Going to Look at a '71 Tonight!

[PlanB]

This just hit our paper today, so I thought I'd better at least go take a look and see what it looks like!

The ad goes: "1971 Harley Davidson Sportster, IronHead, runs good, new paint, right hand shift, kick start only... $3,500.00 OBO...

Any tips on what to look for in that year group? I'm not expecting a show bike, but I wasn't sure if the '71 had any quirks that most of you Ironheads are familiar with....

Thanks! Mike

[txsporty]

See how bad the owner is limping!!!!

Good indication on how hard it is to start!!!

:laugh :laugh :laugh

[cantolina]

This just hit our paper today, so I thought I'd better at least go take a look and see what it looks like!

The ad goes: "1971 Harley Davidson Sportster, IronHead, runs good, new paint, right hand shift, kick start only... $3,500.00 OBO...

Any tips on what to look for in that year group? I'm not expecting a show bike, but I wasn't sure if the '71 had any quirks that most of you Ironheads are familiar with....

Thanks! Mike

For 3500.00 , it had BETTER be near show condition, IMO....

[Fisherman]

Look VERY CAREFULLY at the case where the tach. cable goes into the case. Look around the area for cracks or any welding. $3500 seems a little high. I paid $3000 for a cherry '84 in California.

[pquirk]

I understand the concern about price, but I'd pay $3500 for a NICE '71 before I'd pay $3000 for an equally nice '84. It's a nostalgia thing I guess. I'm not sure how much a HD has to depreciate before it starts to "appreciate" but, without a doubt blue-book means nothing when you're dealing with art. It's all about how much it's worth to YOU.

[ShadowViper]

look on the bottom of the motor on the left side for cracks or welds. Look at the cylinders very close. My 72 ran great when it ran and the internals were shot and i have a cracked cylinder. If it leaks oil try to trace it. That price is a little high for a ironhead that is kick only.

When you go to kick it to start it see if it slips a little like the gears are not meshing if it does the kicker system needs work and it will go out and really kill yer knee.

I can go on and on but you get the idea.



FYI i know this all from buying my first ironhead sportster. Ran awsome till I was tracing the oil leaks. For a full backround read my posts.

[nmaineron]

71 was the last year for the 900 and the first year for the points in the cam cover.They were nice.$3500 is higher than I would pay though.It would have to have no changes and very few miles on it to warrant that kind of money.You have been given all the heads up.Make sure and hear it run and watch the exhaust for rings and valves.Ron

[Y2K]

[QUOTE=ShadowViper]

When you go to kick it to start it see if it slips a little like the gears are not meshing if it does the kicker system needs work and it will go out and really kill yer knee.

Man I'll second that ! so will my right knee :D
Y2K

[cantolina]

I dunno...I just saw a 74 for sale this weekend in my town for 3,000.

I wouldn't even give it a moment's consideration....

[willprevale]

Iron heads are great if ya like doing a little (?) more maintenance and carryng a few more tools. . Some guys get their kicks that way so who am I to judge? $3500 sounds high to me but there's a guy near here that paid 3gs for a rat Ironhead two years ago. It sits in his garage with a "to do list" nearby while he rides a 10g FXR.

Go figure :rolleyes: