Go Sportsters

[jmlmjmjm]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

is that 883?

I've been looking at a lot of Sportsters. Never thought I'd say that.

I realize I need a Roadster I don't want a L, low, C etc. etc. etc.

The 1200 Roadsters are easy to ID with the dual disc.

Does anyone know if any of the 883's are dual disc and possibly taller suspension?

Any input on the post 2004 rubber mounted engines appreciated compared to the non rubber mounted bikes.

That is a standard 2004-06 (possibly '07 as well?) rubber mounted XL883. Not a C (custom, 21" front), or L (lowered) model though it does have forward mounted footpegs. This one's really clean.

[Birdmove]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

is that 883?

That is an 883, unless someone built it to a 1200. I had the twin to this one. Mine was a 2006. I bought it used and traded the Sundowner seat the PO had put on and I put the seat from a 2004 through 2006 Custom model (1200 or 883 were the same). Single front disc brake. This bike was the last Sportster with the longer standard length suspension. Had the long fork tubes and longer shocks for decent cornering clearance. Wish I still had that bike.
Again, the Sportsters were majorly redesigned for 2004 with the newer (way heavier) rubber mount frames. The engine lost the trap door transmission, and you can tell the 2003s and earlier by the round primary chain inspection cover, rather than the oblong one on the 2004 and later. 2007 saw fuel injection on the Sportsters.
Now the subject of vibration is important on Sportsters. Some complain of the vibes on the solid engine mount models through 2003. Others don't. I've owned one of each and the vibes on the 1984 XLX1000 didn't bother me. But I've also owned lots of thumpers and liked them. The newer ones are smoother, but way heavier.
These later model Sportsters are reliable, and you can see used ones still going down the road getting close to 100,000 miles. Expect a leaking rocker box gasket at some point, but it's not a big deal.

I am a big fan of the Sportster line, and want another one.

[hockeygoon]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

is that 883?

I've been looking at a lot of Sportsters. Never thought I'd say that.

I realize I need a Roadster I don't want a L, low, C etc. etc. etc.

The 1200 Roadsters are easy to ID with the dual disc.

Does anyone know if any of the 883's are dual disc and possibly taller suspension?

As others have said, there is an 883R. Both rubber mounted (2006 which I own) and not. I actually like the way the 883Rs w/o the rubber mount look better than mine. 2003, right before the switch to rubber-mounted, if I recall correctly.

The PO on my bike had the 1200cc jugs put on and I like it great on backroads, but I think the gearing is not as great for longer distance rides. I'm always looking for a 6th gear on the highway.

[Bueller]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

is that 883?

I've been looking at a lot of Sportsters. Never thought I'd say that.

I realize I need a Roadster I don't want a L, low, C etc. etc. etc.

The 1200 Roadsters are easy to ID with the dual disc.

Does anyone know if any of the 883's are dual disc and possibly taller suspension?

Any input on the post 2004 rubber mounted engines appreciated compared to the non rubber mounted bikes.

Definitely a Roadster. 883 or 1200, your choice. They came with mid controls, may need forward controls depending on your inseam. You definitely want a rubber mount if you buy a 1200, but may be ok with an 883 solid mount as they shake less than the 1200 solid mounts.I laugh when I see people bitching about the rubber mount bikes weighing 50 lbs more than the earlier version. So what. Many people who ride Harleys could lose 50 lbs and gain all of the performance back By its very design the Sportster is comparatively underpowered and ill handling compared to any modern sport bike, but when you look at it for what it really is - an iconic standard with a bit of nostalgic sporting character that feels a lot more alive than it does a sewing machine - the weight just isn't that important.

In my opinion the '07 R is the cream of the crop. Fuel injection, dual disc, 3.2 gallon tank (instead of the the 4.4 on the '08 which doesn't look as nice IMO). The best of everything. The only issue it doesn't escape is the crap suspension all Sportsters come with. Many people buy some takeoff touring shocks for $50 - $75 bucks on ebay and are plenty happy. I bought a set of progressive 412s and changed the front springs & fork oil with heavier weight stuff. I was plenty happy with that arrangement.

I'll have another one some day.

[nachtflug]

Originally Posted by Bueller

By its very design the Sportster is comparatively underpowered and ill handling compared to any modern sport bike, .

the fact that those things are even allowed on public roads continues to amaze me. I know a young guy just bought a 2005 R1 for like $5K.

just what he needs....

I've been looking at Harleys for awhile now and I'd like to have a big one but I'm not in the mood to deal with that weight. I just want something to poke along with and enjoy a turn or two when the mood strikes me.

appreciate the input. as fate would have it two 883R's show up on EBay after my post earlier. Iowa and Indiana though the one in Iowa claims he'll deliver to your door. what a guy. check out flea market there was an 02 Superglide for stupid cheap money last night if it's not sold I'd be shocked. thanks for the input on the 07 information is a very handy thing.

what about the 2001 Sport model Sportsters with more HP and "better" shocks"

[nachtflug]

and thanks to everyone else who responded to my post as well.

[woodnbow]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

the fact that those things are even allowed on public roads continues to amaze me. I know a young guy just bought a 2005 R1 for like $5K.

just what he needs....

