Talk to me about early 90's Sportsters

[Dave T]

I'm contemplating a low miles (under 10k) 93 sportster that I've seen for sale. It's a 1200, apparently, but I've yet to have confirmed whether it's a 'converted 883' or an original 1200.
Anything specific to be looking at on Sportsters of this age (apart from the usual 'used bike' stuff). Appears to have some aftermarket (Screaming Eagle) bits and bobs, and is belt drive (are they all?)
Any advice gratefully received. Ta!

 

[theoneandonly]

quiet pipes are nicer.
my 04 sporty is stock apart from a K+N filter , so very quiet, coppers in cars don't even look up from their paperwork as you go past @ ?0 mph.

 

[Dave T]

quiet pipes are nicer.

Are even you allowed to type that on a motorcycle forum, especially in the H-D section????
(If I could get a stock pipe on my 1100GS, I probably would)....

 

[theoneandonly]

my other HD , is so noisy , i get asked to ride at the back.

 

[squibb34]

All Sportster models went belt drive by 2003. My neighbour ran a 1200 for a few years - loved it, but the pillion was cramped & hard going, if that matters; the SE pipe was a tad noisy for my taste & appeared to have no merit in performance terms. His had a peanut tank, so strictly short range, but there are several other options around.

There is plenty to check through, as ever with any bike purchase, so this video should help: -

 

[tiktok]

Without knowing how the bike has been stored or seeing pics, it’s hard to be specific.

It doesn’t matter if the bike is a 883 with 1200cc conversion, or stock 1200cc. As long as the work has been done correctly and the v5 reflects it accurately.

Issues I would look for on a 33 year old Sportster are:

• Corrosion, around earthing points like reg rec and the exhaust stud nuts (these can shear and can mean a cylinder head removal in the worst case).
• Knackered shocks, weeping fork seals
• Stupidly old tyres
• Corrosion - these bikes will rust.
• Gummed up carb
• Fault codes - accessed via speedo digital display
• Corrosion
• Is the seat attached properly - especially if it’s custom
• Wiring, original wiring should be OK, but it could be a rats nest of bodges. Not an issue if you’re looking to buy a project.
• Is it a hard starter? If so, try to understand why.
• Chain, tyres, fluids, plugs - budget for replacing all of these.

I assume this is in the £2500-£3000 bracket?

 

[tiktok]

TBH, if it was my money - I’d be looking to spend a little more find an FXR Harley. They handle better, are less common and are a bit cooler. There a few on marketplace, I’d go for the 1982 model. If you can maintain it, that’s worth money.

Sportsters are great, but are ten a penny.

 

[Dave T]

Without knowing how the bike has been stored or seeing pics, it’s hard to be specific.

It doesn’t matter if the bike is a 883 with 1200cc conversion, or stock 1200cc. As long as the work has been done correctly and the v5 reflects it accurately.

Issues I would look for on a 33 year old Sportster are:

• Corrosion, around earthing points like reg rec and the exhaust stud nuts (these can shear and can mean a cylinder head removal in the worst case).
• Knackered shocks, weeping fork seals
• Stupidly old tyres
• Corrosion - these bikes will rust.
• Gummed up carb
• Fault codes - accessed via speedo digital display
• Corrosion
• Is the seat attached properly - especially if it’s custom
• Wiring, original wiring should be OK, but it could be a rats nest of bodges. Not an issue if you’re looking to buy a project.
• Is it a hard starter? If so, try to understand why.
• Chain, tyres, fluids, plugs - budget for replacing all of these.

I assume this is in the £2500-£3000 bracket?

Appreciate it. Bike is running/riding and looks smart from the many pictures. Wiring looks old but untouched - it looks like a 33 year old bike. Fresh MOT, 1pr new tyres, new braided brake hoses.
It's near the bottom of your suggested price range currently and your top estimate is my absolute max budget (to allow for the inevitable).

 

[tiktok]

Appreciate it. Bike is running/riding and looks smart from the many pictures. Wiring looks old but untouched - it looks like a 33 year old bike. Fresh MOT, 1pr new tyres, new braided brake hoses.
It's near the bottom of your suggested price range currently and your top estimate is my absolute max budget (to allow for the inevitable).

You should be fine and for that money, it's low stakes.

Basic maintenance, a good clean and clean as many electrical connections and earth points as you can access should prevent most issues. Do take a look at the exhaust studs and if you buy it, consider replacing the nuts with brass ones.

Motorcycle Storehouse online catalogue should have everything you need at a reasonable price - you can order via a local dealer, or Hogparts.

 

[Lord Snooty]

I'm contemplating a low miles (under 10k) 93 sportster that I've seen for sale. It's a 1200, apparently, but I've yet to have confirmed whether it's a 'converted 883' or an original 1200.
Anything specific to be looking at on Sportsters of this age (apart from the usual 'used bike' stuff). Appears to have some aftermarket (Screaming Eagle) bits and bobs, and is belt drive (are they all?)
Any advice gratefully received. Ta!

Dave, if you go for it I have the following books that you will find useful

1. Haynes manual for 1970 - 2001 Sportsters
2. Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook
3. 101 Harley-Davidson Performance Projects for Evolution Bog Twins and Sportsters

 

[tiktok]

Dave, if you go for it I have the following books that you will find useful

1. Haynes manual for 1970 - 2001 Sportsters
2. Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook
3. 101 Harley-Davidson Performance Projects for Evolution Bog Twins and Sportsters

This is great advice. The factory service manual is available for download from carlsalter dot com - you’ll have to navigate to the pdf in question and download.

 

[Dave T]

Dave, if you go for it I have the following books that you will find useful

1. Haynes manual for 1970 - 2001 Sportsters
2. Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook
3. 101 Harley-Davidson Performance Projects for Evolution Bog Twins and Sportsters

Thank you, very much appreciated.
Will keep you posted!