1981 Harley-Davidson/Custom Ironhead XL tracker

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To do a simple but unique build and keep the mechanical components of the bike intact

What motivated you to start your project?

Got a sweet deal on a basket case Ironhead and thought of the idea shortly after I bought it. Always loved the Flat-Track races and that style of bikes.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

I cut away the cam case, the chain sprocket cover, added an 18 inch laced wheel at the rear, a superglide tank. there is a lot to look at and a lot of creativity. When this was built I never saw anybody else that had cut the fat off their cases and been a long time since I saw a 1000cui Flat Track style bike. Now after many shows I see a lot of this style out there and makes me happy to see. I hope I was an influence for that.

What are you most proud of?

Proud that I could resurect such a neglected and almost forgotten motorcycle into something this nice and fun to ride.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

Most that see it want to buy it instantly but sometimes I think it is the beer talking. I do get a lot of interest and compliments on it. Some ask if the motor was made that way by the factory for racing. I love the input and explaining the history.

2 Comments

Gary Prokosh says:

May 14, 2020 at 7:39 pm

Love the minimalist look. Very cool exhaust. I think this is an AMF which is cool to me because I used to have one back in the day.

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H.A. Gleason says:

May 25, 2020 at 11:12 pm

One word says it all BITCHIN !!!! Live in Syracuse N.Y. Always looked forward to Dirt Track Race day at the SYR. Fair Grounds.

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Submitted by: Theresa W

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: Harley-Davidson/Custom Ironhead XL tracker 1981

Fondly known as: Flat Racker

Time spent: 6 days

Motorcycle cost: 900.

Money spent: 2,500.

Engine: Stock Harley-Davidson XL 1000 with slight modifications

Intake: Stock carburetor off a later model and re-jetted

Exhaust: Custom shotgun style exhaust

Transmission: Stock tranny

Frame: Stock frame powdercoated aluminum and very slight alteration

Suspension: Stock swingarm with 15 1/2 inch progressive shocks. Front 39mm forks had the springs length reduced, are completely re-built using factory seals and bushings with aftermarket dirt track style dust covers.

Wheels, tires and brakes: Laced wheels front and back are chrome. Front is stock size 19 inch and back is 18 inch with Kenda On/Off road large knobby tires,

Finish – Paint: Paint was done to accent the bike as a vintage style flat-tracker using satin black, bone white and orange decals. Pinstriped on the border of the colors. The frame was powdercoated aluminum color to give that appearance as some custom racing frames of the past were made with aluminum alloy

Accessories: The bike is adorned with a flat-track style seat/fender and a H.D. Superglide tank picked because it resembles the “low profile” tanks used on flat-track racers. The bike has number plates that attach and detach as does the headlight and tailight for quick removal in the case of dirt riding verses street.