I've been looking at Harleys for awhile now and I'd like to have a big one but I'm not in the mood to deal with that weight. I just want something to poke along with and enjoy a turn or two when the mood strikes me.

appreciate the input. as fate would have it two 883R's show up on EBay after my post earlier. Iowa and Indiana though the one in Iowa claims he'll deliver to your door. what a guy. check out flea market there was an 02 Superglide for stupid cheap money last night if it's not sold I'd be shocked. thanks for the input on the 07 information is a very handy thing.

what about the 2001 Sport model Sportsters with more HP and "better" shocks"

I have a 97 Sport. The motor is identical to other 1200's, in 1998 they went with a different ignition system, dual plug heads etc.. The suspension is much better with adjustable preload and damping front and rear. It works really well!

"They came with mid controls, may need forward controls depending on your inseam. You definitely want a rubber mount if you buy a 1200, but may be ok with an 883 solid mount as they shake less than the 1200 solid mounts.I laugh when I see people bitching about the rubber mount bikes weighing 50 lbs more than the earlier version."

Couple of things here I noticed, the forward control deal for one. I have 36" inseam and ride a Sportster Sport, I'm in my late 50's. Not a big deal if you pick a decent seat for your bike. Rubber-mounted Sportsters are overrated. An answer in search of a question. I've ridden nothing but rigid 1200's since they started making them and unless you're extremely sensitive to vibration (carpal tunnel or some such) they just aren't that bad... They are heavier too but the newer engine has better head designs and run very strong so you'll probably only notice that on the scale. I don't have 50# to lose so I'm stuck with rigids but you couldn't go far wrong with a rigid XL1200S, put the money you save into seat, bars and quarter fairing upgrades.

[isldtime]

Originally Posted by isldtime

The 1st. one was a '87 883 that ended up at 1202,twin plugged,cammed,flat slide and Super trapped. What a blast!!

25 years later I got the Sportster urge....





Here we go again!!!! Some Fun!


Sorry about the crappy camera phone picks, too busy ridin'

Finally found pics from the 1st Sportster.

It started life as a 1987 883 delux that went out the door new for $4500...

Then I went crazy!!

[AZbiker]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

is that 883?

I've been looking at a lot of Sportsters. Never thought I'd say that.

I realize I need a Roadster I don't want a L, low, C etc. etc. etc.

The 1200 Roadsters are easy to ID with the dual disc.

Does anyone know if any of the 883's are dual disc and possibly taller suspension?

Any input on the post 2004 rubber mounted engines appreciated compared to the non rubber mounted bikes.

I had a solid-mount XLH883 for a long time. Miss it.

I rode my bud's rubber mount but didn't get to thrash it in the twisties.

Some of the people on the XL forum that were fans of the twisties drove themselves nuts trying to chase down handling quirks in the rubber mount models. My guess is that comes from the swingarm connecting to the frame through rubber.

The late model solids also had better brake calipers--4 piston opposed.

This would be my ideal setup:

Late model (2000-2003) xlh883.

Long shocks, full-length forks with modded internals.

Dual discs with braided lines.

Programmable ignition, forged dished-piston 1200 conversion with tool steel wristpins (keeps piston weight low, actually weighs LESS than the stock 883 slugs). Maybe put some bigger valves in and some andrews N8s or N2s. Tune it on a dyno, and then go have fun. Plenty of people with dished piston conversions have said that there is no increase in vibration and the extra 25 horsepower is nice.

Oh yeah, and a nice wide Mustang seat for my fat ass.

[AZbiker]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

what about the 2001 Sport model Sportsters with more HP and "better" shocks"

Performance-wise, the dual-plug 1200 is an evolutionary dead end. Also, have to pull tank to change top 2 plugs. AFAIK, dual-plugging the EVO head isn't as effective as dual-plugging the old Ironheads.

[nachtflug]

Originally Posted by AZbiker

Late model (2000-2003) xlh883.

Long shocks, full-length forks with modded internals.

Dual discs with braided lines.

would any 2000-2003 883 with dual disc have to be an "R" and would that also mean that it came with the longer forks?

many thanks for the input I do appreciate it.

[Nadgett]

Originally Posted by Bueller

Many people who ride Harleys could lose 50 lbs and gain all of the performance back

I hate these dang stereotypes.

I only need to lose 30 lbs.

[DAKEZ]

From here:
http://www.hotbikeweb.com/features/1204_hbkp_2007_harley_davidson_sportster/index.html

[ADK]

looks like an occ jr design.

[sargev55]

Originally Posted by AZbiker

I had a solid-mount XLH883 for a long time. Miss it.

I rode my bud's rubber mount but didn't get to thrash it in the twisties.

Some of the people on the XL forum that were fans of the twisties drove themselves nuts trying to chase down handling quirks in the rubber mount models. My guess is that comes from the swingarm connecting to the frame through rubber.

The late model solids also had better brake calipers--4 piston opposed.

This would be my ideal setup:

Late model (2000-2003) xlh883.

Long shocks, full-length forks with modded internals.

Dual discs with braided lines.

Programmable ignition, forged dished-piston 1200 conversion with tool steel wristpins (keeps piston weight low, actually weighs LESS than the stock 883 slugs). Maybe put some bigger valves in and some andrews N8s or N2s. Tune it on a dyno, and then go have fun. Plenty of people with dished piston conversions have said that there is no increase in vibration and the extra 25 horsepower is nice.

Oh yeah, and a nice wide Mustang seat for my fat ass.

what are the supposed handling quirks the rubber mounts have?

i've put close to 21000 miles on my 2005 1200r and really don't have any idea what they may be talking about.