Needing info on HD Sportster
#1
Needing info on HD Sportster
Im looking at a 2005 HD Sportster 1200 custom that was in a accident. I am told that it needs one fork tube and the triple clamp and that the outer rim(front) could be replaced. I do not know anything about Harleys and am thinking about this bike as a project. are these things easy to get OEM or aftermarket or used and can a person with some mechanical ability do the work? Let me know what you guys think. Also not familiar at all with these bikes and the gas tank is going to need repair, can a person get a used or new one for a decent price and do various models or years work for parts?
Raymond
Raymond
#2
#3
I would get a cast wheel. It will handle better, tires last a lot longer, and no maintenance on the spokes. Can usually pick one up for around $300, plus a tire. I suspect the fork tube and triple tree will have to come from a HD dealer, and I have no idea that cost. But the labor to replace those items is not a difficult job. The fuel tank, I would look for a body shop to repair the tank.
#4
See post #11 (below) for correct axle sizes by year.
Any triple clamp from any model Sportster '04 and up with a narrow glide front will be fine. The 48 and the '11 up "Custom" models have a mid-glide, iirc. I think, but I won't promise, you can use a triple clamp off an older Sportster, but you'd have to use the old style risers, too. They're rubber dampened risers.
If you need a new lower leg for the suspension, get the appropriate fitment for the axle size. If you change both lower legs, you can buy any axle size you want to match whatever wheel you find. However, all the little additional parts (axle, spacers, etc.) add up quick.
Check the steering neck cups for dings or indentations and replace the bearings while you're in there.
Look around. Ask questions. Good luck.
Any triple clamp from any model Sportster '04 and up with a narrow glide front will be fine. The 48 and the '11 up "Custom" models have a mid-glide, iirc. I think, but I won't promise, you can use a triple clamp off an older Sportster, but you'd have to use the old style risers, too. They're rubber dampened risers.
If you need a new lower leg for the suspension, get the appropriate fitment for the axle size. If you change both lower legs, you can buy any axle size you want to match whatever wheel you find. However, all the little additional parts (axle, spacers, etc.) add up quick.
Check the steering neck cups for dings or indentations and replace the bearings while you're in there.
Look around. Ask questions. Good luck.
Last edited by HarleyScuba; 06-15-2012 at 03:41 PM.
#5
#6
The other difference is the mileage and handling. The 19" tire is wider and larger overall so it will last longer than a 21" tire and handles better. I run Metzeler ME 880s and I have 12k on my first 19" front with some tread left. I only got around 10k out of the 21".
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