Sounds good! I had a 1980 Sportster, sat 2 years , when I went overseas 2 years. Changed the Battery, cleaned the Mikuni carb. It fired right up! Good job on this!
I just fired up my 76 xlch after it sat in my shed for the last 10 yrs about a month ago. Only took about 5 kicks and it came to life! What a sweet sound they make!
Great video! I am an Aussie and have a 1984 ironhead, beautiful old girl, I've had her many years and before a bad illness would ride with my mates from here to Broken hill, that;s 900 km through the Australian outback. loved tp hear her start.
had a 79 sportster years ago. kind of a bastard year. master cylinder in the way of rear pipe.mine was a rat . when i tore it down for top end rebuild, had a 60 over piston in front and a 30 over in the rear. got it running pretty good. went to a 60 pan after it. shovel top end. ah the good old days! getting older now. cant get rid of the harley bug. keeps me up at night. just finished a UL build. only cause i never had a flathead. good luck on your projects and ride safe
Hey Dave, yeah the 79 has a few quirks to them that are alittle different. I've seen all kinds of funky stuff over the years. I mainly stick with Ironheads and Shovelheads but have a buddy with a flathead that's given me an itch for one of those too. Thanks for watching buddy and I appreciate your comment!
I have a 81 buried in my parents basement. Was my first street bike. Lot of fun. Learned alot, and made a bunch of noise.... 3rd gear rolling down a big hill in the city engine braking was awesome..
I ride a 73 Sporter it is a friend bike but he doesn't ride now Ben standing in shad for 20 yrs I put it back on the road and ride the shit out of it love it
l_t_d not sure if I will even get a response but here goes I just got handed down a 1975 Harley Davidson Ironhead unfortunately it has been sitting for about five years I've ridden many motorcycles but never owned a Harley what should I do for tune ups first on it last it was turned over was 2011
drain the gas if any out,flush it as best you can,put some fresh good gas in it see if it has sparkum! -oh,and check the oil out,probably needs changed,wouldn't hurt to check out the trans and primary oil too
Hey thanks buddy I'm stoked about it. I run into all kinds of characters and sticky situations dealing with these old bikes, always keeps it interesting! Thanks for watching!
Nice! I love the 79' Model Harleys. I had a Shovelhead Harley and never had a problem with it. People like to bad mouth them,But this shows they are strong engines.
Realy enjoyed it, my first harley was bought in 1984 it was a gray 1979 xlch I sure liked that bike still riding today and have had many different harleys I have enjoyed all of them but that first one will always be among the favorites
Thanks for putting this out Current project, 1977 sportster slow crank, cracked start solenoid, hoping that the slow crank is being caused by the solenoid. Wrench on.
Hope the hater was the first to see this light off. Can't begin to grasp where these people come off with this business. Great job getting her to light off and idle. Really thrilled for your success. Made my night.
Nice Job, she's a beauty. I recently bought a 79 Roadster I've reading and cruising the internet for info. In my searching I discovered that 2 front disc brakes are only on the 79 Roadster, not Sportster. There's other differences also, 2 inch longer front fork, no kick start option and a few other things I can't remember, so congrat's, you have a rarer bird than you thought. Been doing some stuff on mine and wouldn't mind comparing notes in the future.
I had a79 in 80 - it's the bastard year - almost no aftermarket parts fit. The battery is too small, and the electrinic regulator sucked too. After fixing those things, it did work ok, but the 57 - 78 frames were better. If you bought it right, you'll have fun on it but thefy are hard to sell. Have fun !
Yeah they've had that reputation, the 1 year sprocket cover and brake linkage is the big quirk. With the 80 cover and linkage it gives you alittle more flexibility. I agree there's a lot more 57-78 stuff for sure and typically what I look for in bikes. I still own this bike and a few more 79's since, I've kinda got soft spot for all Ironheads unfortunately, lol. Thanks for watching!
i have a bone stock 79 sportster kick and electric with original simese exhaust.it even has the original goodyear a/t tires.great bike you have there.thanks for shering
I don't know who got more excited you were me about that motorcycle starting. Sounds good so far brother. Won't be able to make it to the hill climbs I got family coming in do you enjoy yourself. Talk to you soon.
