Ironhead What To Look For On A "59"

[SportyPig]

Going to take a look at it and not real familiar with something this old, is there anything in particular i should should look for? Supposed to be all there, quess ill find out.

[supr2nr]

Find out the normal things:
1. Does it run
2. If not, why?
3. Any frame damage
4. How close to stock is it?

A 59 in my book is like a 57, either or is amazing that you actually found one but to be privelaged enough to actually own one is just a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[MDT]

Maybe a title?

[SportyPig]

Aside from the regular things, just wanted to know if there was any particulars i should be aware of, like do the frames have vin stamped like newer ones, etc. Going friday to check it out.

[Wooley]

Originally Posted by SportyPig

Going to take a look at it and not real familiar with something this old, is there anything in particular i should should look for? Supposed to be all there, quess ill find out.

This isn't another April Fool is It???

[SportyPig]

Hell no, its a real deal, just bad timing i guess.

[simonster123]

I think with the older bikes, the closer to stock the base machine is, the better off you are.
I see a lot of earlier bikes that are for example 59s in VIN alone. This is fine if you are building a custom, but your machine has more value if it has the early parts still intact.
The 59 frame should not have a VIN stamped into it, just the date code as detailed below.

1) Look for a good, unmolested VIN on an unmolested VIN pad.
2) Look for matching belly numbers, and signs of welds/repairs to the cases.
3) Look for the date code stamped into the RHS of the seat/tank mount to match the year of manufacture (remembering that the YOM begins in roughly July of the previous year, to the following July).
IMHO these are the main things - everything else is just parts bolted to it that can be tracked down later, or mechanical problems that can be fixed.
5) if it has a title then nice, but there are ways to obtain one provided the numbers are clean.
6) if it runs, then also nice!

If you are interested in a stock machine, then the things to look for on a 59 XLCH for example, could include:
1) Original horseshoe oiltank
2) Original headlight visor and switch
3) Original kicker
4) Original forks, fenders, shocks, wheels
5) High pipe nice to have
6) Original seat and plungers
7) Magneto

It helps if you look at pictures and manuals/parts books for an original before you go, so you can see what has been changed. FWIW I've seen several 59s on CL lately that have many later-model parts bolted to them. Fine for a rider, but your machine won't be as valuable as it could be.

[SportyPig]

Thanks simonster123, ill check #3 first and go from there. It has a current tag and supposed to be a real good runner. Didnt find it on cl, just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

[simonster123]

Sounds good - post pics if you are able! 59 is one of my favourite years...

Date code should take the form of, for example, C9 - where C would be March, 9 would be 1959. Moonwolf has a good guide posted that gives pointers.

[SportyPig]

Where would i find this guide?