What's the difference?

[shakey]

I'm looking at buying a second hand Sportster.

I've been trawling through Bike trader and flea bay and for the money that I have to spend I am finding bikes with similar spec but some are post about 2005/2006. I think I have worked out that pre 2005/2006 the bikes have carbs and after that they have some magical injection system.

It looks like I could get better value for money buying an older bike but the question is....

Is it worth holding out for a post 2005/2006 bike that may have higher milage in order to get a bike that doesn't have carbs, or are the carb models just as good.

What's the feckin difference?

 

[twizzle]

I'm looking at buying a second hand Sportster.

I've been trawling through Bike trader and flea bay and for the money that I have to spend I am finding bikes with similar spec but some are post about 2005/2006. I think I have worked out that pre 2005/2006 the bikes have carbs and after that they have some magical injection system.

It looks like I could get better value for money buying an older bike but the question is....

Is it worth holding out for a post 2005/2006 bike that may have higher milage in order to get a bike that doesn't have carbs, or are the carb models just as good.

What's the feckin difference?

Pingu is our Sportster expert... he will be along soon.......( I like Carbs.......)

 

[thor1340]

I would stick with a carb, but I am a touch old fashioned. The world is flat you know. Don't believe these new fangled ideas that it may be round.

 

[jackassdave]

ive had several ,carbed and none carbed the most important thing is find a good one
theres nothing wrong with a carb remember its a harley not a crotch rocket you need relaibility more than anything

 

[Mutley]

Mileage, condition and service record

Most sportsters are either very low mileage (because someone bought into the Harley thing then hated it) or horribly abused (because someone bought a Harley they couldn't afford). Make sure you buy a loved one.

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

Older, better condition, carbs......you can pick up good 'uns if you stick with it..then give it the once over..decent tyres ....then ride the tits off it. If they fit you, size wise...go for it.

 

[Clifton]

Also keep in mind 2004+ Sportster engines are rubber mounted and vibrate noticeably less. But doing so added a lot of weight, like 50 pounds. Were I buying a used Sportster to take on longer rides I believe I'd want a 2004+. Otherwise for short rides and as a second bike I'd probably look for an 2002-. Certainly a 1200 either way.

 

[jackassdave]

yes dont forget make sure its a 1200

 

[shakey]

Also keep in mind 2004+ Sportster engines are rubber mounted and vibrate noticeably less. But doing so added a lot of weight, like 50 pounds. Were I buying a used Sportster to take on longer rides I believe I'd want a 2004+. Otherwise for short rides and as a second bike I'd probably look for an 2002-. Certainly a 1200 either way.

This is a second bike for me, my wife has a Triumph tiger 800. She had a test ride on a 1200 sportster at my local Harley dealer today and had the biggest grin on her face.

It's a good job I like the tiger as it looks like I may be riding that a lot more if I buy the Harley.

I'm glad I asked this question, It's helping me to sort out exactly what I'm looking at that's on sale. I agree that the 1200 is a must, I've ridden a 1200 and an 883 with stage one done. The salesman was trying to convince me that there's very little difference. That's not what I found.

 

[longdog]

This is a second bike for me, my wife has a Triumph tiger 800. She had a test ride on a 1200 sportster at my local Harley dealer today and had the biggest grin on her .

Better than her Rampant Rabbit then?