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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
- The Harley Sportster has carried a bad reputation for suspension, brakes and even bad vibrations for years. Harley-Davidson has been very slow to make any major improvements to the Sportster, but they finally started addressing the issues. On the eve of what may be the last year of the Sportster as we know it, we'll take a look at some of the obvious and not so obvious improvements Harley-Davidson has made. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are iconic and the Sportster is one model with a lot of history. We'll cover the major changes from 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2016 to the present model year.
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Motorcycle: 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200CP (Sportster 1200 Custom)
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Motorcycle: 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200X (Sportster Forty-Eight)
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Would you go for a late model or update an older model?? Rigid mounted bikes are reliable, plentiful and there are some great deals out there!
Plus they probably will be almost as accessorised as you would do it, saving you some money so you can throw it at proper performance mods ! I myself like a bike to look almost stock - or even Basic model - and hotrod the hell outta it....... I like badging it as an 883 as well......
Hahaha that's exactly what I like to do! I love the fact that some basic slipons will still produce some real power and keep the look of the bike stock!
Someday I will own a right side shift sporty.
Yes! They are getting hard to find these days too.
@@larrygonzales821 You won't regret it. I love my 1974 XLCH, last year for the right hand shift.
I loved my 06 Sportster 883 I felt like it was the best of both worlds rubber mounting but it still had a carburetor. I put some Road King shocks on the back and a touring seat and ended up touring through over 20 States on that bike.
I have the1200 but it doesn't Stop well maybe a brake upgrade ..I love this bike !
@@kennethhacker1341 there are plenty of brake upgrades but you might be surprised how much an improvement you can get just by putting on better brake pads.
If that doesn't give you enough stopping power you can always put dual discs up front.
@@kennethhacker1341 I would suggest the big brake kit from Arlen Ness like I put on my bike but while it did stop better for about a year I eventually ended up frying the rotor on a trip to Tail of the Dragon, possibly warping it or at the least putting heat spots on it because now the front brakes pulsate. I think under hard usage the Dual Disk may hold up better over time than the way my Arlen Ness big rotor did.
Great idea thank you brother.
@@jamessouthworth1699 FYI rotors don't warp its an Urban Myth. They are cast at higher temps than can ever be achieved by braking even on race cars. Even the Highway Patrol mechanics will tell you. The problem is during install of the rotors they need to be shimmed to within .001 on a dial indicator or the pads will rub on the high spots just driving down the road, and will get higher and higher over time causing brake jutter. Everyone assumes the rotor is warped but that's impossible.
Old video new comment...but for all of us that tinker on our own stuff it's important to point out that Harley got rid of the trap door on the transmission in 04 so if you messed up your trans you now have to split the case ...95-03 was the best (imo) of the Evo... reliable and easy 2 work on....
Great information Ty.
When Norton rubber mounted Atlas engine in the Norton Commando the bike lost 30 lb. When Harley rubber mounted to Sportster it gained 80 lb. Maybe their Engineers need to go back to school.
Have a 1994, a 2002, and a 2003 in my garage. I like the carb versions. They're very easy to work on and reliable as any.
Terrible vibration is when you have oil tanks crack, pieces falling off your motorcycle, when your arms and hands are numb from the vibration of a 50-mile ride, when your frame cracks from vibration, when your battery box welds crack from vibration and are dragged behind the bike by the wiring harness to where you have to cut the wires and so is the battery in the saddlebag and get home on the Magneto. I have had the stock suspension on my Sportster for 25 years. Of course my hardtail Triumph TR6 with a sprung s e a t rides comfortably and runs like it's on Rails.
Owned 4 Sportsters since 1990, a 73 XLH, two 1200 Evos and an 883R with a 1200 conversion. Loved them, warts an all. Great A and B machines here in the UK. Oddly, the people who slag off Sportsters have often never owned or ridden one. I would happily consider another Sporty as old age is looming.
I can't say enough how awesome Sportsters are, you get a good suspension on one and you're off to the races. I get some people just literally don't fit on one, but it's what fits me and I love them. Hammer 1275 kits with some cams and those things will do it all.
