Considering adding another bike. It's a 1989 1200 Sportster which was originally an 883. The engine work was professionally done and the bike has very low miles. No other mods except for some cosmetic stuff. It looks very clean. Riding is solo, 160 lb rider, mostly two lanes at 50 - 60 mph with occasional highway runs of 500 miles or so at 75 mph.

My questions are :

1. What kind of issues to look for on an '89 model year (other than the 883 to 1200 engine upgrade)? Electrical? Suspension? Braking? Other?

2. Is the XL1200C produced in 2004 - 2006 that much better and if so in what way (other than the rubber mounted engine)?

3. What are the engine differences between an upgraded evo from 1989 and the 2004 motor?

I'm interested in the XL1200C for what seems to be a very reliable engine and well thought out design, so trying to decide between an older Sportster or one in the 2004 - 2006 range when they still had carbs.

Maybe the FI models are ok too, but a carb always seems simpler and less possibility to sudden failure than FI but I don't really know if this is an issue on the Sportsters or not.

Thanks.

 

Not an expert, but I believe the 2004 and up models have rubber mounted engines, so the ride is smoother. Harley FI systems are really good

 

I never could get on with the solid mount Sporties, but love my rubber mount. Far more pleasant to ride. An 04 would be my choice over the 89.

 

also the 89 has a chain final drive and if I remember right drum brakes in the rear and no sealed wheel bearings so you need to adjust and grease them...I would go with the newer bike unless you really love the look of the older one....

 

I've done some more homework and based on all the changes made in 2004 to the XL1200C chassis and engine, I think it's the way I'll go. Probably start looking for a 2004 - 2006, or maybe a year or two newer with fuel injection if the price works out close to the same.

Thanks.

 

My 2 cents...

I have an '88 XL Deluxe with a 1200 kit with around 55k total miles. Exact same bike as the '89 you're looking at. Haven't had any major issues in the 3 years that I've owned it. Right now i'm looking at a valve job, front brake caliper rebuild, battery and paint job. Seems to be general maintenance for a 24 year old bike. It is a 4 speed tranny, but the gear ratio for my 4th gear is the same as 5th gear on a newer bike. I don't miss the extra shift at all. I can't speak for anybody else's bike, but mine has front and rear disc brakes...matches up with the service manual, so i'm not sure that any sporties in this generation had drum brakes.

Maybe its just me, but really like the styling of the older bikes. If given the choice, the only sportie I'd trade for is a new '72. Still had the old style, but new technology. I'm sure the rubber mounted engines reduce the vibration signifigantly, but I dont mind it the way it is...if i wanted a smoother ride i'd buy a big twin, or a caddy.

 

I'm with you on an '04 or later, though I like carbs, too. Have a '00 883 and a '04 1200C; wouldn't even think of going someplace on the 883 anymore where I'd be cruising over 60; over 65, I call it the paint mixer. Ain't the wheels, either, pull the clutch, back to idle, it's real smooth at 65+; just won't stay there... When (if) I ever finish all the stuff I want to do on the 1200, might think about selling the 883, but it's nice to have when the other one is on the jack.