A few weeks ago I just rode a 04 Sportster. They are nice but it did not seem to me as a Sportster because they just do not have the vibes like my 2000 XLC does. Another thing that I have heard was the 04 do not have a trap door to access the transmission. If that is the truth, I guess the whole motor will have to pulled and split to diagnose any transmission problems. That would be a kick in the teeth. Does any one else know any information about this?
Mike
Yes, it was eliminated. High performance modifiers complained it was starting to flex under high load, and Street riders never used it. So HD replaced it with a solid casting integral with the cases, and used the extra material to install larger, more rigid bearings for the Tranny. The old transmission was pretty much bulletproof. The new one is more so. Its not a consideration, Imho.
The new Sportster engines look (internally) almost identical to the current Buell XB engines. I think the move was done to cut construction costs (less machining necessary with the new design).
The new Buells are pretty much bullet-proof, so I'd expect the new Sportsters to be too.
No trap door on the 04 transmission
Linear Mode
