Will It Run After Years? 1 Owner 1985 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster

Will it run after years? I bought a one owner 1985 Harley Davidson Sportster XLH 1000 Ironhead motorcycle from an estate sight unseen. It has been sitting for an unknown amount of time. The battery is probably dead. So, we'll most likely be buying a new one. But hopefully the v twin engine is good, the carburetor isn't junk & it will run for us.
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Here's the first test ride on the Sportster!
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#freemansgarage

[@freemansgarage]

The Ironhead Sportster is back on the road now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4TCeaKnlr2Il9E

[@kenster007]

Had an 82 just like that. Pipes look correct to me. Mine had the cowbell horn, identical other than that. What a great find.

[@freemansgarage]

A cowbell horn would be neat. Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment. I’ve got more Ironhead videos planned but I’m bogged down with cars at the moment. I can’t wait to share a new Ironhead video though!

[@jeffreykramer2213]

A beautiful bike. I have an '81 Sportster that I bought new = 42 years ago (about 14K miles on it). Very similar. Easily the most reliable internal combustion engine I've ever owned. Always starts when I push the button. Hasn't been in a shop since mid=1990's. No leaks anywhere. As to idling, mine needs to warm up a few minutes with the choke out before I can close out the choke and let it idle on its own. Not sure about an '85, but mine calls for leaded gas, which is not sold anymore. I use an additive (instead o' lead or something like that) in its place.

[@freemansgarage]

My Harley Davidson needs leaded gasoline #freemansgarage

[@robertgembala8532]

Hey man, a good tip is to always shut the gas off when you’re done with it, those bikes like to gravity feed the gas and overflow back up into the crank case, I had a few of them like that so it’s kind of from experience but very nice bike

[@freemansgarage]

That is a good tip. Thanks.

[@Raining_Brass]

Yes, those are the original pipes. Congrats, nice find! I recently got done going through my early '84 XLX (they made changes part way through the 1984 model year). It had been sitting at a Harley dealer for years after a customer had the top end gone trough and then never came back for it. Dealership closed it's doors, and the bike was given to the grandson of the owner. I got it from him. last tags on it were from 1994!

[@freemansgarage]

Holy cow! That's an awesome story. I hope you get to enjoy the heck out of that bike. Congrats.

[@danheino7006]

harley is/was notorious for making changes half way thru the year. it can be a pain in the ass.They would want to change a part to some other brand or something and use what they had until they ran out...

[@arthurleino]

I had 1980 Sportster, sat from 1981-83 after getting transferred to USS Midway. After getting back to NAS Whidbey Island. Charged, the Battery, changed the fluids, it ran! Hope you get that 85 running good!

[@freemansgarage]

Wow! USS Midway in the 80's. I've been on that ship in its museum status in San Diego when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton & was just thinking about it yesterday for some reason. I have to ask where in the world was the USS Midway when they put you on it? I'm planning on posting a second video with the Sportster withing the next 1-4 weeks. Maybe a test ride.

[@arthurleino]

@Freeman's Garage In 1981-83 it was in Yokosuka, Japan. Our new A6 Squadron VA-185 got sent there in 87. Was still in Japan. My 83 FXWG was in Japan, then the Philippines. Retired USN 11-92. Been on Midway twice for reunions. I live in Washington, with my Filipina wife, and still ride my 83 FXWG.

[@freemansgarage]

Sounds like your career was a success. Great story & very respectable. Thanks for sharing it. After the Marine Corps one contract I worked on with the Navy & Marines was a Hornet contract with VMFAT-101 at Miramar. Those aviation squadrons are the hardest working units in the U.S. military.

[@scotfield3950]

The engine is probably full of oil(check if the oil tank is empty/low), if it sat a long time. Get it running and pull the oil stick and watch.

[@rickteegarden5763]

Assuming (always dangerous) the battery is fully charged and it was just clicking, I'd locate the starter solenoid and bypass it. If it spins over, that would tell you if it was an issue with the solenoid. Glad you got it running.

[@marktippin1651]

Please don’t take this wrong! Invest in blue locktite! Everything rattles off these sportsters! Fun bikes and quick! Such a classic design will be a fun bike to have

[@freemansgarage]

Will do!

[@kenster007]

Had an 82, lost the kickstand out riding. Had to lean it against the wall for a few days-good times.

[@ronduff4325]

Always buy a new battery .. the other thing is they should have left kick starters on every bike . I recently traded an old Jeep that was blow up for an 81 iron head , god I wish it had a kicker . It makes adjusting the push rods so much easier .

[@freemansgarage]

I agree with that.

[@daveprostock2622]

I owned exact same Sportster back in the late 80’s except had the aluminum mags. Spokes look much better though. My first Harley. Last year ironhead. Kick myself in the ass everyday for selling it. Just subbed to see your adventures with it. Your a lucky man…wish I found that one.

[@freemansgarage]

I know I’ve been there. Thanks for subscribing. There’s some good Sportster videos coming up.

