Teach me about Harley Sportsters

Nostril Cheese · 10-22-2013, 08:56 PM

I know we have a few Harley guys here.

I've run across a pretty good deal on a Sportster from a friend who is stepping up to a touring bike. The bike itself is clean, around 13K on the clock and has some nice extras like bags, seats, windscreen, etc. 883, fuel injection and it's comfortable. It's been well taken care of.

The bike looks like this except silver.

I've heard its pretty easy to convert the motor to a 1200. I really like the way those Harley 48's look. Can this be done easily? Is it a waste of time? What do you all say? Things to look for?

KFC911 · 10-23-2013, 02:34 AM

It's a girl's bike!

I keed....I've got an '87 sportster in my garage

....I'll defer to Higgins et al for anything more....

ps: The only thing I own with a HD logo is the bike itself, and a large group ride for me would be more than three riders...don't be bothered with all the bs you'll hear imo.

yellowperil · 10-23-2013, 03:02 AM

I had an 883 way back when they first came out and DID NOT like it. Bought it new thinking I would learn to like it. That didn't happen. Never seemed to be comfortable in any rpm. Traded it for a 1000cc iron barrel sporty (a new left over)
was better but still not a good cruiser.

Traded that for a 1980 FXE 80 incher super glide. That was a great bike and wish I still had it. It was happy in any gear, looks of grunt.

Get a big twin, leave the sporties for the little boys.

No offence to anyone (I hope)

Chocaholic · 10-23-2013, 03:16 AM

The cost to do any such conversion would waaaaaaay exceed its value. 883's are very cheap and plentiful. Check Craigslist for example. Lots of beginners buy them but very few keep them.

If you're new to riding, there are lots of better choices. If you're experienced, you won't be satisfied for long with an 883. Unless it's dirt cheap, I'd be inclined to pass.

yellowperil · 10-23-2013, 03:17 AM

This was my exact bike right here. 1980 FXE Super Glide. Looks like a sporty but isn't. I've still got the two-into-one exhaust hangin' in my garage. If you don't know Harleys, the final drive (chain or belt) should be on the left for big twins, right side for sporties.

BTW by, big twin doesn't mean just a bigger engine (1200) it's still a sportster. I'm sure lots of people like em, but I didn't. Just my opinion FWIW

Nostril Cheese · 10-23-2013, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

The cost to do any such conversion would waaaaaaay exceed its value. 883's are very cheap and plentiful. Check Craigslist for example. Lots of beginners buy them but very few keep them.

If you're new to riding, there are lots of better choices. If you're experienced, you won't be satisfied for long with an 883. Unless it's dirt cheap, I'd be inclined to pass.

It's dirt cheap. Otherwise I'd pass. Just thought it might be a good cruiser/winter flipper.

KFC911 · 10-23-2013, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowperil

...Get a big twin, leave the sporties for the little boys.

No offence to anyone (I hope)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

.... If you're experienced, you won't be satisfied for long with an 883. Unless it's dirt cheap, I'd be inclined to pass.

See, I told ya

Different strokes for different folks...YMMV. I acquired my 883 from my best friend who's been riding for 30+ years and built it NICE! He gave it to his dad...who used to hang out in biker bars in Daytona...it was his dad's 13th Sporster....wouldn't ride anything else. His old man (RIP) would be laughing out loud at some of you guys

VINMAN · 10-23-2013, 04:32 AM

I had an 883 and currently have a 1200. Big difference in power. I ended up doing the 1200 conversion on the 883. It was cheap and a piece of cake. Did a whole bunch of other mods after that.
Love my current one wouldnt trade it for anything.

LakeCleElum · 10-23-2013, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC911

See, I told ya

He gave it to his dad...who used to hang out in biker bars in Daytona...

Tavern Bike, this is what it does best.....

Shop elsewhere for modern performance, suspension, comfort, handling, etc.

HardDrive · 10-23-2013, 04:42 AM

Very cool looking bike. I just wish they could make it weigh 100 lbs less.

Nostril Cheese · 10-23-2013, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Very cool looking bike. I just wish they could make it weigh 100 lbs less.

