Can anyone tell me where to find parts for a 1979 1000cc Harley Davidson Sportster?

Question

My husband is restoring a 79 sportster, but the shops around here don't work on them, and even through Harley Davidson, you can not get parts for a bike that old. We are looking for like a catalog that specializes in this year, or at least includes it, and i am not having much luck finding anything online. Please help us out, there is a lot of history in the bike we are restoring.

Answer 1

Try these 2 links:

http://www.denniskirk.com

http://www.jpcycles.com

Answer 2

My sister actually has a 79 Sporty, and I know that parts can be hard to find.
Some Harley dealers will be able to get you parts. Maybe your local dealer is just lazy & doesn't want to look too hard.
For parts, check swap meets, ebay, J&P Cycle, Dennis Kirk, Custom Chrome, and Jireh Cycle.
Because this particular model was really only made for that one year, there are parts that are nearly obsolete and you may have to rely on finding used. My sister put hers down several years ago and there were a few parts that are no longer produced, so used was the only option.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

I'm restoring one too.
V-Twin Manufacturing is the best catalog to get, and you'll have to look around for a dealer in your area that represents them. (http://www.vtwinmfg.com/NewVtwinWeb/)
Only problem is, even though they show all the parts you need in the catalog, some of them are no longer manufactured.
Another good resource is on Yahoo groups. There's a good group called XLFAMES. Web site is http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/XLFAMES/
You can join and ask questions of others restoring old sportys and do some part swapping.
Dont waste time with Dennis Kirk or the others. You may occaisionally get lucky, but the bike is really too old to find anything of value there, unless it also happens to fit newer bikes.

Answer 4

Get a copy of any American bike magazine and look in the classified ads. I'm sure there are companies that have either new or used parts inventories for the bike you're seeking to restore. You might even try MotorCyclist Magazine, even though it primarily deals with metric bikes...you might have some luck there.
I had to do the same for my bike, and found some good deals when I was fixing my motorcycle. Good luck.

Answer 5

my plug is for v-twin manufacturing due to when I can't get parts for the earlier model bikes thru Harley (obsolete parts) then that's where my dealership gets their parts from.

And yes we do work on iron heads, shovel heads, and evo's we don't turn away work as long as it's Harley. That being said we do warn owners that sometimes it does take a long time to get the right parts in.

You can download the v-twin catalog off the internet.

Answer 6

There is nothing in the world better for a harley or any machine than a machine shop that can fashion a part custom just for u

Answer 7

Forget the Harley dealers. If you don't ride a brand new bike and dress in factory approved "Motorclothes" they consider you the scum of the earth and don't want you to darken their door. Check around in your area for a good independent shop. Most places have one or two. As far as mail order goes the places mentioned above are good.

Answer 8

And yet another vote for J&P Cycles.
Their Vintage catalog will take you way back in time.
I bought most of my stuff from V- Twin. All accessory stuff and seats. The name brand stuff was great quality. Their brand left a little to be desired.

Answer 9

Local swap meets, ebay,

Good luck

Answer 10

Did you try jp cycles . Their web sit is jpcycles.com my husband also suggested jc whinety they carry motorcycle parts as well.