1975 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER XLH IRONHEAD

50-YEAR-OLD AMERICAN CLASSIC

NEEDS COMPLETE RESTORATION

PROJECT BIKE - DOES NOT RUN

THE PERFECT WINTER RESTORATION PROJECT! SOLD AS IS!

50 YEARS OF AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE HISTORY!

Check out this classic 1975 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster! If you're a fan of old-school American iron, you already know why these legendary machines have such a loyal following. The unmistakable sound, mechanical simplicity, vintage styling, and raw character of an Ironhead Sportster make it one of Harley-Davidson's most iconic motorcycles.

Here at Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, WE LOVE IRONHEADS! In fact, the Ironhead engine is so iconic that it's featured in our museum's company logo!

We currently have approximately seven Ironhead Sportsters awaiting restoration, and with hundreds of motorcycles in our restoration pipeline, we've decided to offer a few of these classics to fellow enthusiasts who want to bring them back to life.

This 1976 Sportster is a complete, rolling restoration project with tremendous potential.

Our original plan was to perform a full frame-off restoration, powder-coat the frame, vapor-hone and polish the engine, restore all the original components, and bring this classic Harley back to its former glory.

Unfortunately, we simply have too many motorcycles awaiting restoration, so we're offering this one

AS-IS, A PROJECT BIKE FOR PARTS OR RESTORATION.

THE LEGENDARY HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRONHEAD

The Ironhead Sportster is one of the most recognizable motorcycles in Harley-Davidson history.

Introduced in 1957, the Ironhead Sportster earned its reputation as a tough, powerful, no-nonsense American V-twin. These motorcycles were the hot rods of their generation and remain highly desirable among vintage Harley enthusiasts, custom builders, and collectors.

The 1975 model is especially interesting because it features the left-side gearshift configuration, introduced in 1975, along with the classic kick-start, air-cooled, 1,000cc Ironhead V-twin.

With its compact chassis, peanut-style fuel tank, exposed engine, and unmistakable vintage Harley styling, this motorcycle is an excellent foundation for a period-correct restoration, old-school chopper, bobber, or custom build.

MECHANICAL CONDITION

This motorcycle has been sitting and will require a comprehensive mechanical inspection, servicing, and recommissioning before being returned to the road.

The good news is that THE ENGINE KICKS OVER AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN AND OUT OF GEAR!

That's an important starting point for any vintage motorcycle restoration.

The engine appears externally intact, with no obvious physical damage to the cases or major engine components.

The motorcycle appears substantially complete, including the engine, transmission, chassis, controls, suspension, wheels, fuel tank, oil tank, and other major components.

Mechanical observations:

• Engine kicks over and is not seized.

• Transmission shifts in and out of gear.

• Engine cases appear to be in good physical condition.

• No obvious external damage to major engine components.

• Screamin' Eagle air cleaner installed.

• Custom Python exhaust pipes installed.

• Complete mid-control assembly present.

• Factory-style highway peg mounting assembly with footpegs.

• Original-style oil tank intact.

• Rear shocks and swingarm intact.

• Front forks appear straight.

• Triple clamps appear clean and undamaged.

• Motorcycle is substantially complete and rolls as a restoration project.

IMPORTANT: This motorcycle is not currently running. We have not performed a complete mechanical inspection or attempted to recommission it. Engine compression, internal mechanical condition, electrical operation, braking systems, and roadworthiness have not been verified.

It should be considered a complete restoration project requiring both cosmetic and mechanical work.

ORIGINAL COMPONENTS & DESIRABLE FEATURES

One of the biggest advantages of this Sportster is how many of the important components are still present.

Highlights include:

• Original-style peanut fuel tank

• Classic buckhorn handlebars

• 21-inch front wheel

• Drilled front disc brake rotor

• Straight-appearing front forks

• Clean triple clamps

• Vintage headlight visor

• Good-condition headlight bucket

• Restorable gauge assembly

• Intact handlebar risers

• Screamin' Eagle air cleaner

• Python exhaust system

• Complete mid-mounted foot controls

• Highway pegs and mounting assembly

• Oil tank intact

• Original-style rear suspension

• Complete swingarm assembly

• Classic Harley-Davidson Sportster chassis

The speedometer currently displays just 8 miles, but we do not believe that represents the motorcycle's actual mileage. It was likely replaced at some point, and actual mileage is unknown.