Yeah it's always exciting to fire them up for the first time, especially when it's that easy and so far so good! I kept an eye out for you at the hillclimbs, had a good time and got a pretty wild wreck I uploaded. Thanks for watching and we'll get together sometime!
I'll tell you what I think, I think it's awesome! I have an '01 solid mount evo sportster and it's great, but I would love to find an old ironhead like you have there! It looks like it will clean up real nice, too. I'm sure you'll have a blast with it, I know I would. Great find!
Ive done bikes all my life and have found that pieces about as big as a half dollar of a busted up grind stone work well in cleaning tanks.(also self tapping screws or lock washers will suffice)Sounds great!
Ironheads catch a lot of hate, but I've always liked them. My father in law inherited an 83 Ironhead from a friend that passed about 10 years ago. His widow actually let it sit for about 8 years before she gave it to him. That bike has seen a lot if miles.
Well the price was right and kinda thought to good to be true, then when he started jabbing I did start to wonder about it. The owner seemed like an honest guy so just hoped for the best and so far so good!
I really appreciate you watching and glad to hear I've got some long time followers. Trying to get back into uploading more and it feels good, thanks for watching!
That's excellent man I will have to wait till next month I have just spent a bunch of my money and have to wait for funds to come back in but I have a nice little list going thanks for any help I appreciate it I will keep in contact and you keep pumping out those awesome videos Man👍
I had a 75 xlh iron head for 20 years. best bike I ever owned. Times got tough I sold it for $1500 IT was bored 20 over and head shaved .10. S&S super B carb and stripped down to nothing but a head and tail light. Never let me down . Wouldnt charge the battery so I carried a charger with me. Drove her home with only 1st gear for 50 miles at night. Felt like I was sitting on a volcano.
I put to much oil back in it, the resevoir was empty and the engine had filled up. I drained what I could from the primary side but still had more than I thought was in it. Pretty common if they don't puke it out at start up after sitting so long. Thanks for watching!
@@jfrost77hd Yeah I've seen a few ways like diesel fuel and a handful of bolts and shake the hell out of it. Like you said a piece of chain. A pressure washer you got to be careful with that though certainly wouldn't want to blow a hole in the tank and then dry it out. A few shot's of methyl hydrate work. Stock Rock's
Had one just like it in 1984. Mine was xlch, but I added the electric start. I did like the new style kicker lever. I started with a totalled out bike went through the whole thing. I
Micheal Antisdel Very cool, yeah 79 was the last year for the XLCH. I've added starters to them and kickers to the XLH aswell, its nice to have both for sure. Thanks for watching!
yea many times guys like that [ I know a few]don't stay sober long enough ..m any never have the money to get the dream barn find toys like a old sporty.. great video
Looks like a mostly unmolested stock bike. Nice to find them like that. Ironheads seem to suffer a lot of abuse from ham fisted mechanics. I love my old '74 XLH. Good work getting her going.
Man that thing looks almost like my bike. Nice Ironhead bro! Hey bro I need some help or advice? I replaced the battery & the spark plugs,plug wires are good. It'll fire up every time but won't stay running? What could it be? Sylnoid,Starter,something electrical,my choke cable won't open?,something with the carb? I'd appreciate it or maybe we could go Live to show you or I can make a video? Thanks in advance if you help me?!
If it had a rod knock in the motor , then why did the other guy want it so bad...😅 Sounds good my friend. I have a 75 iron head sportster 1000. Has starter problems and the points need to be set and static timing done. She should fire right and run.
To treat a gas tank, remove the tank and pour a quarter to half a cup of engine oil in the tank,and swish it around,do that at the end of every riding season,and rust will never be a problem.later.
Hell yeah that's pretty cool I might be getting a 1979 ironhead sportster Do you know about the transmission problems because they told me when it was nuteral it would pop in to gear on its own
Never particularly had that transmission problem with any of them. Possibly clutch out of adjustment, primary chain tension or something with the pawl carrier I'd guess? Good luck to you and thanks for watching!
toastopia1 With the oil cap off you watch the flow of oil from the return line back into the oil tank to ensure the pump is pumping. Thanks for watching!
