I have been collecting, restoring, and modifying Harley Davidson XR-750 motorcycles for nearly a decade now.  I get frequent e-mail and eBay member message inquiries about these bikes and wanted to share information on them with the eBay community.   I will use a 1 (easy) to 10 (extremely difficult) rating scale to descirbe factors related to these bikes parts and general reliability.   When describing the models appreciation, price, collectibility, and fun factor the scale will range from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) with commentary where needed.

Model Availability:  8   There are less than 1,000 XR-750s in existance (original, after-market & assembled from parts)

Collectibility: 10   The interest in this model and low production numbers make these great investments.

Model Appreciation:  10  This model has averaged 15 percent a year over past decade.  Parts prices are appreciating more.

Price:  6     Your not going to find a basket case for an ironhead sportster price, But can get a decent machine for 13-20K  Expect to spend 30K or more for street-legal, perfectly restored, interesting history or competitive race worthy examples.

Engine parts availability (1989-newer)   2   Engine is still manufactured by Harley, some small items take time to research

Engine parts availability (1972-1980)    5   Transmission, upper end, and primary are easy.  Lower end parts are rare

Engine parts availability (1970)  6   Many parts were modified 900 sportster items.   Crank items are a nightmare to find.

Body Pieces (tank-tail)   5  Reproduction are plentiful originals available but pricey

Harley Chassis (1970-1980)  7-8   original frames and most original chassis itens are rare and pricey.  XR-750 restoration experts report that when carefully inspected 1 out of 3 original frames are found to be bent or otherwise tweaked.

Aftermarket Chassis (all years)   3-4  These show up on eBay quarterly but be prepared to pay for nice ones.

Streetability 9    Push-start only, loud, poor idle characteristics, brakes, electrical and bike likes left more than right turns  make then difficult street conversion candidates.

Ease of Titleing 10  The VIN for these is listed as "RACE ONLY" most states wil not titlle under original VIN.  You will need to either title as special construction, or cut/and weld several frames pieces together to have a sportster VIN

Reliability:  5  When not being raced the bottom end and transmission are bulletproof,  Top end and primary need frequent attention and pre-89 cases will seep oil after sitting a while.

Fun Factor:  8   Older bikes are scary to ride at speed, newer bikes ride like big motorcross bikes.