[@danheino7006]

had an 80 many many years ago...bought starter relys by the basket load.Spend on a GREAT BATTERY

[@danheino7006]

you are going to need it.....I dont hear relay engaging

[@freemansgarage]

Thanks for the helpful advice. I really do appreciate it.

[@juliancrooks3031]

She's not leaking, she's marking her territory 😊😊

[@freemansgarage]

She needs a drip pan with her name on it.

[@Grumpyoldbiker]

Some guy I used to know about twenty years ago had an Ironhead leaking oil a bit too much. He hit the brakes, his oily rear tire skidded and down he went. He hurt his leg rather badly and we had to see him off in an ambulance. He recovered, sold the bike and bought an Evo 883 Sportster. Don't sweat it about a few drops, but don't let it get out of hand.

[@freemansgarage]

You called out my one concern about the oil leaks. I’m keeping an eye on it. Thanks for watching the Ironhead videos & taking the time to comment.

[@benjones3215]

I have literally just bought a New York registered ‘85 XLH 1000 and basically reenacted this video up to the battery 😂

[@freemansgarage]

That’s awesome. I hope you get to enjoy to heck out of your bike this summer!

[@crlawrence6359]

i just bought a 85 sportster that was parked in 1999 with 13,000 miles. Doing a carb clean, it was nasty! greetings from Brownwood Texas

[@freemansgarage]

That's awesome. I hope you get to enjoy your sportster as much as possible. Our bikes are probably parked within 100 miles of each other. Thanks for watching!

[@grampageorge3407]

I rode my 83 Iron head for five years without putting a dime into it,except for brake pads,oil etc. great bike,rough but great!

[@freemansgarage]

That's awesome! Thanks for taking the time to share that.

[@vonryansexpress]

That's a beauty - looks so good in Black . . .

[@freemansgarage]

It really does.

[@frank9919]

Working on an 85 XLH 1000 myself with 17k original miles. I'm the third owner. I'm in the process of a full restoration with the frame on a stand and just installed the motor. These are prone to oil leaks, especially with old hoses. I wouldn't trust those tires over 15 MPH. Check the DOT stamp on them and if they are older than 5 years it's pretty cheap insurance to replace them. Unlike a car, when you have a tire go down on a motorcycle while riding you have a really good chance of dumping the bike with you right along with it. I am subscribed and following along. I look forward to your journey with this one. I love the HD Ironheads.

[@freemansgarage]

That's a big project. Very commendable. You're right about the tires. I will make a point to look at them & replace them if needed. Thanks for watching & subscribing. It really does help. Very soon we'll take it out & chew up some pavement.

[@frank9919]

@@freemansgarage The tires on mine were from 1997 and looked pretty much the same as yours. They were hard as a rock even without air in them. I rode her around the block before I tore it down and they felt like square concrete blocks. It's awesome seeing somebody else with one of these. You don't see many of them anymore. I believe there were only 4,074 ever built. Watch out for the notorious flooding carb too. They tend to overfill and you will be dripping gas while you ride. You don't want to end up looking like Ghost Rider.

[@freemansgarage]

Wow '97. Thanks for the tip on the carb. I do not want that to happen to me.

[@stevegappa2959]

a tip next time you set timing- get a pair of old pliers, and grind out the center on the inside of both jaws- this allow you to go over the cam bolt, and turn the cam easily . A tip for making it a reliable daily rider (unless you are a purist)- go with EI and an alternator conversion. The conversion w/regular is about $200, and the EI about te same- I swore by both for 50+ years on my ironheads, but bit the bullet a few years back (replacement parts junk)- doing so eliminates 90% of the daily quirks IMO. Good luck, enjoy your videos.

[@freemansgarage]

Thank you for sharing that with me. It will come in handy. Thank you very much.

[@KennethK-oz7hc]

Got same bike,aluminum mag rims,good bike,rodé it a ton since 2014

[@freemansgarage]

That's awesome. It's good to know you're getting to enjoy your bike. I've got more videos with mine planned. It just takes time to make them.

[@tommytron2000]

That’s a nice little bike I might have to keep my eyes open for one

[@freemansgarage]

Yeah they're fun.

[@DG76er]

I’ve just come across your channel and it’s great! The reason for, is , I’m looking at an 83 Sportser for sale here in NZ. It looks to be very original and in great order but Harley’s aren’t my forte. Is the 83 model a decent bike and what would you expect to pay?

[@freemansgarage]

I’m not sure about an 83 specifically. For a bike like mine in this condition & ready to ride I would think maybe $2,500-$5,000 American. That’s a big range but there are a lot of variables. I’m glad you found the channel. I appreciate you watching the videos & taking the time to comment.

[@subtle7hunder62]

Great find brother! Please be careful.

[@freemansgarage]

I will. Thanks!

[@jhonnelelegaspi7125]

I have a exactly the same bike! My carb is leaking fuel and rocker box also leaking. But it runs great!

[@freemansgarage]

They leak like heck but keep on running!

