Hey all, I've grown up (until I was 13) around REALLY nice custom (start with a frame, build, and paint yourself...take to the show and win) Harleys. However, I never thought I'd be able to afford one myself until I was over 35. I am pretty well mechanically inclined and simply have to customize / build everything (from AR's to mountain bikes) so I always wanted to start with a 1979 hardtail frame, (was born in 79') and build from there. I have always ridden the **** out of dirtbikes and had a 1979 KZ650 until last fall. (Sold it.)

Well, I came home from work today and my wife said, "Let's go buy a motorcycle NOW." Well, we have plenty of cash in savings, (for a house) but will be waiting another year before buying so that gives me some time to put the money back. I decided to check eBay and the local classifieds. (Kansas City, MO) To my GREAT surprise, I have found EXACTLY the bike I THINK I want at a price I can pretty easily justify. I'm not big on crotch rockets or big gawdy cruisers...I like a nice, sleek, naked / half-naked bike similar to my old KZ, and of course AMERICAN is a HUGE plus. On eBay, I found several early 80's Sportsters for under $5,000. I'm not at all the type to make any sort of purchase, especially something of this nature, without first learning EVERYTHING possible about it. (I'm also a forum NUT.) I found this website and the sportersters.org site and got a quick little history lesson. Looks like an Ironhead may be in my future, however...in looking at more pictures I found I really like the way the 2000 and later models look, (as well as sealed bearings / more modern technology) and I wasn't looking forward to getting into another 20 y/o bike that I haven't turned every bolt on myself. The KZ put me though hell and back since I learned from scratch and did everything myself. Problem is, however, a newer Harley is going to cost me at least $10,000 right? WRONG!!! Here are just two Sportsters that I absolutely LOVE that sold or are selling for less than $5,000: (gotta have those drag bars / pipes.)

01 XL1200 w/ 6,300 mi. $4,650

1999 XLH 883 w/ 8,705 mi. $4,800 This baby is in CA and listed in the calssifieds if anyone is interested.

Kickass huh? ...but I'm wondering what the catch is, which is why I'm here to learn more. Of course, probably the most important issue besides how well they ride, is 883 vs. 1200. Now, I'm 6'2" 210 lbs. and the wife is a good 150 lbs. so power is an issue. (When is it not?) I don't want to keep up with the idiots on Jap. bikes, but I also like to know I've got plenty of motor underneath me, and I'm use to that neck snapping 2-stroke dirtbike power. However, over half of my riding is by myself. The next big issue for me is reliability and longevity. I have always heard Harleys are slow, hard to maintain, unreliable rattle traps that need rebuilt every 10K miles. (Weak head gaskets, worn rings / piston, etc.) Is there any truth to this? Is there a certain year / combo that is more bullet-proof than the rest? Are they more expensive or harder to work on than the jap bikes tend to be?

I have TONS more questions to ask, but I'm sure I can find much of it in searching the threads and reading your replies. Thanks in advance!!!

 

To your first question, yes: 2004-2006. To your second question, No, they're not more expensive. But then they're not less expensive either. I find them easier to work on.

If you're an old dirt freak like I am, you'd probably enjoy the ride of the XL1200R. I got the "C" which quite literally in my case stands for "Chrome."

 

Dunno.....those old storys are usually from people that don't know what oil change means.....as far as reliability and dependability goes....hows this....

I have....a 94' 1200 with over 80,000 miles on it...it's now riding my son some where's in Calif.....he left 10 days ago from Philly....I did the trip 3 xs my self and put all those miles on it since I got the bike new.....never had a problem...never let me down......

also a 98' 883 Hugger with 33,000 on it and never a problem....needed this bike cause my son took the 1200 from me....
power wise...I do 2 up sometimes with the 883.....no problem....the 1200 does it easier....

get a socket set.....some allen wrenches, a few screw drivers.....tighten things up sometimes when your bored....and just enjoy......change oil.....I do 1500, always did always will....the mileage I have speaks for itself....don

 

I would work on finding as new as you can. For example, I paid 5700 bucks for an 03 100th Anniversary 1200 Custom that had only 1800 miles. You can get a deal if you look hard enough.

You will pay more for the 04-06 becuase they are rubber mounted, but they are not more "bullet proof" than the 03 and prior. The rigid mounted EVO's are just as solid and dependable. And I have ridden a rubber mounted 04, and in my opinion, they vibrate just as bad as the rigid sporty's do.

Just keep looking....they are out there....

 

Thanks guys, glad to hear they're not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. I think I'd actually prefer the solid mounted engine...I'm a no frills sort of guy when it comes to bikes, not being a hard tail is luxury enough for me.

Is there anything I should look for when looking at a 2000 and newer Sportster? (i.e. usual trouble spots, unusual wear / play, etc.?) Is the 1200 worth say, $1,000 more than an equivillent 883 model?

 

Any time I stop by a bike shop the owner tells me of lots of Sportys for sale. 883's for 3-4K are common. Left over money can add the 1200 kit. I think a 1200 is better for 2 up riding. I have an Ironhead that's been a great bike. Custom parts are getting harder to find and more maintenance is often needed (i.e. adjusting push rods and pionts). Hit every bike shop and see what you find.

 

Go for the 1200 you will be happy with it.

 

I would be careful of older Sporty's. A friend has a 94 Sporty, and he needed an electrical part (wiring). Well Harley has orphaned (i.e. discontinued parts production) for his bike. Any vehicle over 10 years old can have this done by Federal rules, as an automaker only needs to guarantee parts availabilty for ten years. (well at least for cars...I am assuming is the same for bikes.) Anyhow, he was able to get a replacement wiring harness through a specialty dealer, but it took weeks!

As for vibration, my 2004 1200C does not vibrate much at all.

HR

 

Here ya go jackal, I've got my 2000, 1200cc,(883 with the Buell upgrade), for sale. If your in the KC Mo. area, that's where this bike came from, & I'm only about 3-4 hrs. away.

 

Jackel,

You know, you can get a brand new rubber mounted 883 with a two year warranty for about $6800. Go shop with the dealers, they have Sportsters to move. Reserch the Harley website for the MSRP and don't pay any more than that.

DC.