Ironhead 1970s Time Capsule

[bklyngeezer]

Originally Posted by Steve9

Looks like some "good bones"

Can't go wrong for that price

I agree. If it runs. Only problem for me would be the right hand shift. Had a '68 and never quite got used to it. Issue was switching back and forth with my old Honda that had left shift.

Muscle memory, reflex and experience tend to take over in an emergency, I just never felt comfortable.

I holding out for the rare left shift/factory kicker. '76-'79 ('75 apparently was left shift through some complicated linkages to right side )

Anyway, if its a runner, someone's getting a decent deal

[Ferrous Head]

All proper bikes have their shifters on the right side. The alternative is to have it on the wrong side.

I asked Sochiro Honda why their engineers decided to put the shift lever on the wrong side and he said, "Because green comes before 6."

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by bklyngeezer

I agree. If it runs. Only problem for me would be the right hand shift. Had a '68 and never quite got used to it. Issue was switching back and forth with my old Honda that had left shift.

Muscle memory, reflex and experience tend to take over in an emergency, I just never felt comfortable.

I holding out for the rare left shift/factory kicker. '76-'79 ('75 apparently was left shift through some complicated linkages to right side )

Anyway, if its a runner, someone's getting a decent deal

I actually converted my '76 to right hand shift. '76's share the same Rupe Goldberg left hand shifter as the '75's, wherein the brake pedal got converted into the shift lever. A truly awful "solution". Thank God it was only two years. It does, however, make it relatively easy to convert it back to the right side, where it belongs.

As far as getting used to a right hand shift, all it takes is time. I currently own and ride four motorcycles, three with left hand and my Sporty with right hand shift. It became absolutely intuitive to switch back and forth in very short order. I don't even think about it anymore.

If you ever get the chance to buy a classic bike with right hand shift, don't let that aspect of it deter you. Time in the saddle is all it takes.

[Ferrous Head]

While I was racing I often jumped off one bike and on to another. Some right side shift, some wrong side shift. Some "up for up", some "up for down". Some 4 speeds, some 5 speeds and 1 six.

If you can chew gum and walk at the same time, .......

[backintoxls]

I don't find switching sides shifting is much of an issue if it's your bike, although I rode a 74 fx with the mid peg setup that had a reverse shift pattern. Even after 2 years, at the worst time, like coming into a corner too fast and needing to downshift, I would instinctively hit the lever down and upshift...scary.
(In 76 the factory fixed the issue by creating a new shifter drum to use on the fx's...I bought one)

[sungod]

What we do know is the bike was showcased in the mag 1976. The last reg was 1980 then the bike sat for another 42 years. Article mentions dry clutch and a now 46 year old belt drive.Tires are shot. Electric start (with no splashing lube). I really think $2500 is too much. PS better check paperwork,case and frame#'s.
After all it was born in the Bronx

[Ferrous Head]

The seller isn't claiming the bike is "As New". It sounds like an honest ad, not always the case for 2nd hand bikes.

Part of the reason I suspect this might be a "deal" for someone lies in the performance options as mentioned. The 2 into 1, S&S Super, Belt drive with dry clutch all point to someone building a very healthy engine. What I would be hoping for was the heads being ported. Properly.

Most of the cheaper IH's are later (less desirable in my books) and generally flogged out bikes that will need major work to bring back to life.

I don't know the seller nor the bike. But considering some of the junk I see offered on CL this looks to be a contender. Just my opinion of course and I could be wrong.

If the belt sounds like a worry to you go to Big Dog. (BDL) they will have belts for it, not very expensive. New tires are always on the cards with any bike. Avon Am22/23 would not be out of place on this bike.

[sungod]

Maybe I'll go see the bike when I get back home.

[Kingrabbit]

Don’t invite remorse into your life by letting it slip away. The bike looks in great nick and I bet it could be resurrected fairly easily if it was stored indoors. Which appears to be the case.