1975 HARLEY-DAVIDSON XLCH 1000 SPORTSTER IRONHEAD – SHOW-QUALITY FRAME-OFF RESTORATION – ELECTRIC START CONVERSION – ONLY 4,395 MILES SHOWING!

OVER 150 HOURS OF RESTORATION LABOR | APPROXIMATELY $35,000 REPLACEMENT RESTORATION COST | REBUILT 1000CC IRONHEAD ENGINE | BARNETT SCORPION CLUTCH | ELECTRIC & KICK START | FACTORY-CORRECT PAINT | SHOWROOM CONDITION

AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AMF-ERA HARLEY-DAVIDSON XLCH!

When's the last time you saw a 1975 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH 1000 that looked and ran this good? Probably back in 1975 when these bikes were sitting brand-new on the Harley-Davidson showroom floor!

Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on one of the finest AMF-era Ironhead Sportsters we've ever had the privilege of restoring here at Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum.

This motorcycle represents one of the most extensive, expensive, and detailed Ironhead Sportster restorations ever completed in our shop.

This is not a quick cosmetic restoration, a fresh paint job over an old motorcycle, or a mechanically neglected vintage Harley. This is a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt, frame-off restoration with a fully rebuilt engine, upgraded clutch, professionally installed electric starter, restored chassis, and exceptional attention to detail throughout.

The result is nothing short of spectacular.

It looks like it just rolled out of a Harley-Davidson dealership in 1975, but with the added convenience of modern electric starting while retaining its original kickstarter!

COMPLETE FRAME-OFF RESTORATION – OVER 150 HOURS INVESTED!

This motorcycle started life as an exceptionally well-preserved, low-mileage original example, with just 4,395 miles showing on its original factory instrumentation.

Unlike so many vintage motorcycles that have been subjected to decades of abuse, poor repairs, or improper modifications, this XLCH provided an excellent foundation for a world-class restoration.

Our professional restoration team completely disassembled the motorcycle and meticulously restored the chassis, engine, suspension, wheels, brakes, electrical components, and cosmetics.

The restoration was so extensive that we stopped tracking labor at approximately 150 hours!

At our current professional shop labor rate of $195 per hour, the restoration labor alone would represent approximately $29,250.

Add approximately $6,000 in restoration parts, materials, and paint, and you're looking at roughly $35,000 to duplicate this restoration today!

And that doesn't include the purchase price of the original motorcycle!

This is exactly why we always tell vintage motorcycle enthusiasts that buying an already-restored, properly sorted machine can be considerably less expensive than building one yourself.

FULLY REBUILT 1000CC IRONHEAD V-TWIN ENGINE

The legendary Harley-Davidson 1000cc Ironhead V-twin has been comprehensively rebuilt and restored.

Engine restoration and mechanical work include:

• Complete engine teardown and extensive internal rebuilding

• New pistons and piston rings

• New cylinder base gaskets

• New cylinder head gaskets

• Rebuilt and restored primary-drive components

• Upgraded Barnett Scorpion performance clutch

• Completely rebuilt carburetor

• Restored air intake assembly

• Professionally restored and polished engine covers

• Refinished engine components and hardware

• Restored and re-chromed oil tank

• New seals and gaskets as required during rebuilding

• Professionally tuned engine

• Brand-new drag exhaust pipes

Every effort was made to preserve the unmistakable character, appearance, and mechanical personality of the legendary Harley-Davidson Ironhead.

The polished aluminum engine covers are absolutely beautiful, and the contrasting black cylinders and chrome components give this machine that unmistakable 1970s Harley-Davidson attitude.

The engine fires up beautifully, runs exceptionally well, and sounds absolutely wicked through the brand-new drag pipes!

The carburetor has been tuned specifically for the exhaust system, resulting in the distinctive sound and performance that made these early Sportsters legendary.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRIC START CONVERSION – A MAJOR UPGRADE!

One of the most significant and valuable upgrades performed during this restoration was the professional installation of an electric starting system.

The original XLCH was Harley-Davidson's kickstart-only Sportster model.

While the kickstarter is an iconic part of the motorcycle's character, our client wanted the convenience of an electric starter without sacrificing the machine's classic appearance.

We made it happen!

This was no simple bolt-on modification.

Our technicians invested approximately 24–25 additional hours of specialized labor into engineering, fitting, and completing the electric start conversion.

The conversion required approximately $2,000 in parts, along with extensive professional installation and fitting work.

The finished system operates beautifully, delivering the convenience of electric starting while preserving the original kickstarter as a backup.

This gives you the best of both worlds:

Classic 1975 XLCH appearance and character with the convenience of electric starting!

The conversion was professionally completed here at Kaplan Cycles, not improvised in someone's garage.

BRAND-NEW BARNETT SCORPION CLUTCH

The primary-drive system received extensive restoration work, including the installation of a premium Barnett Scorpion clutch.

This high-quality performance upgrade is a substantial improvement over a worn original clutch assembly.

It represents another example of the attention and investment devoted to making this motorcycle as enjoyable to operate as it is beautiful to look at.

SHOW-QUALITY FACTORY-CORRECT PAINT AND FINISHES

The cosmetics on this motorcycle are extraordinary.

The fuel tank and bodywork were professionally refinished in the original factory-style colors, complete with beautifully reproduced original-style Harley-Davidson graphics and logos.

The approximately $2,500 paintwork was completed to an exceptional standard, with a beautiful clear-coated finish.

The fuel tank was also restored internally, not simply painted on the outside.

The frame was completely stripped, prepared, and repainted in its original-style factory finish.