Whenever I hear SPORTSTER , I get a sweaty flashback to my first Harley, a 1962 XLCH , kickstart only with magneto and straight pipes. Back when I was getting into Harleys, the Ironhead Sporty was all there was that was affordable for beginners. The Evo wasn't even thought of. The 60s~70s Sportsters , especially those that had been thru a few owners, probably turned more riders OFF to Harleys than anything.
I have 2 Sportsters. A 2002 883C and a 2006 1200L. Both are stock except for the exhausts and some cosmetic modifications. The suspension and brakes are 100% stock and work fine. Both have rear discs, but I wouldn't have a problem with a drum in the back. I'm 63 with back problems, so I'm not going to be riding any hardtail bikes, but the stock suspension seems to work perfectly. A Sportster is a cruiser, not a race bike. In 2007, the Sportster started down the wrong road when the added EFI and turned it into a computer on wheels. But they didn't stop there. They got rid of the bright shiny paint and chrome, and turned it into a matte black blob. The Sportster Iron is one of the ugliest bikes I've ever seen. H-D pulled one of the biggest scams ever pulled on motorcyclists. There was a chrome shortage, which made chrome more expensive. So they decided to get rid of it to save money, then concocted the "dark custom" lie to try and convince people that all black was the latest greatest thing. And everybody fell for it. We really are a nation of sheep, that will line up to follow anything. Except for me and a few others. Really, the first few model years of the EVO Sportster were the best. I prefer the chain drive over a belt. I like the peanut tank, not the huge, wide, fat 4.5 gallon tank on my '06. I may eventually wind up swapping that out for a peanut, but since my '02 has a peanut, the '06 does give me a lot more range at the cost of appearance.
Xl1200S was the first major improvement woth fully adjustable suspensions and three disc brakes.
The XL1200R also got twin brakes up front.
I probably would of got the new Roadster when it came out if I hadn't just bought one.
Had 2-883's 02&04, liked the rigid mount 02 better.....also the peanut and it had 10.5in rear shocks making the riding position and curve handling soooo much better
Agreed! You felt more vibration but the chassis didn't feel like it flexed as much as the rubber mounted Sportsters.
I am owner of a 2005 Sportster 883 XLH carburetted, from 0 km, with rubber stops between the chassis and the engine.
I love it as it came from the factory, except that now it has upgrade II and some aesthetic and practical changes for tourism.
We have ridden more than 80 kms (50,000 mi) and I love riding it.
It has character, it has life, tough, powerful, it is very funny.
It gives me everything I want to feel and enjoy on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, in the city or over long distances.
In addition, the model has a long history, 63 years and counting.
I like my Sporty.
Dang that's awesome to hear! I bought my Sportster new too, came from riding sport bikes lol. It's quite a change and honestly l feel like the Sportsters are the best bang for the money in Harley. Have you thought about converting to a 1200 or 1250/1275?
@@GixxerFoo - I will keep it as it came from the factory.
THANK GOD, I also have a 2016 BMW K1600 GTLE, which is a rocket, 6 cylinders, very powerful and with all the technology.
But, the SPORTSTER has that special charm that makes it unique, for my taste.
It's very funny.
You carry the motorcycle, the motorcycle does not take you.
Thank you for the info. I own a 2014 883 and I love it!. Not interested in any other bike right now. It's been great
Have you thought about converting it over to 1250 or 1275? They are some good looking bikes, very reliable too!
GixxerFoo yes 1275 but finances right now keep me at stage 1 upgrade. Still plenty of power for me.
I've been back and forth on tearing mine down but l kinda want to see how many miles l can put on this motor too.
