hey guys i have a fxst and im looking to get a used sportster as a second bike . dont know to much about sportsters so is there any years that i should stay away from ??? im looking for a reliable bike with the belt drive instead of chain ... what would you recommend the 1200 or the 883 ,thanks in advance Rich

 

I would stay away from all the 2008 and under.

J/K

Depends on your budget, but I sounds to me like the 04+ received a lot of changes or improvements to the engine.

As far as 883 or 1200...

1200.

I am sure there will be many helpful post to follow.

Enjoy your HD!

 

It all depends on your purpose of this bike. '96 to '03 has the EVO engines and have plenty of aftermarket parts available, plus most you'll find that most of them for sale are already decked out with some goodies. '04 to '06 has the rubber mounted engines, (which some say cause less vibrations), is still carbed, and can be found with the same added goodies for a relatively cheap price. '07 and up are rubber mounted and now have the EFI. After you pick the year, you'll need to decide if you want a XLH-L or H="Low/Hugger", XLHC="Custom", XLH="Standard", XLHS="Sport", or the relatively new N="Nightster".

 

just as stated above i'd look for an '04 and up...and a 1200 of course

 

thanks for your imput it was very helpful

 

1200's a great bikes but for a Sportster as a second bike and depending on budget and amount of time you'll be using it, consider a smaller investment in a good proven machine as the 883's from 94 up. Newer bikes have the so-called rubber engine mounts but my riding experience on the rubber mounts has not been that impressive.

 

I have to disagree with Doug on the rubber mounts. Compared mounts/no mounts before I bought and there's a huge difference. Particularly noticeable at idle and after 50+ miles. Can run 250 miles a day on my 05 Sporty no problem. An older model would be tougher. Definitely worth the add'l investment. Carb vs. EFI is more of a preference. Carb bikes run better after a few mins warm up. Some feel EFI bikes don't sound as good...

 

And I'd have to disagree with you on the rubber mounts. It's not that much of a difference. I've got no problem in doing 250 in a day on my non-rubber mount.

 

It all depends on what you intend to do with the scoot. If you intend on doing a chop, pre '04, get them cheap. An 883 if you plan to hot rod it, can make a 1200 slayer easy. everyday ride to and from work, either a 1200 or 883, possible custom any year.

 

I bought am 86 Sporty, and I love it, but its also on preference, take a few out and test them. I bought mine with a 4g budget and plan to use it daily and long rides. I have lucked out with the touring seat, front pegs, and rear pegs. It is also slightly moded with a cam and drag pipes. I want to upgrade it abit but being 22 yrs old, the bike obviously has a few problem spots, but nothing I havnt been able to take care of. It depends if you want something that you can work on easier. I knew I wanted a carb because it was easier to work on. I dont like EFI because yes you dont need alot of throttle but whats rideing without the rumble. A few things I might have to fabricate and a few things I plan to instead of buying, I am going to make a dual cone force intake on my sporty, instead of buying one, but most people sell them and there mounted to the scoots so you'll most likely luck out with a bike with one. You can also find something more of a bobber feel to it which is a fun bike, but it depends on where you look. Happy Hunting and consider options, I dont know if you would want a ironhead engine because my old man has alot of problems with the bolts untightening. I dont have that problem with my 86 since its the first year of the evo.