Let's talk... Ironhead Sportsters
The ole Iron Head, the best sounding Harley ever made. The ominous potato...potato...potato belching forcibly from the chrome shorty's accompany with a small wisps of blue smoke. Get the points set right and the carb dialed in, and they run and sound great. The XL models 1957-85 had the overhead valves, cast iron heads, there were some “hot” models thrown in with the mix.
Have mine for about dozen years or more, doesn't get out as much since I upgraded to a larger newer bike. So I will enlighten you with a few tidbits I have encounter over the years with the sporty.
My gas tank only holds about two gallons of gas, which makes the journey about 60-70 miles on a good clear windless days. Riding with a group of people makes you the most unpopular one in the posse, repeat gas station refills. Sustained highway speeds are not enjoyable feet and fingers start to feel numb, 60 mph is tops, the extra gear much needed. The engine wins over the brakes, the rear brakes shoes are always oil soak, front brakes drums (if you have them) are twitchy, they like to really catch hold and then they just let go, and catch again with much greater force.....front disc much improvement. Always with points you have to carry a set and spark plugs and tools, to change out. I have the “buck-horn” type handle bars which only encourages the feel of the bike in a disastrous way. You sit on top of the bike, the small front tire and steering rake makes the bike way over sensitive, you have to be on top of your game to make last minute life saving decisions. Being in the tall bracket the foot pegs are right under my hips making you sit in a hunch over position. Forward controls are a must if you going to live with the bike. Kickers are manly, but a few beers later not so much...get the electric cunt button, better yet get a kicker with the electric start.....have both. Just to let you know the newer the bike is the better the refinements are, engine, brakes, and steering.
My thoughts, the (old) iron head would not make a good first bike, as others have stated. Start with a dual purpose bike, and learn your limits, practice your skids. Better to show up at the DMV with a cute little bike and then a rip snorting sporty. Good luck with your bike, safe journeys......
The ole Iron Head, the best sounding Harley ever made. The ominous potato...potato...potato belching forcibly from the chrome shorty's accompany with a small wisps of blue smoke. Get the points set right and the carb dialed in, and they run and sound great. The XL models 1957-85 had the overhead valves, cast iron heads, there were some “hot” models thrown in with the mix.
Have mine for about dozen years or more, doesn't get out as much since I upgraded to a larger newer bike. So I will enlighten you with a few tidbits I have encounter over the years with the sporty.
My gas tank only holds about two gallons of gas, which makes the journey about 60-70 miles on a good clear windless days. Riding with a group of people makes you the most unpopular one in the posse, repeat gas station refills. Sustained highway speeds are not enjoyable feet and fingers start to feel numb, 60 mph is tops, the extra gear much needed. The engine wins over the brakes, the rear brakes shoes are always oil soak, front brakes drums (if you have them) are twitchy, they like to really catch hold and then they just let go, and catch again with much greater force.....front disc much improvement. Always with points you have to carry a set and spark plugs and tools, to change out. I have the “buck-horn” type handle bars which only encourages the feel of the bike in a disastrous way. You sit on top of the bike, the small front tire and steering rake makes the bike way over sensitive, you have to be on top of your game to make last minute life saving decisions. Being in the tall bracket the foot pegs are right under my hips making you sit in a hunch over position. Forward controls are a must if you going to live with the bike. Kickers are manly, but a few beers later not so much...get the electric cunt button, better yet get a kicker with the electric start.....have both. Just to let you know the newer the bike is the better the refinements are, engine, brakes, and steering.
My thoughts, the (old) iron head would not make a good first bike, as others have stated. Start with a dual purpose bike, and learn your limits, practice your skids. Better to show up at the DMV with a cute little bike and then a rip snorting sporty. Good luck with your bike, safe journeys......
