Looking to buy Sportster for the GF

[GeorgeC]

Not that familiar with the different years and what to stay away from, is an 86 a good bike? or a 95 better?

What year bikes had the nacelle/speedo on the gas tank?

I'm new to the forum, so I guess I cannot view pics... can anyone pls help and maybe post some links?

Thanks!

[MadCity]

1986 was the first year of the Evolution engines in the Sportster line. I'm not sure if there were some bugs yet to be worked out in the engine in its inaugural year. I'd certainly opt for a newer bike if I could afford one, that being in part dependent upon whether you plan to do your own work on the bike (most dealerships have a cut-off date on the year of manufacture they will work on). At my dealer, that's bikes made before 1990. Another couple of Sportster milestones to keep in mind is that the entire Sportster line was redesigned in the 2004 model year (stiffer, heavier frames and rubber-mounted engine), and the Sportsters went from carbs to electronic fuel injection in the 2007 model year. Good luck shopping for your GF's Sporty.

[Michael88]

How long do the sportys last? I'm looking as well

[Blockhead Ed]

Are you considering an 883 or 1200? Some other changes to consider are secondary drives; prior to 1991, both models were chains. In 1991, only the 1200 was switched to a belt with the 883's moving to a belt in 1992 (I think). Both belts and chains have their goods and bads. A broken belt can pretty much ruin the day while a broken chain can be fixed on the side of the road. Properly tensioned, a belt will last a VERY long time; expect to replace chains and sprockets over time and use. 1991 also saw the introduction of the 5 speed transmission. As mentioned above, the engines were solid mounted to the frame until the end of 2003; a frame mounted engine will transmit vibration everywhere. And I mean everywhere!
Sportsters have never come stock with tank mounted gauges. If you have seen one, it was after-market stuff.

Michael88, a Sportster will last as long as you want it to... or until a cell phone weilding soccer mom in a Chrysler mini-van decides she is going to turn left no matter what is approaching in the opposing lane.

[GeorgeC]

What about a 2004 Softail, pretty good record for these bikes?

[Waffen]

I had an 86 883 and never had any problems. Fun scoot around town. Not real comfortable due to the vibration at highway speeds.



W

[nortster]

A 1926 Harley can still be rebuilt with NOS reproduction parts.
Don't worry how long they will last.
They will last as long as anybody loves them.

Is your wife short?
Get her an XL Low, with the short shocks or a big twin softail with a low seat.
Gots longer legs?
Any model any year HD will suit.
My friend Slinky got his short wife a 57 panhead so she could reach the ground from the king and queen seat on the rigid frame.

Each to their own.

I recommend a Sporty for a fast maneuverable commuter, and a big twin for weekends and long trips.
All of them got their place.

[ultraplusrotax]

Originally Posted by GeorgeC

What about a 2004 Softail, pretty good record for these bikes?

George is fouling us, nowadays he is still in doubt.

[rottenbob]

Originally Posted by nortster

A 1926 Harley can still be rebuilt with NOS reproduction parts.
Don't worry how long they will last.
They will last as long as anybody loves them.

Is your wife short?
Get her an XL Low, with the short shocks or a big twin softail with a low seat.
Gots longer legs?
Any model any year HD will suit.
My friend Slinky got his short wife a 57 panhead so she could reach the ground from the king and queen seat on the rigid frame.

Each to their own.

I recommend a Sporty for a fast maneuverable commuter, and a big twin for weekends and long trips.
All of them got their place.

@g ree: i have a 90 softail and a 2010 xl 1200c sporty, i find myself riding the sporty much more its just a really fun scoot.. also my softail seat is actually lower then my sporty..