Im thinking about a Sportster for a second bike, just to blast around on. I had a 2003 883 and it handle well, kinda low on power. Im in SW Florida and have seen a nice 1100 Sportster, lots of 883s and 1200s but dont like the black and chrome. Also im looking at 1985 Iron head. Any opinions on Iron Head vs Evolution?

 

I'd say stay away from the Ironhead; go with the Evolution. It's about your warm weather and how hot the Ironhead will get.

 

My wife's first bike was a 2002 XLC 1200 and that was a really fun bike to ride. The thing was great and really reliable. I would "borrow" it on occasion to go to work instead of taking the Softail i had at the time. The 1200 had a carb. Harley sportster stopped carbs I believe in 04 or 06 on the sporty. I forget. They also switch to rubber mounts on the bikes. I prefer pre 04.
Currently, I own a 1982 XLSA that broke stock for a while and I am currently dismantling and building into my fun chopper/bar hopper fun bike. The Ironhead, IMO, requires more maintenance, but is also a great fun bike and even with a 4 speed it flies.
I believe 83 is the frame change for the iron head prior to switching to the Evo, but honestly I have not researched that enough. The Ironhead is very year dependent. Some years had issues like myb82 has a good digital ignition, but the prior year ignition tended to melt and fail. My year is hard to find some parts as it was the only year that used them. Front Brake hose is an example.
I think the best way to know which you would do best depends on mechanical knowledge and how old of something you want to ride. I mean my bike is 42 years old and I am enjoying myself searching part numbers, looking for new or used parts, plus getting creative with the whole thing. Having said that I know several people that are looking at what I am doing and they cannot even imagine doing this. They can do services, but not open the cam housing and set the 4 cams and crank to time or adjust valve stems.
What are you comfortable with?
Here is my 82 as i am tearing it down. I have a lot less part on it now.

 

You want reliability, go with the Evo, in a 1200cc.

You want fun, tears, busted knuckles, and to be your own mechanic? Go with a iron head.

 

Lord, yes. The most fun you can have if you like to tinker is an ironhead. I will keep my twinkie ultra for reliability and long cruises.


Exhaust is off and I am hoping to have motor out next week. Then I start sanding and doing paint prep.

 

I wish the evolution engine had rocker boxes like the Ironhead. Those things look tough. I love 'em!

 

The French company EMD manufacture rocker box covers for Evo Sportster models that mimic the XL and XR Ironhead look.

 

I just looked them up for my Twinkie Ultra, man they are nice the price are about right.

 

Therfe is a sweet looking 1987 30th anniversary XLH1100 for sale at a dealership about ten miles from my location, it has only done 5655 miles and the asking price is £6995 ($9174). Even taking into account it's condition and that it is a special edition, I think the price is too high.

Have a look at the images below and judge for yourself.

 

I agree, the price is too high. 'How much will the market bare' is the question.