Lol, that's always one of them "Shut Er Down' moments if your not flowing. Then all the excitement goes down hill realizing you've probably going to pull the engine to get to it. Thanks for watching!
Great work man, thanks for taking the time to share! I'm heading out later this morning to look at a '76. Not exactly a barn find but she does need a bit of work (don't they all?). Hoping to convert it back to a right side shift and turn it into a fun little hooligan flat tracker. Thinking your eBay store will be atop my browser history! Do you know if all '76 models, (like the '75's) are linkage converted to left side shifts, or are later year '76 models true left side shift that cannot be converted? Thanks ...Rick
Always cool to hear a Harley start and run, your bike is no exception, sounded great
Sounds good! I had a 1980 Sportster, sat 2 years , when I went overseas 2 years. Changed the Battery, cleaned the Mikuni carb. It fired right up! Good job on this!
I just fired up my 76 xlch after it sat in my shed for the last 10 yrs about a month ago. Only took about 5 kicks and it came to life! What a sweet sound they make!
Great video! I am an Aussie and have a 1984 ironhead, beautiful old girl, I've had her many years and before a bad illness would ride with my mates from here to Broken hill, that;s 900 km through the Australian outback. loved tp hear her start.
I’m buying an 80% complete 1980 ironhead bobber project this Saturday. I’ll probably be watching a lot of your videos. I’m pumped!
Just wanted to let you know I appreciate your attitude so much I just bought one of your shirts. Very cool looking, I’m a Shovelhead nut anyway.
Hey thanks Rusty, I really appreciate the kind words, business and support! It's headed your way, thanks for watching aswell! 👍
had a 79 sportster years ago. kind of a bastard year. master cylinder in the way of rear pipe.mine was a rat . when i tore it down for top end rebuild, had a 60 over piston in front and a 30 over in the rear. got it running pretty good. went to a 60 pan after it. shovel top end. ah the good old days! getting older now. cant get rid of the harley bug. keeps me up at night. just finished a UL build. only cause i never had a flathead. good luck on your projects and ride safe
Hey Dave, yeah the 79 has a few quirks to them that are alittle different. I've seen all kinds of funky stuff over the years. I mainly stick with Ironheads and Shovelheads but have a buddy with a flathead that's given me an itch for one of those too. Thanks for watching buddy and I appreciate your comment!
Wow that sounds really good... Thumptey Thump Thump...Old School
Great video I like seeing the old iron come back to life
I have a 81 buried in my parents basement. Was my first street bike. Lot of fun. Learned alot, and made a bunch of noise.... 3rd gear rolling down a big hill in the city engine braking was awesome..
Great video and this mechanic of 30 years is impressed with this garage mechanic.Cool as shit.
Hey Ted thanks I appreciate that! I really do enjoy wrenching and bringing these old bikes back to life, thanks for watching!
I ride a 73 Sporter it is a friend bike but he doesn't ride now Ben standing in shad for 20 yrs I put it back on the road and ride the shit out of it love it
Welcome to the'79 Only ' club- I rode one for 16 yrs, definitely a learning experience,lots of odd stuff on those
Drive it buy that guys house now 5 or 6 times....lol
Make sure that place is always on the way to where you go 😎
l_t_d not sure if I will even get a response but here goes I just got handed down a 1975 Harley Davidson Ironhead unfortunately it has been sitting for about five years I've ridden many motorcycles but never owned a Harley what should I do for tune ups first on it last it was turned over was 2011
drain the gas if any out,flush it as best you can,put some fresh good gas in it see if it has sparkum! -oh,and check the oil out,probably needs changed,wouldn't hurt to check out the trans and primary oil too
5 or 6 times.....a day.....
Hell yes..lmao
Sweet sounds man! Glad this one worked out for you with all the negativity thrown your way from that other guy. Sounds awesome!!
Hey thanks buddy I'm stoked about it. I run into all kinds of characters and sticky situations dealing with these old bikes, always keeps it interesting! Thanks for watching!
Beautiful bike,those bikes were rolling works of art!
sounds great ! the guy with the attitude was trying to scare you off!