GixxerFoo i ended up doing the 1275 big bore kit with only 500 miles on the bike after I just broke her in . Reason being was, I wanted to add all the power while the engine and crank area well the whole bottom end was all still nice and strong and fresh . That way everything from top to bottom was all brand new still . That was my thinking any how. So far so good . It makes coming from my gsx-r not anywhere near as tough now . Although I of course still miss my gsx-r . But I love my sporty
@@ghostdog1874 I'm the say way, I miss my old GSX-R. I see a guy running around town on one the same year I had, just the silver instead of blue and white. I swear if I ever catch him I might ask he would be interested in selling it lol. But I still enjoy the Sportster, they are super easy to work on and fun to ride.
Just the info I was after.
Cheers mate!
Picked up my first Harley this year a 2007 super low. I like it. More and more with each upgrade. Super easy to eork on.
I really dig my 87 1100. Good power, sound, brakes and suspension. Only mods is belt drive and rear shocks.
I like my 53 year old bike. Almost the funnest ol bike i ever rode. And when i get her back to a dry clutch i be even more in love❤
Had me an '80 iron back in the early eighties
Nice riding bike.
Some of the old school bikers back then used to sneer at harleys smaller bikes which caused me to foolishly sell my sporty I still regret that move...
I have nothing against the new Sportster, I just prefer the older models. My 95 has the 1250 kit with Buell Thunderstorm heads, Buell racing ecm, solid lifters, Andrews N cams, chain conversion, Paughco 4 gallon tank, bobtail fender, and 2 over springer frontend. My 03 is 1200 with 883 heads and dome top pistons. The rest is pretty much stock with the exception of the chopped rear fender.
I'm a Sportster guy and I am catching my breath right now... you got a stable in the garage! There is a reason Harley kept the Sportster down, doesn't look good when the "entry level" bike smokes your flag ship big twin.
I’ve always wanted to build a bad ass commuter sportster using a cbr1000rr repsol front end, wheels and brakes. They came with Brembos. I’d settle for gas shocks in back if not a CBR 1k swing arm mod.
That would be a lot of fun! Really sort of building your own Buell!
Didn't realize those newer sporties had progressive rear springs. Pretty cool. I still can't fit on them well enough to even think about trying to ride one. They've always been too small for me
Yeah they finally updated the suspension on those bikes, been a long time coming. They are really narrow and short frames, you can spend a lot of money making one comfortable and be in the price range of a Dyna.
@@GixxerFoo Street Bob is more crouched than a 2000 Sportster - both stock.
Love the Vibration/massage specially on my foot pegs😁
I actually changed my stock ones out for some heavy rubber dampened ones 😆😂. My feet were going numb with the stock ones.
thanks for the input. i have a 2017 883 iron and i love it no matter what. i have vance and hines twin slash slip ons with quiet baffles and stock air cleaner so far. if u have quiet baffles u dont need to remap vance and hines confirmed
I believe it, l am about ready to go with the quiet baffles myself. I have standard and l can't get rid of the decel pop to save my life. You can never tune it all out but smaller baffles, you won't hear it. Plus more torque with quiet baffles 👍. Gotta love the sportster!
definitely more torque, and i love the sound with the baffles
Good information, thank you.
I had a 08 Nightster that was an absolute beast! I had progressive rear shocks, monotube front shocks, andrews cams, revtec fuel card, v&h pipes with big city thunder baffles and much much more but it was stupid fast
Sounds like it! What Andrews cams were you running?
@@GixxerFoo honestly i dont remember its been so long ago. i have a video of the bike on my channel. it was a really fast bike, i miss it to be honest. i used to love blowing the doors off the rolling couches that called it a bitch bike lol
@@BillyBlaze7 Sounds like the one I just picked up for dirt cheap off an Amish kid about a hour north of where I live.
He was so depressed selling it to me, but he just got married and joined the church and they frown on worldly possessions.
I think I seen a tear in his eye as I drove off.
It has 7k miles on and I paid 2,500 for it.
I love my 2007 Roadster 1200... Great bike!
great info on the sportsters. i bought 2 2014 sportster a year ago so my older boys would go riding with me. lol. i had read that was the year things changed alot. was good hearing it from you. good job man.
oh i did put ohlins on my 48 and my gosh the difference was so great. pretty pricy though.
