1981 Harley Davidson XLH Sportster

In 1968 American Machine & Foundry Co. was the company that bought the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer and, as popular lore goes, nearly wrecked it, pushing quantity over quality… Harley was sold back to its managers in 1981. To mark the company's newfound freedom, the new owners rode their Harleys 800 miles from York to the Milwaukee headquarters, symbolically leaving the motorcycle maker's AMF in the dust.
-milwaukee journal sentinel

This 1981 Harley Davidson XLH 1000 “Ironhead” Sportster has been driven less than 500 miles since a high-end full restoration. The Harley was originally sold in Anderson, South Carolina (see original bill of sale) and was driven 25k miles by one owner.

In 2009 the current owner purchased the motorcycle and after a few years of enjoying it had the bike fully restored by a Harley specialist. The numbers matching motor was completely rebuilt, the frame and body painted to original colors, and an S&S Super E carburetor added. With over $23,000 spent in a well-documented restoration this is one of the best conditioned XLH Sportsters on the market.

This bike starts easily and rides than when better than new in 1981. The frame and body have no damage and were beautifully refinished. Great effort was made bring this motorcycle back to original condition. One of the most noticeable features is the lack of any Harley Davidson labels, instead it was replaced with “Milwaukee” to represent that Harley Davidson Incorporated were back to producing top of the line, American made motorcycles!

If you would like to learn more about this motorcycle, please contact us at Legendary Motors LLC.

Restoration:
Rebuilt Bottom End
New Cams
Rebuilt Transmission
Re-honed cylinders and new rings
New Clutch
New Wiring
New Ignition
Rebuilt Hubs
Rewired Rims
New Brakes w/ SS lines
Rebuilt Front Forks
Rebuilt Oil Pump
King Tank
Seat replaced (nos)
Painted (original colors)
Pin-striped