1960 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster
Fully Restored by a Harley Specialist - Please Wait for All Pictures to Load!

The original Ironhead Sportster - Fully Rebuilt and Operational following the Restoration Process
Running in these first photographs (note headlamp - this bike has only a magneto, rectifier and kickstarter)

Note alloy wheel rims and new Avon Roadrider tires - the best new rubber for vintage bikes!

Close-up of the front wheel and brake.

Still running, right before I took it out for a short cruise around the block.

Note the detail that went into the restoration.

Back from our ride and cooling off in the sunlight.

Knowing little about vintage Harleys, I can only speculate about whether this engine is original to the bike. See number stampings below.

The engine number '60XLH4179' is the one on the Virginia title.

Vintage factory service manual and clear VA title.

This number '8923' appears on both left and right side covers. This is the one on the left side.

The right rear cover.

Note the final matching number on the right front cover.

Pulling back from that last shot.

The oil tank (bit of kick starter pedal in the way).

Original ignition - key no longer present or needed but the code is on the lock barrel.

This modern rectifier allows power output to remain stable - the headlamp does not flicker while it's running.

From the rider's perspective. A simple classic Harley Sportster - no frills - merely a horn push, headlamp dimmer underneath it, and a kill switch on the right side of the bar. Choke is down on the carburetor and the petcock is right next to it.

It should be evident now that the restoration cut no corners.

who am I/why am I selling?

I'm Chip Lamb, writer for Sports Car Market and Corvette Market magazines among other pursuits. I'm also a rather rabid motorcycle rider and collector with unusual tastes. In trade for a major service on my road warrior BMW R1150RT, I happily agreed to take this fine machine in on consignment for my friend and guru, Eppa Wimbish. Eppa acquired this bike along with a 1972 Sportster that he wanted far more as a package deal. To offset costs, this bike is being offered at a very reasonable price for quick sale.

Let me a handful of points absolutely crystal clear. This bike is for classic bike aficianados and veterans of Harley-Davidsons, Indians and other vintage machines - not for someone unwilling to kick-start a classic bike in order to ride it. This is the antithesis of a Honda; there is no electric starter, no battery and no current provisions for same. I don't know what it would cost to convert it to electric start, what the insurance costs are, if you could ride it home to West Virginia - you get the idea. If you are questioning the sanity of a bid on this incredible 50-year-old piece of history despite the fact that the restoration was easily double the Buy it Now price, do not bid. If you do not currently have the money to support the bid you want to place on hand, please do not bid. Et cetera.

If, however, you are a responsible eBayer who derives great pleasure from successfully aligning planets, holding your mouth 'just so' and getting such a machine to fire, then riding off into the sunset - oh, and you are not an 80 pound weakling - this could very well be for you. The engine runs incredibly smoothly for a V-Twin, the gearbox and clutch work well, the brakes are actually rather good for what they are. The bike is beautiful and would seem to need nothing but a new and appreciative home.

payment and shipping

Full payment is due in certified funds (cash or certified cheque) within SEVEN (7) days of auction close or Buy it Now. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this unless cleared with me in advance of placing your bid. Failure to follow the above terms will result in legal action against you in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Pickup or Shipping may take place within 21 days following auction close or Buy it Now. I will be out of town from Wednesday through Saturday in the week the auction ends, but I do have folks who can show you to the bike should you need to retrieve it during that timeframe. If you cannot pick up yourself and are out of state, I recommend my friend Jim Vangelakos, a professional and very courteous interstate motorcycle transporter who replies almost immediately to e-mail. Here in VA, I think we can probably work it out with Eppa. Otherwise, I look forward to meeting you.

Please note - I will be out of town and possibly hard to reach this week from Wednesday evening through Sunday morning while working a collector automobile auction in Raleigh, NC. I can reply to quick e-mails using the above link but possibly not through eBay. Phone calls could be difficult if you have a question but I'll make every effort to answer if I'm not on stage at that particular moment. Please rest assured that this is among my primary concerns this week despite my absence.

Bid with confidence, see my feedback, thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed the above.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS?

E-MAIL ME OR CALL 804-357-4926