't sell, I can only guess what they might sell it for on Sunday when the event is over.

#2 06-11-2007, 08:43 AM

Yea Buzz I see that all the time. Looked at a 76 XLH the other day that was in our local paper for $2800. Needed a little work but it was #'s matching and fairly clean. I think the issue with the ironheads is that they are a bit fussy compared to the new bikes and the guys don't know how or don't want to work on them. Personally I like the ole' knee busters myself, XLCH. Had the one for 2800 been a CH I'd have bought it.

#3 06-11-2007, 10:58 AM

My local H-D dealer says that with the big increase in women riders the last few years, of which many bought Sportsters, They are now trading them in on bigger bikes. This means there is a big increase in used Sportsters on the market. Soulman is probably correct on the older bikes.

#4 06-11-2007, 01:37 PM

I think you're right on the Ironheads. I love mine, but when building for performance the Evo Sporties are less fussy. Those aluminum cylinders get rid of heat a lot faster than iron. Good cams, heads, pistons, exhaust systems are much more plentiful for the newer bikes.

Ding. · #5 06-11-2007, 09:51 PM

Soulman
What is the difference between the XLCH and the XLH? I've actually jumped the gun by listing the 72 XL in my signature because I haven't picked it up yet. The guy I am getting it from had it customized but doesn't know alot about it's history, I think it was a basketcase at one time. He hasn't been able to tell which it is. Can you guys help this Ironhead newbie out?
Ding.

#6 06-12-2007, 09:12 AM

Hey Ding,
The differences are subtle to the untrained eye. The easiest way to tell is the XLCH came from the factory with only a kick start (the CH stood for Competition Hot). The XLH will have electric start only in most cases. The CH was trimmed down a bit, had hotter cams, higher compression (with a Kick Start!) and some came stock with aluminum rims instead of steel. The best way to tell is by the serial #. Pre 1970 it will actually have XLCH or XLH. For the 70's if your serial starts with 4A it is a CH and 3A is XLH. There may be some other starting #'s as they would designate police, XR, or other models. You can get a complete list on the net, I do not have mine here in front of me at present. Remember too that pre 1970 the title goes with the motor and that may be the only serial # present, after that, 70 and up, the title goes with the frame and they should both have the exact same #. Hope this helps you out.

Ding. · #7 06-12-2007, 10:42 AM

Helps a lot, thanks Soulman. Appreicate the help. Once I get her home I'm sure I will have more questions (and a sore knee)

Ding. · #8 06-12-2007, 11:08 AM

Soulman,
Just talked to him and it is an XLCH. Aluminum rims, kick only. Thanks for the info.

#9 06-12-2007, 12:38 PM

Congrats! You'll have fun with that bike. Let us know if you have any more questions.