Amf built some beautiful bikes around this time,the late seventies, I know because I helped style that 1979 xlh hugger sportster.
Awesome. But, it's an XLS.
?
Sounds awesome and those Sporters ran great back then.I remember the bike being heavy.
NICE FIND❗Engine sounds beautiful💙
sounds great brother you did well.
Nice! I love the 79' Model Harleys.
I had a Shovelhead Harley and never had a problem with it. People like to bad mouth them,But this shows they are strong engines.
Realy enjoyed it, my first harley was bought in 1984 it was a gray 1979 xlch I sure liked that bike still riding today and have had many different harleys I have enjoyed all of them but that first one will always be among the favorites
Good luck with that sweet old iron head.
My 2nd Sled growing up..........83 Ironhead. Roadster 1000cc.....Loved that Bike......
As a 25 year Harley tech, I can tell when the guy I'm listening to knows his shit. This guy does. Good job.
Thanks for putting this out
Current project, 1977 sportster slow crank, cracked start solenoid, hoping that the slow crank is being caused by the solenoid.
Wrench on.
Very cool! Love to hear that old iron fire.
Hope the hater was the first to see this light off. Can't begin to grasp where these people come off with this business. Great job getting her to light off and idle. Really thrilled for your success. Made my night.
That sounds like something I'd say if I was pissed off. LOL.
Yea!!!!!! Sounded awesome !!! Excellent work brother
Great job mate ! Hope she runs well for ya.
Nice Job, she's a beauty. I recently bought a 79 Roadster I've reading and cruising the internet for info. In my searching I discovered that 2 front disc brakes are only on the 79 Roadster, not Sportster. There's other differences also, 2 inch longer front fork, no kick start option and a few other things I can't remember, so congrat's, you have a rarer bird than you thought. Been doing some stuff on mine and wouldn't mind comparing notes in the future.
love it! I'm going to look at a 82 tomorrow!
I always liked the video when there's a good starting.. to the ending 👍👍
Well done man! Enjoyed watching you "breathe" new life into that baby! Enjoy!
love your videos and knowledge on these old school bikes . My '72 XLH 1000 has benefitted quite a bit from watching your stuff .
Joe Campbell Hey Joe, glad you enjoy the videos and happy to hear your keeping another Ironhead running. Thanks for watching!
I had a79 in 80 - it's the bastard year - almost no aftermarket parts fit. The battery is too small, and the electrinic regulator sucked too. After fixing those things, it did work ok, but the 57 - 78 frames were better. If you bought it right, you'll have fun on it but thefy are hard to sell. Have fun !
Yeah they've had that reputation, the 1 year sprocket cover and brake linkage is the big quirk. With the 80 cover and linkage it gives you alittle more flexibility. I agree there's a lot more 57-78 stuff for sure and typically what I look for in bikes. I still own this bike and a few more 79's since, I've kinda got soft spot for all Ironheads unfortunately, lol. Thanks for watching!
i have a bone stock 79 sportster kick and electric with original simese exhaust.it even has the original goodyear a/t tires.great bike you have there.thanks for shering
Awesome man! Can't wait to get mine running.
It's always a good feeling, hope you get it fired up soon! Thanks for watching!
I don't know who got more excited you were me about that motorcycle starting. Sounds good so far brother. Won't be able to make it to the hill climbs I got family coming in do you enjoy yourself. Talk to you soon.
Yeah it's always exciting to fire them up for the first time, especially when it's that easy and so far so good!
I kept an eye out for you at the hillclimbs, had a good time and got a pretty wild wreck I uploaded. Thanks for watching and we'll get together sometime!
I'll tell you what I think, I think it's awesome! I have an '01 solid mount evo sportster and it's great, but I would love to find an old ironhead like you have there! It looks like it will clean up real nice, too. I'm sure you'll have a blast with it, I know I would. Great find!
Wow, ur bike sounds awesome! Lucky u.
Frost man,we are grateful for all your vids...Bailed me out a few times!!!!Thank you
Mazz man Hey thanks man, glad they've been helpful and really appreciate you watching!
