Sportster vs big twin vibration

[choppers_rule]

-Is it true the sportster engines vibrate a lot more than the big twin engines?
- Is the 1987's sportster engine reliable? or is it the bad year??

I need to know the answers to these questions before I spend to much money upgrading my sportster chopper.
Any inputs would be greatly appreciated

[Stefan]

The sportster engine before 2004 vibrates more than any twin cam or 88B engine.
The sportster engine bofore 2004 does not vibrate more than a solid mount evo engine, it does vibrate more than a rubber mount evo (or shovel) engine.
I know of reliable '86 engines. Depends on how it is treated & what you consider reliable. To make it reliable you have to take care of it.

[HD1200R]

I used to have a '87 Sporty and it was really reliable. Just like any motor, if you are going to put the motor through hell, build the engine so that it can handle it. If you just enjoy going cruising and not going to be rough on the motor all the time, the engine should not give you a problem. They are basically the same motor from 1986 to 2003. They changed the cases in 1990 or 1991 due to the 5-speed transmission and different charging system. The cams are also a little bit different but have recently learned that you can install cams that are for a 4-speed XLH into a 5-speed XLH.

[choppers_rule]

Thank you! I feel a lot better.
Since I bought my rigid sportster in July, it was nothing but trouble because the guy that put it together didn't know what he was doing.
First, I got lower & upper cylinder heads leaks,then broke a pushrod tapped guide, broken ignition system, and some other problems. It was a pretty new rebuild engine.
The engine has Wiseco pistons, dual plugs, dyna coil & dyna single fire ignition, S&S shorty E carb,and Andrews N2 cams.
I really like the way it runs now after everthing is tuned right but I wasn't sure if this one is a keeper or not because of the problems I have.

I guess I just bought a lemon since you guys think the 1987 sportster engine as reliable as the newer one and they don't vibrate worse than a solid mount Evo engine.

Thanks again and ride safe!!

[punkncat]

My 883 vibrates MUCH less than my buddies 1200 screaming eagle in his Buell.His bike nearly walks around like an out of balance washing machine.