That's awesome, l love Sportsters and that's what l like to ride myself. Suspension is expensive but the key on those bikes. Ohlins is not cheap, you already know that. But it's worth the price and there's a reason why it costs so much.
I have a 2016 iron 883. Love it.
I have a 2016 myself too, the suspension upgrades that year are awesome!
Hey man! Nice informative video there! Pretty detailed. I own a 2011 superlow 883 and it too has O2 sensors. Love the bike though it could do with better brakes and suspension. Cheers
Thank you! I appreciate it, a good aftermarket suspension upgrade goes a long way on the Sportster! I usually go with Progressive Suspension for the quality and price, they aren't outrageous.
As I understand it, the "form follows function" quote was actually coined by architect Louis H. Sullivan in 1896. But I believe that Willie G. added "...but they both report to emotion."
Thanks for all the fab info!
From southern California ~ Ride Forever!
I had a 07 and a 19 and the 19 was much better than the 07 I had. The rear shocks were trash on my iron 1200, but that’s because it only had 1.6 inches of travel.
I miss my iron 1200.
love my 2003 883 .runs perfect pulls like a freight train and,,its stock with 9000 miles
There's always something to be said for the way a Harley puts the down. You can throw the numbers out the window, it's all about the feel 👍.
Glad you mentioned the suspension upgrades available on harley's website. One thing i noticed was for the 2020 model, they don't list the specs for stock suspension on the website. Not sure if it's a work in progress or purposely hidden from the masses to make them buy these upgrades and parts from Harley or the website. I find this quite interesting and possibly a shady tactic. Their new model is to offer platforms and really promote their accessories instead of people buying it from all these aftermarket companies. Let's see how this plays out for the moco and the consumer
The new suspension is a lot better than it used to be, it's cartridge in the front and better rear shocks in the back. The Screamin Eagle is adjustable out front and it offers rebound and compression adjustment in the back. It also has more travel, which does raise the height of the bike and changes the look.
@@GixxerFoo yep, agreed. I missed an s for plural. I meant they left suspension details out for all models. Before they used to provide that information under specs
Nice video 👍 I've got a 2017 iron 883 which I've upgraded with the S&S 1200 kit with cams, I like it and I'm definitely keeping it now they've discontinued the sportster here in the uk
Very nice! Yeah I'd hang onto to that bike! Here in the US they have it under "Street" now on the website. Kinda weird since they discontinued the XG's and dropped Sportster name off the site.
@@GixxerFoo I don't get why they're dropping the sportster name for the street which was a bike that didn't catch on at all over here ? It looks like it the end of the sportster and the end of an era, but times change and its all about the pan am with the water cooled all singing all dancing engine where you just plug n play.....
Not sure if this stemmed off of my video idea/recommendations. Thank you for making the video and talking through all the "improvements" 👍
I am always taking requests, so if you have an idea let me know and l'll see if l can make a video out of it to answer some questions.
@@GixxerFoo sure thing. I left a comment one time on your videos and you said if i had any suggestions. So i said it would be cool if you can talk about pros and cons of rigid vs rubber miunt sportster, carb efi and other differences. Which you did in this video. So thank you. I am also looking for sportsters on the used market
Even though the new sportsters have a digital tach , I found it to be very small , so I decided to upgrade to a Harley analog tach digital speedo combo unit . It has a very large tachometer display analog style much easier to know when you’re close to red line when you’re out having fun with your bike and reving through the gears. I’m very happy with the upgrade. Definitely worth while for any sporty owners who happen to be focusing on a prefomance based platform in my opinion. Great video Gixer foo 👍
Thank you! That's actually the unit l am looking to upgrade to myself! It really us hard to see that little digital tachometer, l prefer a big analog one too.
GixxerFoo I think you should get one , I absolutely love it , very impressive little unit . I think hd got it rite on this unit .
I am definetely gonna add the fuel level sensor too, it would be nice to take advantage of the fuel level gauge it has too. Doesn't it have a bunch of color options you can change too?
GixxerFoo yes it has an endless amount of color options , very cool . I chose not to go with fuel gauge myself . But that’s only because I always check my mileage at every fill up . Then I know I’m safe when the gas light comes on for at least another 20 miles , it’s actually more but I try not to go 20 miles past the light .
I like my 08 Nightster I got for 2,500 with 7k miles on it. I got some plans for it here in the near future.
Always loved the sound of a sporty.
Me too, it's quite a unmistakable sound especially if it's a built motor.
I hope you do a video on the 1971 FX Super Glide. In my opinion, that's the best looking bike Harley Davidson ever produced.
That's a really cool bike, the only time I have ever seen one in person was at a Harley dealer in Tulsa. They have a all original one that they have owned since it hit the dealer new, they saved it back and I'm glad they did.
I have a 2005 XLC, which i have done paid tge harley tax on. Seat. Bars. Carborator and exhaust. Mag wheel in front. Dropoed a 1200 bore kit in it. Its badass.
You forgot to mention one big factor about the 2014 and up Sportster. You have to have a tuner to even really be able to work on the motor when something goes wrong. The Sportster was the every mans motorcycle. Most repairs you could do so in your garage. Now to own one of the newest models and have any work done, you have to have a big bank account to pay the dealership or a tuner to work on the bike yourself.I am happy with my ‘97 XL1200C.
Any Sportster after 2007 when the fuel injection started you'll need a tuner, the cool thing is that in 2004 the Sportster got the best heads ever that were better than Buell heads which is what they basically were but improved. 2004 to 2006 is the best carb sporty motor out there from the factory.
Good info ! My bike has shorter shocks in the back and it’s like riding a hard tail , well maby I couldn be a little lighter too 😂😂😂
Yes, better to hard tail it and install a springer seat or air ride system. Short shocks offer barely any travel
Lol exaclty what you said!
I wouldn't mind the shorter shocks with remote or piggyback reservoirs but dang they are pricey! But meh, riding a Harley is about the form and not the function.
@@GixxerFoo I think it's just as much about the function. It just depends on what the specific function is. In my case, the bulletproof reliability and Fred Flintsone simplicity make it extremely functional. There are many times I've looked at Euro bikes which would outperform my bike but when something requires expensive maintenance or expensive repairs, I just smile at my Sporty. Parts and local knowledge at lower prices make mine a better bike...to me, anyway.
As far as 1200's are concerned. the better heads (- Buell XB style) started with the '04 models - earlier models also had heads similar to Buell Thunderstorm heads .... read all about it on Hammer's site.....
Whilst on Hammer's site you can also learn about the vibration issues that were increased from '96 on when Harley stopped balancing cranks for the individual (883 or 1200) piston weights - a situation that persists today.
That is why Sportys have a bad vibration problem at certain engine revs, which can be addressed by fitting different (correct for the crank's balance factor) weight pistons.
This is a particularly good idea if you have an older rigid mount Sporty as they weigh considerably less than rubbermounts and are therefore faster and without fuel injection are much simpler in the wiring department.
Older Sportys (pre '04) are also cheaper to buy if you intend on modifying your bike and can be retro-fitted with the later and better heads and cylinders. With suspension upgrades, the older bikes will often handle better due to not having the 'flexi-mount' frames.
For '04 on all FRONT brakes were two piston floating calipers (- with twin disc on the Roadster models) , not single - REARS were single piston (floaters) and the rotor was the 292mm size (same as the front but with different mounting bolt sizes) .
Yes hammer performance site has tons of great info. I was just looking at ut last night. Interesting stuff
Damn how you been? You off lock down yet? You definetely know your bikes! Man l go with the short version lol but you got the details!
Those guys in my opinion are the authority on Sportster performance. Some serious smart guys, like mathematics on cams, machining, bore, stroke etc. They know their stuff and they aren't afraid to share.
Maybe, but my '02 883 has no real vibration as far as I'm concerned. It feels just as vibration free at 65-70 as my 88b Softail does.
@@GixxerFoo Not off lockdown yet - taking it easy and gardening.. reason I know about ('06 XL1200R) Sportsters is I have one. Used to have a 1990 883 that I took out to 1200 with an H-D kit (back in 1994)..... Reason Hammer know so much is they are racers turned businessmen - one a drag race champ and the other a salt racer, what else is there to know ?
They want the best for customers and can advise you about what to do and what not to do - saving you money when some know-it-all tries to claim more than he can deliver ! They ARE the authority on Sportsters and I would love a race ready 90 inch solid mount version, but I am old and don't have the money anyway - I spend it all on my Sporty and Streetbob.....
The only reason I’ve never built a sportster is I feel too large for one.
Sportsters are the original badass bike. Girls bike my ass.
👍 l have heard that from the hard tail, cross country with a bed roll guys.
The first "superbike". I mean, I know that's what they call the Honda Four, another badass bike, but the sporty was really the one to beat back in the day which caused Honda to design the 750.
Oh yeah back in the day it really left a legacy. Harleys XR750 dominated flat track for years, and it's the same basis as the Sportster engine. It's still competitive today, just expensive to run.
Interesting video I bought my first sporty 1990 and at present have a 2003 XL1200S which I love. I will look at you info and see what I can do to mine, as it is stock.
How many miles do you have on your 03?
I got 25k plus on clock. I have several bikes but done 23K myself on this one.
Meant to say love the videos very interesting.
Damn you've really done some miles on it! Long trips or just ride it everywhere locally?
I have a 2019 Roadster. Love the front fork suspension but the next step upgrade rear shocks are still jolting; back and gut punches - Oooff! Twin front brake discs are great on the Roadster. Was going to change to rear sets or forward foot controls because the mids kind of cramp me up. What is the difference between the Pre 2013 controls versus the Post 2014 Controls. I can find Pre 2014 Foot Controls EVERYWHERE. Post 2014 Foot Controls are much more rare and expensive. I am in the 3 Year extended guarantee so unless it is Screaming Eagle Performance Parts - HD will cry and void the warranty.
They made some changes to the rear master cylinder location when they updated the brakes in 2014. That's likely why you're having issues finding aftermarket foot controls for a later model. I've had the same issue trying to find the inexpensive aftermarket part on my 2016. Have you checked out Progressive Suspension? They make some awesome high quality upgrades, still costly but a lot less than some of the others.
Owned a 96 1200S and now a 04 1200C - the rubbermount was not real a improvement!
I never had problems with the vibes of the ridged mount…
The increase of the weight with over 50kg is a real disimprovment…
The point why I love my 04 and will keep it is the frame mounted passenger footpegs and the bigger space for 2up riding - that makes the Sportster a real good lightweight tourer.
The loss of the trap door is another big minus for the 04 up models…
So my conclusion would be find a 04 frame and try to fit a ridged mount engine which is upgraded with some performance parts to around 70-80hp and you get an easy to repair long lasting lightweight tourer and maybe the best everyday Sportster!
Should you still get a stablizer link for a 2020 Iron 1200 if you want your ride to be smoother?
Got a 2020 iron 1200, a 2001 1200 i have totally rebuilt, and a old shovel. I love my sportsters
I love Sportsters myself as well, I am one of the lucky ones that can fit on one and ride it comfortably.
Same here im short n skinny fits my frame perfect
Lol me too, plus if you drop a Sportster you can pick it up before anyone notices 😄😂.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 true true
Key fob.
Getting my first bike with a key fob was a game changer for me.
My wife's bike has the security system and l put a keyless ignition on it. It's really nice just walk up and push the button to turn the ignition on with the key fob in your pocket.
Bullet proof engines. Love these bikes. F the heavy rubber mount models
There's a lot to be said about the good old rigid mounted bikes, they were a bit lighter too.
Looking through your channel really great when will you do the video about whether or not do you need to tune after installing a slip on thanks
That's not a bad idea, I'll look into putting one together on that. That really applies to all Harleys and not just the Sportster, there's a lot of back and forth on that one.
@@GixxerFoo Thanks man, will be looking forward to it.
Not a problem, this one might generate quite the debate.
I had a 1988 883 that I bought new. Then traded it for a new '92 FatBoy. The FatBoy in my opinion vibrates way more at 70mph than the 883 did. The mirrors on the FatBoy are a total blur at 70mph. Thirty years later, I'm thinking seriously about trading it for a new 883 Iron. I miss the 883 Sportster but I'm done with high speed vibrations.
You might check your bushing where your bars mount to the triple tree. It should have some rubber dampers in there to help with that. The new Sportster are leaps and bounds above what they used to be these day. I will say the newer Sportster vibrate at 60 mph, they have a weird spot right there. But anything above or below 60 on the button they are smooth.
Thank you for the tip and reply. The bushings are there. It’s been a blur since new. The worst part of the vibration is the floor boards. At 70 (3200 rpm), I have to keep my knees clinched to the tanks to keep my feet from vibrating off. Mostly the right floor board. When I was thirty, it was worth it. I couldn’t make it loud enough and vibration was part of it. At 60, I’m over it. Around town, it’s great running stock exhaust and an S&S Super E. I need to take a new Iron for a ride. Thanks again!
What's a 'Harely'? I got rid of a rubber mount Sporty and kept my two rigid Evos because they just feel right to me and they're still very old school simple motorcycles yet offer modern reliability.
I really like the rigid evo sportster, it's lighter than the rubber mount bikes and there is nothing motor wise or anywhere else you can't update if you want to. I especially like the trap door for the transmission, who ever made the decision to get rid of it can pound sand.
@@GixxerFoo Agreed. One of the things I like about my '98 Sporty as opposed to my 2000 is the tapered roller wheel bearings.Performing routine maintenance allows me to bond with the bike and properly maintained bearings will last 'forever'. Sure you can clean and repack sealed bearings before they fail but they're a bit more of a chore.
That's my favorite part of working on my own equipment too. You know the ins and outs and know real quick when something isn't right.
I am looking to buy a Sportster for my first bike in 30 years. I prefer to go older and upgrade things myself. I like working on things giving them my own personal touch.
Used Sportsters are very inexpensive, they leave a lot of room to build!
Love my 2006 carb SEagle Intake VH Shorty cam no problem m c and fast ❤ see ya
2006 is a bad ass year for the Sportster, killer heads and the carb!
Good on you thanks,have a 07 custom ,s,E race tuner short shot v,h pipes n kukurin air cleaner , otherwise stock ,seat got the chop n fix ,it runs well handles better than it should ,and has had no issues at all , seems every stock Harley leaves the factory with terrible ,seats pipes n suspension for the price of em it's a shame they can't seem to get at least the seats right , aftermarket scam suspect ed
Where is the Gixxerfoo shop?
Great bike Harley-Davidson keep the sportster
I sure hope they do, they cut line pretty heavily in 2020!
Had '02 and an '04 883, both 60 mpg now that they are FI they're lucky to get 50mpg......I'll take the 3.5 peanut, carb, and solid mount
True they weren't the greatest light to light but out in the curves 883 had enough power
Oh yeah they produce torque down low pretty quick, they gained some weight after 04 with the new rubber mounted bikes.
I have an '01 883 that I bought new, and still have it. Great bike, still love it. And yes, 60mpg all the time! Not any more though, since I upgraded the engine to a 1200. The top end was pretty much worn out at 86,000 miles. As a 1200, best mileage I've gotten is 48mpg.
Is it a straight swap for the 2014 brake setup to a 2008 ?
I haven't done one myself personally but I do believe the rotors are bigger on the 2014 and it depends which 2014 the brake setup came off of.
Anyone know of prebuilt wide tire rear forks for 1200?
There are some wide tire conversion kits out there! I am not sure of any off the top of my head.
05 and 06 have the best heads 04 and up heads ar basically the same. Im running 2014 1200 heads on a 05 883/1200 with wiseco10.5:1 check out hammer performance website they have a article on the different types of heads. to 03 the sportster weighs almost 100lbs less also has a trapdoor transmission. In other words no splitting cases to repair.
That's my biggest complaint is them eliminating that trap door. I was at a local shop getting my tire done the other day and they had a bunch rigid Sportys. They look a lot bigger than the late models, it's been a minute since l've seen some.
That's what I thought . 04 and up got the Buell developed heads and big fins .
I prefer 2003 & earlier for their simplicity & durability. All they need is air, fuel, & spark to live.
You my friend I think I joined up but still ignorant just wanted to say morning b4 work have great day
Thank you! Have a great day!
I like Sportsters, but.... why is the suspension still crappy? It's a lot better than it used to be, but why won't Harley just put a good set of forks on the sportster, plus better shocks... Granted the 48 solves completely the suspension issue.
Harley puts form over function, the suspension from 2016 up is a huge improvement. But Harley maintains the look of the bike with shorter suspension, if you look at a metric (Suzuki Intruder) they have much taller suspension and it doesn't look near as good as the stance of the Harley. I'll have a future video covering Sportster suspension systems and what you can do about it.
Sorry the back shocks I mean
Yeah a good upgrade there is a must if you can spare the cash. You can drop some serious money on a set of shocks.
I have a 96 1200 custom that looks nothing like a custom model. Stage 4 kit and lots of other stuff. Heavy exhaust thump, shake rattle and roll at traffic lights. Diamond cut as well. Aftermarket low wide tank. Sweat rjde
Very nice! Do you have a big bore kit done on it or just big cams and high compression with the 1200 displacement?
@@GixxerFoo Everything from the crank up was replaced. Even the clutch. Rods, cams, pistons, heads etc. S&S shorty carb, vance and hines pipes. It looks nothing like it would have in 96. Pretty much all chromed. Even a 14 or 15 inch naked crawling woman on the back pipe to match the air brushed crawling woman on the tank.
Oh damn, is it a stroker crank? Have you had it on dyno and got any numbers from it?
@@GixxerFoo no to both. Its got to be over 100hp for sure
It would have to be with a crank up build, how did you come across this bike?
Can I put them on my 2015
What are you looking to put in your 2015 specifically? Harleys can cross many years with a few mods.
I love it when these guys call a sporty a girls bike then go out and get spanked on their big twin by a little sportster lol if I wasn’t 6’ 3” and 260 lbs I would rock one for sure.
😆😂 l absolutley love that myself too!
I disagree . The 04 got the Buell heads and the big fins .
Yes, 2004 was the change over when they redid the Evo Sporty.
The content of your videos is great, I just wish you had your hands tied down.
That was kind of interesting but you're given measurements on the brakes of the rotors but you keep calling it calipers. What?
😊😂 my mistake, the newer bikes do have dual piston calipers, larger rotors, redesigned master cylinders and steel braided lines. It makes a huge difference in stopping power.
The Iron 883 and 1200 suspensions bottom out and knock the wind out of you. Ask me how I know. Terrible!!!!!!!
The suspension on the 2016 and newer is better, but it can still benefit from an upgrade.
@@GixxerFoo While the local dealership had my 2005 for over a week, they gave my unlimited use of a 2020 Iron 1200. The engine, transmission and handling were great. The suspension, seat and mini-apes were terrible. I only rode it home and back (2 hours each way) because that was all I could stand. My 2005 883 Standard rode like a limousine with its stock suspension and seat.
They've really lowered the stance of the bikes over the years at the cost of rider comfort.
the best bike is a free bike
😄😄 Where do I sign up?
@@GixxerFoo i get them over there at that place. you know what i sayn. that one place down past that other street. yeah yeah right over there thats it. they givem out all the time. been on harleys since 1982 and never lost a nickel on one. is this not a free bike also. free harleys for all. yeah
Wish you lived on my street. None of my neighbors speak motorcycle.
Hell yeah, l get it! None of mine do either.
Guys i m up to buy a real Bike, so i have for you a 2019 Sportster 👌😉😂 enjoy it.
Harley is sort of like apple lol
Lol yes they are!