Ive done bikes all my life and have found that pieces about as big as a half dollar of a busted up grind stone work well in cleaning tanks.(also self tapping screws or lock washers will suffice)Sounds great!
Hey John thanks for the tip! I've used a few different things over the years aswell. Thanks for the comment and I appreciate you watching!
That’s a good honest looking motorcycle and sounds awesome, good find my friend!!! 😎
That guy was just a sore loser, the iron head sounds great.
Hey Curt, yeah that guy was something alright! Good seeing you at the hillclimbs and hope you like the shirt!
Sure do, thanks again man.
Awesome bike, rad sound. great content man 👍
Ironheads catch a lot of hate, but I've always liked them. My father in law inherited an 83 Ironhead from a friend that passed about 10 years ago. His widow actually let it sit for about 8 years before she gave it to him. That bike has seen a lot if miles.
I got a 79 as well sweet bike man!
Yeah that guys friend was full of shit. If it had rod knock why was he so butt hurt about trying to buy it.
Well the price was right and kinda thought to good to be true, then when he started jabbing I did start to wonder about it. The owner seemed like an honest guy so just hoped for the best and so far so good!
Sounded good! I use to have a 1980 Sportster.
I've really been enjoying the videos! I hope you keep making them and not take a super long break again
I really appreciate you watching and glad to hear I've got some long time followers. Trying to get back into uploading more and it feels good, thanks for watching!
awesome man!! the felling is great! hahaha very happy or something.. love it, congrats
Great little Sporty
Thanks, I really enjoyed your video
That's excellent man I will have to wait till next month I have just spent a bunch of my money and have to wait for funds to come back in but I have a nice little list going thanks for any help I appreciate it I will keep in contact and you keep pumping out those awesome videos Man👍
Sounds good man, look forward to doing business whenever your ready and appreciate you watching!
Sounds good 👍 keep er between the mustard and mayo and rubber side down later GBU
I had a 75 xlh iron head for 20 years. best bike I ever owned. Times got tough I sold it for $1500 IT was bored 20 over and head shaved .10. S&S super B carb and stripped down to nothing but a head and tail light. Never let me down . Wouldnt charge the battery so I carried a charger with me. Drove her home with only 1st gear for 50 miles at night. Felt like I was sitting on a volcano.
You need more vids, brother! Folks like you are what we want to watch. :)
Derek Odom Hey I appreciate that Derek, got a 74 I plan to make a video of here soon. Thanks for watching!
That's really nice. Hated that rear pipe on the 79's though. 80&^ cover and brake lines solve everything.
Cool, I may have just scooped a ‘78
AWESOME FIND!!!!! H.D. FOREVER!!!!
Sweet barn find brother!!!!
Hey thanks and thanks for watching, so far so good!
Thanks for posting ...great video.
love it when the good guy's win screw him brother his loss.
I love me a Ironhead. They make a great race bike.
Looks clean man. And Sounds awesome 👍
Yeah I like it being fairly original and not riddled with peoples bad ideas, usually easier to work on that way. Thanks for watching!
That's cool. Love that sound.
Sounds good, just like a Harley. Why does that oil tank fill up to overflowing?
I put to much oil back in it, the resevoir was empty and the engine had filled up. I drained what I could from the primary side but still had more than I thought was in it. Pretty common if they don't puke it out at start up after sitting so long. Thanks for watching!
That gonna make a fine bike.
I wonder if CLR would work in the gas tank to get rid of the rust? Awesome when an old bike fires right up.And runs..
Possibly, I've never tried it. I've done a few other methods with white vinegar or evaporust and had good results though. Thanks for watching!
@@jfrost77hd Yeah I've seen a few ways like diesel fuel and a handful of bolts and shake the hell out of it. Like you said a piece of chain. A pressure washer you got to be careful with that though certainly wouldn't want to blow a hole in the tank and then dry it out. A few shot's of methyl hydrate work.
Stock Rock's
Had one just like it in 1984. Mine was xlch, but I added the electric start. I did like the new style kicker lever. I started with a totalled out bike went through the whole thing. I
Micheal Antisdel Very cool, yeah 79 was the last year for the XLCH. I've added starters to them and kickers to the XLH aswell, its nice to have both for sure. Thanks for watching!
