Description
So, here is a rare beast. A 1982 Harley XLS 1000 Roadster 25 anniversary model in the limited availability black and orange paint scheme. This bike is still in it’s original factory paint (the pinstripes were hand painted at the factory) and is almost entirely original, as it left the factory, it even has the original exhaust system. This amazing time warp machine will hold it’s value far better than any restored, customised or chopped bike ever will. Not only that it’s a great ride. These bikes have strong engines and they ride really well, pull hard and the roadster even stops good too. Parts availability is second to none and and they are simplicity itself to work on.
This very rare model was imported into the UK in 1988 and shows 7 owners since. Judging from the MOT history it’s done less than a thousand miles since 2016. It’s a 1982 manufactured XLS1000 Roadster 25th anniversary edition with matching numbers. Only about 1200 xls’s were sold in ’82 while over 5000 XLH models were produced. 1982 saw the introduction of a much improved and lighter frame than previous models.
VIN-1HD1CBH11CY114694 E-CBHC114694
I recently had the bike gone over by my local HD specialist who has serviced the bike properly and given it a clean bill of health. No oil leaks, battery is great and it starts on the button. Everything works and it rides great with a surprising turn of speed compared to later models I have ridden. It’s recently had a full carb refurbish including all new parts, inlet O rings, cables, fuel tap and air filter. Tyres are very good as are the brakes and all the springy bits.
To find such an original bike like this is extremely rare. I have seen a lot of this period bikes offered as “original” but they never are. Folk change carbs, air filters, pegs, grips, seats, indicators and exhausts. This bike looks to be wearing mostly all it’s original factory parts. The only parts I can see that look to be non original are the front master cylinder and it’s brake hoses and the fuel tap. Also the previous owner told me he had the wheels replaced with brand new and tyres at the same time, i would guess about 3-4 years ago. The frame has also obviously had paint touched up over the years. Other than that it appears this unrestored bike has simply been taken care of by a succession of considerate owners.
The paintwork is all factory original and does show some minor scars and some of the chrome looks like it would considering the age but noting to get worked up about, it looks great and draws a crowd wherever I have taken it.
On the road it rides great, starts well and idles nicely even when cold. It pulls hard and will make a ton easily, it corners really well (for a 40+ year old Harley) and it stops better than any of the similar period Harleys I have ridden. It’s not registered as historic but it is now MOT/ Tax exempt. Historic status can be registered when the new keeper applies for their new V5.
If I had one criticism, with that original exhaust it’s extremely quiet. Ironhead engines are not mechanically the quietest and a bit more exhaust noise would be welcome IMHO. A pair of slip on’s would help it’s street cred’ no end but I still prefer the originality and besides noisy Harleys are ten a penny.
I’m only selling because I need to rise cash for a new project I acquired just before Christmas. I’m a big twin guy and this little sporty is the only Harley that’s out of place in the garage.
The V5 is present in my name. There is no MOT but for the asking I would be happy to get it done.
If you need to protect a bit of cash from the ravages of inflation these sportsters are a great option and with prices rising steadily and other period models like shovels now out of many peoples range an ironhead is a great Harley to buy, own and use that’s virtually guaranteed to be a good investment and, as always it’s the original unrestored survivors that make the best money.