OK, how do I put that front end on the bike at the beginning of the thread?

asphaltgambler · 10-23-2013, 05:06 AM

For starters: Sportsters began using rubber mount engine in 2004 so definitely should not consider anything prior unless it is a 'giveaway'. They have made slight but good improvements in frame, suspension and engine since then. So any version 5 years or less old is a decent bike considering their humble beginnings.

883's are fine around town and local highways and can be Ok on long hauls depending on the riders height and weight. Best thing is to sit on it and if the owner will let you, take it on a short ride. It is big torquey engine in relatively compact, light frame as cruiser bikes go. It is a very different experience than say a sport metric cruiser.

As with anything else, the 883 is an entry level bike. The 1200 is a big difference in stock power and torque and some models have the 21" front wheel which does make the bike feel more like a big twin. But the price for the top level 1200 is approaching $$$ on an entry level big twin. even used.

To convert the 883 to 1200 is very basic. The cylinders can be bored to accommodate the new pistons, but to achieve the best results (as you can imagine) you have to replace cams, do some basic head work with valve springs, exhaust, air cleaner and have the ignition and fuel injection tuned to match
the new combination. On some models you may have to replace the ignition module with an aftermarket to really set the best timing curve.

For those who may poo-poo the Sportster, you should ride one with an open mind. It is a very good, big torque hot rod bike.

911SauCy · 911SauCy's Garage

My buddy had a "spare" Nighster sitting around for a couple years I was glad to jump on whenever possible... Very fun, 1200FI with some go fast goodies I ran it to an 11.70 in the quarter on a "street night" and handled pretty well.

Chicks do ride them...and love them too! These bikes are VERY FUN!

If you purchase the mentioned bike REMOVE the windscreen immediately! I've heard of and seen a few decapitations and scalp jobs from windscreens in accidents

The one I am referring to looked like the pictured. My buddy sold his with $2k in extras and 3500mi for $7500...

VINMAN · 10-23-2013, 05:10 AM

Honestly, this is the last place you should be asking for opinions on a HD ( or any American made vehicle for that matter..) Do your self a favor and check out this forum if you want opinions on a sporty.
The International Portal for Sportster and Buell Motorcycle Enthusiasts - The Sportster and Buell Motorcycle Forum

Plain and simple, when it comes down to it, buy, drive, ride what YOU like and want. Not what everyone else thinks you should.

.

KFC911 · 10-23-2013, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Tavern Bike, this is what it does best.....

Shop elsewhere for modern performance, suspension, comfort, handling, etc.

I'm not gonna argue with you guys who have ridden more than I can ever dream of...my buddy would simply disagree with you. He put a LOT of road miles on mine before giving it to his dad. He's also got quite a few bigger bikes but "my" Sporty is still one of his favorites. Like I said, different strokes....a sporty is just fine for moderate cruising the back roads for a couple of hours....it's no more of a high performance "cruiser" than my 911 is though

. Just depends upon what you want to do with it....mine hasn't seen a tavern in years however...YMMV.

yellowperil · 10-23-2013, 05:14 AM

Buy what you want, I'm sure you'll love it. It's your money.

Pic of what's left of my two sportsters and the bike I wanted at the time.

Good thread.

911SauCy · 911SauCy's Garage

^Orange Sportster tank is AWESOME^^

yellowperil · 10-23-2013, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

^Orange Sportster tank is AWESOME^^

Thanks, painted that one myself. Would like to have one of these sportsters!

Rednine11 · 10-23-2013, 06:00 AM

Those XR 750's are hard to find
I had and Evo Sporty and an Ironhead Sporty.
In the 4 years I owned the ironhead I never did get it to completely stop leaking oil.
Fix one leak,. find another one somewhere else 2 days later........
finally sold them both
I love my Harley's though.. Next one will be a big one

yellowperil · 10-23-2013, 06:40 AM

There was a time, not all that long ago, when you could claim the winning XR750 at any race, for $2500. If I'm not mistaken.

Can you imagine! Anyone on these forums have any first hand knowledge of this?

I was only at a few flat track races, only at Barberville Florida. But I love dirt track
racing. Pure racin'