So I'm getting a Hardly Ableson

[JPG1911]

A friend of mine is in the unfortunate position that he needs to sell some things for some quick cash. He has offered to sell me his 1980 Ironhead sportster for a song. Mrs. 1911 originally shot the idea down, but I reminded her that within the next month we have 1) Father's Day 2) My Birthday and 3) Our 10 year wedding anniversary. So the Harley will come to stay with me

The bike has shared a tool shed with pool chemicals for the last 3 or 4 years so the tires can't be trusted, and all of the chrome on the bike is either flaking or gone. This is perfect for me since I hate chrome and plan to paint or powdercoat most everything flat black anyway. The sportster has custom blue paint on the tank and fenders, FatBob tanks, forward controls, a S&S Super E shorty carb, and a very nice Corbin leather seat. For some reason, they replaced the electronic ignition with points and condensors, so I plan to swap it back. It will probably be a few more weeks before I go to get the bike, but I will post more pictures when I get her.

[JPG1911]

Sorry for the enormous pictures. I'm not sure how to resize them. They don't look this blurry on my phone.

[katoranger]

Nice. The older harleys have more character.

[JPG1911]

Thanks! I couldn'tagree more. I don't particularly care for newer models, I have friends who have '01, '07, and '13 models and I really don't like any of them. plus it's really neat to own a bike that's older than I am. If I had been Harley shopping I probably would have been looking for a shovelhead, but this just fell into my lap, and for the price I just couldn't pass it by. NTM I'm actually helping a friend in need.

[FastDoc]

That's a cool bike. MUCH more interesting than the other 95% of HD's that strive so hard to be different they are exactly the same.

I have had 2 HD's, and they were nice bikes. One of them was even a fair performer. In it's day, that Sportster was a superbike.

Enjoy the ride, but avoid getting the pirate costume so many 'nonconformers' wear ;-)

[Weldangrind]

Awesome! Good for you for helping your buddy; that's how I got my pickup.

Chain driven goodness! You can do so much with those bikes. You could keep the custom look, convert to a solo bobber or brat or go nuts and create a café racer. I have seen several very sanitary café racers based on old Sportys.

[SpudRider]

Congratulations; this will be a fun project.

[JPG1911]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Enjoy the ride, but avoid getting the pirate costume so many 'nonconformers' wear ;-)

Dang it! I was just about to run out and get a black doo rag and some acid washed jeans - NOT!!

I was perusing craigslist at lunch today and found an ad for a FREE Harley Battery! The guy said it was given to him by a friend and it didn't fit his bike, it's never been used but sat on a shelf for a few years. He said he didn't feel right selling it, but just wanted someone to get some use out of it. It's an AGM battery and he even went to the trouble of having it tested at a local auto parts store, it just needs a charge and it's good to go. There's one thing to cross off my shopping list and it didn't cost me a penny! This project is off to a great start - literally

[SpudRider]

Good for you! Free is the best price.

[FastDoc]

Can't beat that. Consider throwing in a 6 pack.

[JPG1911]

Haha, I had to talk the guy out of taking ME to get a beer, He was a really nice fellow! I have met some really cool folks out here on the coast, it's one major reason we moved here. He asked what I was putting the battery in, and when I showed him the pics on my phone, he wanted to take me out for a beer and talk Harleys!! I politely declined because I'm on call, and offered him $20 for the battery, which he scoffed at.