barn find should I or not

[tjhtjh]

Hi all : I was lucky enough ( I think) to find a 69 xlch sportster. Its buried in a garage , been there for 15-20 years, bike looks a little tough not to bad tho. Could not get a real good look at it. Was wondering if I should go after this project or dump it? Not sure about the mag and the pain of starting. Open for suggestions? I think the guy wants $2500. How is finding parts ?

[INDEPENDENT 1]

They can be expensive to work on.

[YankeeBob]

Originally Posted by tjhtjh

Hi all : I was lucky enough ( I think) to find a 69 xlch sportster. Its buried in a garage , been there for 15-20 years, bike looks a little tough not to bad tho. Could not get a real good look at it. Was wondering if I should go after this project or dump it? Not sure about the mag and the pain of starting. Open for suggestions? I think the guy wants $2500. How is finding parts ?

A little steep. In that condition I would offer him $1000 and expect to pay $1500...tops.

[webco2]

Originally Posted by tjhtjh

Hi all : I was lucky enough ( I think) to find a 69 xlch sportster. Its buried in a garage , been there for 15-20 years, bike looks a little tough not to bad tho. Could not get a real good look at it. Was wondering if I should go after this project or dump it? Not sure about the mag and the pain of starting. Open for suggestions? I think the guy wants $2500. How is finding parts ?

With all that needs to be done , before you even think about riding it , ( tires,carb rebuilding, fluid change incluiding brake flushing, etc..) that price is too high.

[Rendell]

Yep, even at $1000, by the time you get it to a finished condition you will be severely upside down in it, from a resale value stand point.

[mad_scientist]

Forget about tires and fluids change- make sure the motor isn't locked up after sitting that long

[strokerjlk]

save yourself. your knee and walk away. I wouldnt wish one on my worse enemy. got a lot of memories on one,but memories can be made with a lot less headaches.

[Rendell]

I agree, walk away..

[FXDRYDR]

+ 3.

That's worth maybe $250 to me and that would be insultingly low. I'd just take a pass.

Around here, you can find iron heads in running condition for $2000 - $4000. Lots of upkeep... Shift on the right... 4 speed... PIA to work on.

[Nitram_b4]

Well I had iron heads in the past, and have a kinda soft spot for them, you all talk like its some kind of damn investment, sometimes you rebuild a bike because you friggen like it not to flip and make a bunch of cash. If you like old iron heads, work the best deal you can, and have fun wrenching my 2 cents

[ilbkshovel]

I just picked up an 80 Sporty cheap. Gonna make it a street tracker, flat tracker look. My brother had a 69, when it was tuned right it started fairly easily. Are you going to ride it cross country? I doubt it but if you like it and dont mind wrenching some, do it. I have a 79 shovel also that I ride way more than my 2000 Road Glide. My buddy summed it up perfectly, The new bikes have no soul!

[93Horse]

Originally Posted by tjhtjh

Hi all : I was lucky enough ( I think) to find a 69 xlch sportster. Its buried in a garage , been there for 15-20 years, bike looks a little tough not to bad tho. Could not get a real good look at it. Was wondering if I should go after this project or dump it? Not sure about the mag and the pain of starting. Open for suggestions? I think the guy wants $2500. How is finding parts ?

OK what did you do??

[coastie56]

You might want to ask that question on the XL Forum. Bet you get a different bunch of answers. Look for advice from SportsterPaul and IronHead Mick. These guys build them from the crank up and I'm not joking! Google it. According to Paul you might have a very good deal on your hands. Good Luck. Been kicking myself since I sold my 69.

[Nitram_b4]

Originally Posted by coastie56

You might want to ask that question on the XL Forum. Bet you get a different bunch of answers. Look for advice from SportsterPaul and IronHead Mick. These guys build them from the crank up and I'm not joking! Google it. According to Paul you might have a very good deal on your hands. Good Luck. Been kicking myself since I sold my 69.

I as well after selling my 71 ( last of the 900s)

[panman69]

A friend of mine died trying to start his Ol Sportster behind the bar one night, (heart attack).