Hi , I'm chasing a 60s to early 70s  Sporster, I would like  any advice about if there is better models/horror stories of this period. My experience with these early  bikes is limited, so any helpful tips would be appreciated

Thanks,

Matt.

Thanks for the response, looks like a bit of research needed before I jump in!  Are they as owner intensive as Brittish bikes of that era or worse, generally? Thanks for your help, Matt.

 hi . what would you like to ride  a model that is a bit harder for  bit's & not so strong in its design or a year that is stronger & the same style ,  1974 model is classed as the best of the early models because it is the strongest crank cases & head & barrels etc ,& is the last of the right foot shifters ,  it is on the right side ?  before they went the other way,

1972 & 1973 were the 1st of the 1000 cc & are weaker in the barrels as only go to 0.040" max o.s. piston & have there own head bolt pattern,   where 1974 are the thicker barrels  ,  can go out to + 0.060" - 0.070" o.s. piston  are the same thru to 1985 pattern its just the 1974  is the best of the left foot shifters . if you need to know anything about a cast iron sporty just ask as iv'e had them since 1980 about 30 yrs  if i can help.         cheers

 Matt,  If your after an ironhead sportster I'd say the later the better.  They all look like they belong in the 60's and in a lot of ways they do.  But minor improvements as the years went by didn't go astray.  i have a '79 and and some say that was a bad year but some say every year was a bad year.  I like it a lot.  In '79 you got disc brakes (not that they stop well)  points or elec ignition and cases machined for kick starter but not fitted (mostly).  It leaks oil a lot and I have a list too long to write of all the things that need fixing but I haven't got round to, and still it takes me to work every other day and turns heads or draws questions from passers by.   Find one thats still running and dive in. 

Hi, firstly thankyou all  for your advice. I have managed to pick up a 77 in stock condition. Now the fun begins! Thanks guys!

Hi, I'll be taking delivery of the bike the end of next week, can't  wait. Have only had blockheads from HD, so yeah I'm a sucker! Can't say I wasn't warned!  And  yes KWD the frame style and the shift linkage arrangement was a major cosideration.

Matt, when the kicker support aka c/shaft cover (alloy) lets go (and it will) fabricate a support off the frame, with the bush from the broken cover in it, tidy the cover up to fit around the bush, and it'll never break again (I dunno 'bout your right knee though).
On a positive note I have developed a Dean Lukin right leg from kicking my 'ol sporty (also '77) , and it makes kicking my Shovel easier, even with the total seal gapless rings (I've broken 2 kicker shafts)
Tiny

Hi, here's a couple of pics of the new addition. Goes great and is a pleasure to ride. Only minor details to fix up to bring it back to original. Very happy!

Top Job M8 good to see