[RanSarg]

New, very, 1976 & 1980 Sportster owner who knows nothing about the tricks of the trade when it comes to Harley Davidsons. Need advice on many questions. I am replacing valve seals on 1980 & cleaning out 5 year old gas out of 1976. If your querulous paid $1,800 for 1976 and $2,000 for 1980 good deals?

[talaniman]

There are many price guide books to value your Harleys including the Kelley Blue Book, but keep in mind you must also know not only the year and make, but the model also. Provide them to us and maybe we can help you further.

[RanSarg]

Thank you for your reply Sir talaiman. Other things have come up so must put my two Sportster projects on hold. Lots more help needed from those who know the workings of two old HD Sportsters project. I'll be back soon with many more inquiries. The 1980 vin starts 3A this indicates Sportster correct? Good news, read about HD gentlemen looking for his frame vin. He mentioned sanding the paint off. I thought, need to give that a try and underneath years of paint I found the matching vin 😃 This on the 1980 Sportster the 1976 Sportster no problems with vins engine or frame. Was concerned for a time 1980 is from Alabama.

[smoothy]

Harley built these with matching engine / frame serial numbers. They don't HAVE to match, as depending on where you live one or the other number (frame or engine #) is what is registered.

If they don't match... have the state police for a vin search to make certain they don't come up on any hot sheets.

Worth is highly subjective... with Ironhead Sportsters of that vintage... without service records you have to assume actual mileage is not what is on odometer, pull the sprocket cover and check for any welds or cracks on the right side case between the output shaft where sprocket is and the counter-shaft that can happen if they are abused, spray brake cleaner to remove crud. If its welded then its been fixed (not uncommon)... if you see a crack that's not welded, that is very expensive as the engine and transmission needs a total disassembly before repairs can be made. Its very labor intensive. It can NOT be done with it together.

With this older bikes at 35k miles its overdue for a top end job, by 70k miles its due for a top end and bottom end rebuild.

The Ironheads were designed in the 1950's with minor changes along the way, The new Evolution engines lack the character, but can go MANY times longer between rebuilds.

The 75 and 76 are a bit different as they have a Federally mandated requirement that resulted in crossover shifting and rear braking before the engine case redesign in 1977. I converted my '75 decades ago back the the '74 and earlier right hand shift left foot brake that works MUCH better. The 1980 was designed to be a left side shift.

[RanSarg]

Read that vins must much on frame and engine. Found my vin on frame of 1980 after wire brushing the paint off.

[smoothy]

Read that vins must much on frame and engine. Found my vin on frame of 1980 after wire brushing the paint off.

You read wrong.

They matched when they were built... there is no requirement (In the USA anyway) that they match. Otherwise there would be no aftermarket frame or engine industry. MY Harley hasn't had a matching frame and engine # since the late 80's (though I still have the original frame in my possession). And its been titled and registered in three states PLUS the Military since.