Sounds awesome Frost !
Hey thanks Jos, appreciate you watching!
yea many times guys like that [ I know a few]don't stay sober long enough ..m
any never have the money to get the dream barn find toys like a old sporty.. great video
Looks like a mostly unmolested stock bike. Nice to find them like that. Ironheads seem to suffer a lot of abuse from ham fisted mechanics. I love my old '74 XLH. Good work getting her going.
I actually nodded my head when you gave the thumb up lol
Harvey Smale Lol, hey thanks for watching Harvey!
there's a lot of B S going around, you did good, just keep going
That bike seems so familiar for some reason. Have fun at the hill climbs. My buddy Kyle will be out there.
Yeah I've seen quite a few of these similar 79's, had a blast at the hillclimbs, posted a pretty wild wreck. Thanks for watching!
That is a good looking bike.
Man that thing looks almost like my bike.
Nice Ironhead bro!
Hey bro I need some help or advice?
I replaced the battery & the spark plugs,plug wires are good.
It'll fire up every time but won't stay running?
What could it be?
Sylnoid,Starter,something electrical,my choke cable won't open?,something with the carb?
I'd appreciate it or maybe we could go Live to show you or I can make a video?
Thanks in advance if you help me?!
If it had a rod knock in the motor , then why did the other guy want it so bad...😅 Sounds good my friend. I have a 75 iron head sportster 1000. Has starter problems and the points need to be set and static timing done. She should fire right and run.
Good job!
Any way ypu could do a video on how to keep you turn signsls tight on them old bikes. Ive got an 75 iron head and tbe turn signals rattle loose
Hell yeah man, sounds great. I get excited every time I fire mine up. Gets your blood pumping. Lol...
Hey thanks man it really is a rush. Also gets that blood pumping when the don't start, lol. Thanks for watching!
What do you do when the oil gets gilled in the crankcase? For me its old oil and its puking out the top and out the overflow
To treat a gas tank, remove the tank and pour a quarter to half a cup of engine oil in the tank,and swish it around,do that at the end of every riding season,and rust will never be a problem.later.
Nice! Sounds good.
Beautiful bike!
Hell yeah that's pretty cool I might be getting a 1979 ironhead sportster Do you know about the transmission problems because they told me when it was nuteral it would pop in to gear on its own
Never particularly had that transmission problem with any of them. Possibly clutch out of adjustment, primary chain tension or something with the pawl carrier I'd guess? Good luck to you and thanks for watching!
Man that thing sounds great
Yeah I was real surprised, I cleaned the carb but set it back to where it was and never even had to adjust the idle. She's a runner!
Sounds like the guys "friend" was an ass. Nice find though
when checking for circulation in your oil tank, what do you look for? does the oil level go up and down?
toastopia1 With the oil cap off you watch the flow of oil from the return line back into the oil tank to ensure the pump is pumping. Thanks for watching!
bet you were happy when you started seeing that oil go back into the tank lol
Lol, that's always one of them "Shut Er Down' moments if your not flowing. Then all the excitement goes down hill realizing you've probably going to pull the engine to get to it. Thanks for watching!
Good job
Hey thanks for watching!
Nice job, nice bike.
you're a down to earth guy J, nice score (Y)
Hey thanks I appreciate that and thanks for watching!
If that dude still wants it tell him it's more money for the rod fix. LOL
Great work man, thanks for taking the time to share! I'm heading out later this morning to look at a '76. Not exactly a barn find but she does need a bit of work (don't they all?). Hoping to convert it back to a right side shift and turn it into a fun little hooligan flat tracker. Thinking your eBay store will be atop my browser history! Do you know if all '76 models, (like the '75's) are linkage converted to left side shifts, or are later year '76 models true left side shift that cannot be converted? Thanks ...Rick
Sweet, another one saved from the dust./rust.
Pretty excited about this one, don't find to many this original anymore! Thanks for watching!
Jo, if you want to get all the rust out of the gastank, try to puting coke in there and let it sit for a day
Hey man, nice bike! Is there a good spot for mounting forward controls on that? Would that involve some custom fabrication?