COSMETIC CONDITION – A BLANK CANVAS FOR RESTORATION!

Now, let's talk about the paint job!

Somewhere along the way, a previous owner decided that black, purple, and blue paint, along with some unusual custom artwork, would be a good look for this classic Harley.

We'll just say that his artistic vision was a little different from ours!

The motorcycle has been painted extensively, including numerous components that would ordinarily be left in their original finishes.

Our plan was to strip the motorcycle completely, powder-coat the frame, refinish the fuel tank, restore the cycle parts, vapor-hone the engine, polish the aluminum components, and bring this iconic Sportster back to its original glory.

This motorcycle CAN GET A COMPLETE COSMETIC RESTORATION, OR RIDE IT AS IS!

but for the right enthusiast, that's part of the fun.

Strip it down, clean it up, rebuild what needs attention, and create the Ironhead Sportster you've always wanted.

Whether your vision is a factory-style restoration, period-correct '70s custom, traditional bobber, or vintage chopper, this motorcycle provides an excellent starting point.

WHY THIS IRONHEAD IS WORTH RESTORING

Finding a vintage Ironhead that still has so many of its major components intact is a big advantage.

Many of these motorcycles were chopped, modified, parted out, or ridden hard over the decades.

This one retains a desirable combination of its original-style components and aftermarket upgrades.

The complete mid-controls, peanut tank, buckhorn bars, front end, oil tank, and other components are all valuable pieces for a restorer.

Although we're offering the motorcycle as a parts or restoration project, WE BELIEVE IT DESERVES TO BE RESTORED RATHER THAN PARTED OUT.

It's a 50-year-old piece of American motorcycle history that deserves another chance to shine.

Just imagine this machine with a freshly powder-coated frame, refinished fuel tank, polished engine, fresh chrome, and that legendary Ironhead V-twin rumbling through the Python pipes!

A PERFECT WINTER PROJECT!

Looking for something to work on in the garage this winter?

Here's your opportunity!

This is the kind of motorcycle you can tear down, restore component by component, and build into something truly special.

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing a vintage Harley-Davidson back to life.

When the weather breaks in spring, imagine rolling out a freshly restored 1976 Ironhead that you built yourself.

THESE CLASSIC HARLEYS AREN'T GETTING ANY YOUNGER, AND GOOD RESTORATION CANDIDATES ARE WORTH SAVING!

IMPORTANT SALE INFORMATION

This motorcycle is being sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, AS A NON-RUNNING RESTORATION PROJECT OR FOR PARTS.

It will require substantial cosmetic restoration and mechanical servicing before operation.

We encourage all prospective buyers to review the photographs and video carefully and contact us with any questions before bidding.

Please understand that this is a 50-year-old vintage motorcycle, not a turnkey rider.

No guarantees are made regarding its internal engine condition, mechanical systems, completeness of every small component, or roadworthiness.

WHY BUY FROM KAPLAN CYCLES?

When you buy from Kaplan Cycles, you're buying from a family-owned motorcycle business with roots going back to 1975.

We're not just another auction house. We're motorcycle enthusiasts, collectors, restorers, and riders who live and breathe these machines every single day.

Home of the New England Motorcycle Museum, our team specializes in classic, vintage, collectible, and historically significant motorcycles.

With over 17,000 motorcycles sold and 100% positive feedback, our reputation speaks for itself.

We have a team of more than 30 motorcycle professionals and can assist with questions, logistics, and coordinating motorcycle transportation.

For this particular motorcycle, please remember that it is being sold as a non-running restoration project and has not undergone our normal full restoration and mechanical reconditioning process.

QUESTIONS? GIVE US A CALL!

KAPLAN CYCLES / NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

860-454-7024

Don't miss this opportunity to own a genuine 1976 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster and bring another legendary piece of American motorcycle history back to life!

GOOD LUCK BIDDING, THANKS FOR WATCHING, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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; restoring an as-is project bike sale, 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

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

We do not register pre owned motorcycles. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state if they are included.

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 if the motorcycle was advertised with keys, some project bikes have no keys, all restored bikes will include keys

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.