What year did the Sportster go to FI and rubber mounts? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

FlaFatBoy · 07-14-2009, 02:25 PM

Thinking about getting a Sporty for my girl. Is there a huge difference on a Sporty with rubber engine mounts vs one without? I can buy a garaged 2002 with 400 miles on it for around 5K or should I go for the rubber mounts and FI. Any year better than another?...thanx for your help.

Ride Safe
-Randy

MadCity · 07-14-2009, 02:32 PM

The Sportster was redesigned to include rubber engine mounts and several other changes for the 2004 model year. The frame was stiffened as well, adding about 50 pounds to the weight of the bike. Mine is a 2003, the final year of the more traditional Sporty configuration. I've never ridden a rubber-mounted Sporty so I can't tell you how much different the ride is. I'm told it dampened the vibrations quite a bit, but I can't personally attest to it. All Sportsters went to EFI in the 2007 model year, I believe, so from 2004 through 2006, Sportsters are rubber mounted but run carburetors, not EFI. I'm not sure if that answers your question, but I hope it helps.

Jeffytune · 07-14-2009, 03:11 PM

2004 for the rubber mounts, and 2007 for F.I. and oxygen sensors.

Did I win?

MAL056 · 07-14-2009, 03:18 PM

I've ridden both. I owned an 07 1200xlc. World of difference between rigid and rubber. IMHO I would opt for a FI/Rubber mount. I traded mine on my Street Glide which I love, but I will own another Sporty one of these days. Very quick with little mods. I had Rush pipes, SE air cleaner and SE race tuner. 70 in second without hitting the rev limiter.

FlaFatBoy · 07-14-2009, 03:20 PM

Thanx Mad City and the rest for the quick responses...I appreciate it...Randy

flstfboy · 07-14-2009, 03:24 PM

I work for a dealership and take in Sporty's all the time, so I know the difference. The hard mount makes my hands buzz and fall asleep after 50 miles. The rubber mounts let you feel the vibes but they smooth out when the RPM's go up. The mounts reduce fatigue and hand numbness considerably. FI is so much easier and also monitors the mixture 100 times a second. Quick startups, you won't get left in the dust by impatient FI friends.

ThunderBueller · 07-14-2009, 03:43 PM

What a bunch of ninnys.

Sporty's are s'posed to have rigid mounted engines and carbs just like my '03 XL1200C had.

MadCity · 07-14-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cop_Stanger
Sporty's are s'posed to have rigid mounted engines and carbs just like my '03 XL1200C had.

You've just described my bike to a tee.

gunnysgt · 07-15-2009, 07:31 AM

Having had an Ironhead sporty and now a Nightster with rubber mount and FI I can tell you it's a whole different world out there. I can ride the XLN 4x further and still be comfortable. Gotta love the sportys, I ride mine alot around town and for short trips. Kinda hard takin it on long trips with no bags etc.