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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on March 09, 2026, 06:29:59 PM

Title: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on March 09, 2026, 06:29:59 PM
Some things start small.  Last year I decided it was finally time to cure the rear rockerbox oil leak on my 1978 XLH.  During this process the bike received a major all encompassing mechanical service from top to bottom.  And the big icing on the cake was an accurate 1978 XLH paint job and graphics.   Concord Blue is the name of the factory color.

This bike is a lot of fun and runs SO well it has changed some minds about Ironheads after they've had a ride on it.  It is a sweetheart.  The stock factory exhaust is very rare as most threw them in the trash on day one and installed drag pipes. The stock pipes have a nice peaceful rumble that my old ears appreciate. 

It just turned 10,000 miles today.  A nice survivor example. 


 
(https://i.ibb.co/5X0QfmL7/mar26.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5X0QfmL7)

(https://i.ibb.co/F4sxTXPr/thumbnail-IMG-5901.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F4sxTXPr)

(https://i.ibb.co/VpxTXrg6/thumbnail-IMG-5659-12jpg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VpxTXrg6)
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: Kev m on March 09, 2026, 06:39:42 PM
Beautiful...
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: cliffrod on March 09, 2026, 07:30:59 PM
I love it.  As much as I like the specific MY stripe tank decals of the earlier 70’s, those 78 tank decals are hard to beat.  those Sportster 2-1 pipes & muffler are so hard to find in great condition.

The thing about iron sportsters is that many people never get to experience them before they’re already flogged to death.  IMHO A well-sorted iron sportster is a great bike with a character that’s as unique & specific as a Moto Guzzi. 

Thanks for the pics, Dave.
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: kingoffleece on March 09, 2026, 08:19:01 PM
Absolutely LOVE it.  Sportsters are so much FUN!
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on March 11, 2026, 07:23:38 AM
That's a BEAUTY, Dave!  :thumb: Love the COLOR! :bow: :bow: 

Always liked Sporty's....never owned one....always rode Big Twin Harley's, (Road Kings / Electra Glide Sports) :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/hxbJHQkt/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-5-21-52-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/hxbJHQkt)
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: DoubleGuzzi on March 11, 2026, 01:01:15 PM
One of the few Harleys that I like. Registration No. is cool.
 :thumb:


[Edit] I just noticed that the pillion gets an "active" experience, with those pegs mounted on the shocks. Either physiotherapy or leg/knee pumps.  :shocked:
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: john fish on March 11, 2026, 04:59:15 PM
The Ironhead Sportster is one of the icons of motorcycle design.  Along with:

Moto Guzzi Lemans I
1969 Triumph Bonneville.

That's it.  There are no others.  :thewife:
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: sdcr on March 12, 2026, 03:02:11 AM
Some things start small.  Last year I decided it was finally time to cure the rear rockerbox oil leak on my 1978 XLH.  During this process the bike received a major all encompassing mechanical service from top to bottom.  And the big icing on the cake was an accurate 1978 XLH paint job and graphics.   Concord Blue is the name of the factory color.

This bike is a lot of fun and runs SO well it has changed some minds about Ironheads after they've had a ride on it.  It is a sweetheart.  The stock factory exhaust is very rare as most threw them in the trash on day one and installed drag pipes. The stock pipes have a nice peaceful rumble that my old ears appreciate. 

It just turned 10,000 miles today.  A nice survivor example. 

 
(https://i.ibb.co/5X0QfmL7/mar26.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5X0QfmL7)

(https://i.ibb.co/F4sxTXPr/thumbnail-IMG-5901.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F4sxTXPr)

(https://i.ibb.co/VpxTXrg6/thumbnail-IMG-5659-12jpg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VpxTXrg6)

.

Sweet Sporty. Pretty cool to see the AMF script still attached to the tank logo. I’ve heard that those were dark days at the Motor Company.
Title: Re: For Ironhead Lovers
Post by: Dukedesmo on March 12, 2026, 05:06:08 AM
Looks nice, I've never been into HD, never even ridden one, unless you count the 'Harley Davidson' 125cc, 2-stroke single that a friend had back in late 70s Italy (a re-badged Cagiva IIRC).


But I like that.   :thumb: