Sporty touring.

Porkchop · 12-05-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple

Most of the upgrades would be necessary with either the 883 or 1200. May as well start with the cheaper bike. You aren't going to find many Sportsters of any displacement already outfitted with hard bags, especially not my case of choice: the Givi E21.

Not sure why, but a factory 1200 doesn't make near the power of a Sportster with a 1250cc kit. Some builders actually recommend starting with an 883, especially if you decide to port your original heads.

It may actually be wiser to go Buell, but a) they're ugly, b) the Harley may actually have some resale value, and c) the Sporty can probably be made into the more comfortable mount.

True about the hard cases. If you are up for all the engine work, go for it. And yes the Sporty would be more "sitting on a couch" comfortable. One of my managers has a 1200, and its pretty relaxed.

I kinda like the look of the Buells though...

Gas Man · 12-05-2011, 01:03 AM

And remember... 2005 for rubber mounted motor, 2007 for EFI and wider rear tire.

The EFI 883 is about as fast as a carb 1200.
The EFI 1200 is down right quick.

No Worries · 12-22-2011, 06:41 PM

I have tons of motorcycle magazines. While getting our Christmas decorations I found the December, 2010 issue of Cycle World. On page 47, Allan Girdler has a single page article titled Sportster Buyer's Guide. He has several 50's and 60's Sportsters, so you have to take his advice with a grain of salt.

The older Sportsters are for collectors. They are "rough and raucous fun", but "it 'takes dedication to make one a daily rider." For value, he likes the early EVO's (1986-1990).

"The newer models are expensive, often too complicated for the home mechanic. Worst of all, they are 50-plus pounds heavier than the earlier EVO XLs and performance is no better than adequate." On his post-90 Sportster, his belt drive broke once and since the Sportster is a torque motor, he says the fifth gear is marketing.

I remember when the EVO Harley Sportster first came out, Nick Ienatsch made a XLCR (1977-79 Harley Cafe Racer) out of it. It was beautiful and way outperformed the original. I saw several 86-90 Sportsters on CL for $2500.

12-05-2011, 01:03 AM	#2
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	And remember... 2005 for rubber mounted motor, 2007 for EFI and wider rear tire. The EFI 883 is about as fast as a carb 1200. The EFI 1200 is down right quick. __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

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12-22-2011, 06:41 PM	#3
No Worries Keyboard Racer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mile High City Moto: Old Superbikes Posts: 1,016	I have tons of motorcycle magazines. While getting our Christmas decorations I found the December, 2010 issue of Cycle World. On page 47, Allan Girdler has a single page article titled Sportster Buyer's Guide. He has several 50's and 60's Sportsters, so you have to take his advice with a grain of salt. The older Sportsters are for collectors. They are "rough and raucous fun", but "it 'takes dedication to make one a daily rider." For value, he likes the early EVO's (1986-1990). "The newer models are expensive, often too complicated for the home mechanic. Worst of all, they are 50-plus pounds heavier than the earlier EVO XLs and performance is no better than adequate." On his post-90 Sportster, his belt drive broke once and since the Sportster is a torque motor, he says the fifth gear is marketing. I remember when the EVO Harley Sportster first came out, Nick Ienatsch made a XLCR (1977-79 Harley Cafe Racer) out of it. It was beautiful and way outperformed the original. I saw several 86-90 Sportsters on CL for $2500.