One of the biggest challenges in restoring a vintage motorcycle to this level is achieving consistency across every component.

You cannot simply repaint the fuel tank and frame and leave decades of aged finishes everywhere else.

On this machine, the entire motorcycle received the attention necessary to create a cohesive, showroom-quality appearance.

From the painted frame to the polished engine covers, chrome components, wheels, controls, and fuel tank, the entire machine presents beautifully.

COMPLETELY RESTORED FRONT SUSPENSION

The front end received extensive professional restoration.

Highlights include:

• Brand-new chrome fork tubes manufactured by Forking by Frank

• Beautifully restored and polished original lower fork legs

• New fork seals

• New fork caps

• Professionally serviced and reassembled fork assemblies

• Restored original-style front-end components

The lower fork legs retain their beautifully polished aluminum finish rather than being incorrectly chrome-plated.

This is the kind of detail that distinguishes a properly restored vintage Harley-Davidson from an average restoration.

RESTORED WHEELS, BRAKES, TIRES AND FINAL DRIVE

The rolling chassis has been comprehensively restored and renewed.

Work includes:

• Rebuilt front wheel assembly

• Brand-new chrome spokes

• Restored wheel hub

• New wheel bearings

• Brand-new tires

• Completely rebuilt front brake caliper

• Resurfaced and refinished front brake rotor

• Brand-new front brake line

• Restored rear braking components

• New drive chain

• New sprockets

• Restored suspension components

Every major area of the chassis received professional attention to deliver an exceptional visual and mechanical presentation.

ORIGINAL-STYLE CONTROLS AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD DETAILS

One of our favorite things about this motorcycle is the level of detail preserved throughout the restoration.

The motorcycle retains the authentic personality of a 1975 XLCH Sportster, including:

• Original-style buckhorn handlebars in pristine condition

• Beautifully restored handlebar switch housings

• Renewed switch-housing lettering and labels

• Original factory-style DOT warning markings

• Original factory instrumentation showing 4,395 miles

• Restored brake and control levers

• New footpeg rubbers

• Beautiful chrome headlight visor

• Factory-style reflectors

• Chrome mirrors featuring Harley-Davidson script

• Brand-new saddle

• Original kickstarter retained

• Professional electric start upgrade

• Brand-new drag pipes

The original gauges are exceptionally well preserved, further highlighting the outstanding condition of the motorcycle before restoration.

Everywhere you look, you'll find another beautifully restored component.

INCREDIBLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The quality of this restoration goes far beyond what you can see in photographs.

The fuel tank was restored inside and out.

The engine was rebuilt internally, not merely cleaned and polished.

The clutch was upgraded.

The fork assemblies were completely renewed.

The brake system was rebuilt.

The wheels were restored with new spokes, bearings, and tires.

The frame and bodywork were professionally refinished.

The seat, rubber components, chain, sprockets, exhaust, and numerous other components were replaced or restored.

And the extensive electric start conversion was completed by our experienced professional restoration technicians.

This is the difference between a motorcycle that simply looks restored and one that has actually received a comprehensive professional restoration.

RESTORATION INVESTMENT AND VALUE

To put the scope of this restoration into perspective:

The approximately $2,500 custom paintwork and electric start conversion illustrate the significant individual investments made in this build. These are components of the overall restoration, not additional charges in the estimate above.

These numbers are provided to demonstrate the estimated cost of duplicating this caliber of professional restoration at current shop rates, not an appraisal or representation of current resale value.

The original purchase price of the motorcycle is not included.

A TRUE COLLECTOR-QUALITY AMF-ERA IRONHEAD

The 1975 Sportster represents a distinctive period in Harley-Davidson history.

With its 1000cc Ironhead V-twin, unmistakable styling, buckhorn handlebars, compact proportions, and raw mechanical personality, the XLCH embodies the rebellious spirit of American motorcycling during the 1970s.

These motorcycles have a sound, appearance, and riding experience entirely their own.

Finding a good original example is becoming increasingly challenging.

Finding one restored to this level, with this degree of professional craftsmanship and mechanical investment, is even more difficult.

This is a motorcycle equally at home as the centerpiece of a Harley-Davidson collection, a featured display at a motorcycle museum, or a spectacular vintage machine to enjoy on the open road.

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM KAPLAN CYCLES

We've had hundreds of vintage Harley-Davidsons through our facility over the years, and this one stands among the finest AMF-era Sportsters we've had the privilege of working on.

The craftsmanship, mechanical restoration, chrome, paint, factory-style details, and professional electric start conversion make this an exceptional machine.

If you've ever considered purchasing a barn-find Ironhead and restoring it yourself, take a close look at what's involved in duplicating this motorcycle.

Unless you're an experienced engine builder, painter, fabricator, mechanic, and electrical specialist, a restoration of this magnitude can become an enormous financial and time commitment.

Our advice? Buy the best restored example you can find. It's often significantly less expensive than building one yourself.

This 1975 Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 is proof of that philosophy.

It looks like new.

It runs beautifully.

It sounds absolutely incredible.

And it represents the kind of old-school American craftsmanship and motorcycle heritage that we take tremendous pride in preserving here at Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum.

This particular motorcycle has already been sold and is being documented prior to shipment to its new owner in Texas.

We are proud to have completed and documented this exceptional restoration for its next chapter.

God Bless America!

KAPLAN CYCLES / NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

Rockville, Connecticut, USA

Preserving Motorcycle History, One Classic at a Time.

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle. (Applicable to motorcycles with keys)

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.