Quick question, my grandson is looking at his first Harley! A 1986 1200 sporty with pipes bars, new tires etc. Really clean, well cared for it looks like.

Q: what should I look for with the motor & trans? I wrench my own stuff & have for years but is there anything specific about the 80's AMF bikes I should look for? Thanks much! Bob

 

I think that 86 was the first year of the "evo sportster" replacing the previous iron head. I don't know much about them but some were belt some some were chain an I think they were 4 speeds. I think the 91 to 03's are what the better years.

 

The 1986 did not have a 1200 engine. It was 883 or 1100cc. The 1200 started in 1988.
AMF sold Harley back to them in 1981.

 

My buddy's first HD was an '86 883 Sporty. He rode it hard for over 30K miles with very few problems. He loves his Road King but wishes he still had it. It was an Evo, 4 speed, chain drive.

 

The only thing I've heard is that the magnets on the clutch hub can break off, destroying your stator. The 1991 and later bikes moved the stator to the front sprocket inside the primary case, instead of the clutch hub. Also, they added an extra gear to the transmission in 1991 and changed the clutch.

John

 

I would look at something newer... The pre-owned market is booming and it's a buyer's market.