[@jeffreyness9741]

I own a 2007 Sportster but these old sportsters make me drool.

[@jeffreyness9741]

It's been nine months since you made this video but I think that sports Disney really really really good contact with a battery or else it'll... It just draws lots of aunts at the initial startup

[@ronduff4325]

Oh yeah , nice bike !

[@dean4truth]

I have one just like it,but a 84. no leaks, 9400 miles. excellent condition.

[@freemansgarage]

That’s awesome. I wish I didn’t have leaks! Thanks for sharing.

[@robertgembala8532]

I would of got a battery, you never get more than a couple years out of them if you’re lucky a little bit more if you buy a good battery

[@freemansgarage]

That would have saved me some time. Had to try though.

[@safeeffective385]

Good score!

[@freemansgarage]

Thanks!

[@kennethhigdon1159]

Change the jets in the carb and give it some choke and the old girl will idle. She’s just cold

[@freemansgarage]

We'll get her warmed up next time & play with that. Possibly the idle just needs to be turned up.

[@kennethhigdon1159]

@@freemansgarage I had a 1975

[@danheino7006]

starter or battery

[@danheino7006]

yes original pipies ....trying to figure allthe dents etc....layed it down is my guess

[@freemansgarage]

That’s very possible.

[@jeffreyterry813]

I have to wire mine and I have no idea where to even start

[@freemansgarage]

You might need a manual for that one. I hope you get it figured out so you can enjoy your bike.

[@danheino7006]

Good luck

[@freemansgarage]

Thank you.

[@milmex317th]

Those pipes are OEM. Nope fix those leaks that alot of outside the Wire

[@freemansgarage]

I hear ya

[@neilbrowne-ty9zl]

Have one in UK dont ride it anymore though

[@freemansgarage]

I hope all is well.

[@jeffreyness9741]

Long live sportsters,

[@jeffreyness9741]

Bravo

[@freemansgarage]

Thanks for taking the time to leave some comments. I plan on making more videos with this Sportster.

[@jerrymartino9943]

i just got a 1984 xlx1000cc

[@freemansgarage]

That’s awesome

[@juliancrooks3031]

You got to bring the old gal back to life. She looks totally stock

[@freemansgarage]

Yeah I think it is completely stock. I cant wait to ride it.

[@jayjackson1280]

Hay that is kool 😇

[@freemansgarage]

Glad you think so. There’s more to come with this Harley.

[@stevenmarrone1526]

Very bad, need to drain tank clean carb and change primary and engine oil , then try to start

[@freemansgarage]

This bike was very well cared for. Everything worked out just fine on this one.

[@stevenmarrone1526]

@@freemansgarage oil looses its viscosity over time, would of been safer to change it before starting

[@neilsevery2209]

Starter relay

[@freemansgarage]

A new battery did it. I need to make more videos with this bike. It's awesome.

[@neilsevery2209]

@@freemansgarage that cool man you got lucky! I traded a 03 crf450r Honda 4 stroke bike for my 85 sportster xlx1000. And that wouldn’t start, after a new batt. New relay, then finally a new starter it started! But still wouldn’t charge! So I had to replace voltage reg, stator . And a brand new clutch basket/stator for $800 from Harley because my magnets were completely gone all chewed up! Oh and new clutch plates! But it’s running mint now finally!

[@freemansgarage]

I guess I did get lucky. I'm the second owner of my bike. It was well cared for by the same person since 1985. It's good to hear you got yours going. It costs you some extra money but it sounds like you're good now. Thanks for sharing that with me.

[@neilsevery2209]

No problem I love these bikes! I’ll subscribe to your channel

[@freemansgarage]

That's awesome. Thanks!

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

The gas in that thing is probably older than you are.

[@freemansgarage]

If it is it can't be by much.

[@danheino7006]

you should always get a big jar of vaseline when you rebuild an old ironhead and i don't mean for the bike

[@richardknott2021]

It's a harley, it will run.

[@freemansgarage]

That’s right

[@williamdon3442]

Correction. It’s not mint. Yet

[@freemansgarage]

That’s right.

[@josephfriedrich9792]

Just get a new battery

[@freemansgarage]

I did. Here’s the test ride kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4TCeaKnlr2Il9E

[@frankburdi1001]

Can you tell me the production date of your bike it's on the front headstock stamped onto the decal. I have an 85 that was made in November of 84 and I'm trying to figure which front fender goes on my bike. They started to switch over after a certain date to the smaller Fender without the struts. Please let me know thank you for your time. Frank

[@freemansgarage]

It’s is 09 84 my friend. I hope that helps. Thank you for watching the videos. It means a lot to me.

[@tjzulu1]

I wanted to be excited and optimistic, but it was almost painful watching this video all the way to the end.... 😐

[@freemansgarage]

Why was that?

[@tjzulu1]

@@freemansgarage Watch it and then you'll know....

[@freemansgarage]

If you haven't seen them yet, I've made some more videos with this bike. Things are going ok with it.

[@thomasstutzig1005]

🤔🧐😔