So I bought a 1983 harley fxrs and the starter went, the starter didn't fit so I posted a forum in another category on this site and everyone said my Harley has Evo parts but wasnt sure what year, the Vin on the engine, frame, and title all match but it has unknown parts added from a different year or been ungraded. It had head work done it's not stock either I'm assuming since the exhaust flange has 3 bolts and the heads says jegs racing, it has a shorty e carb, electronic ignition, and ect.

 

No big mystery...somebody just bolted on a newer primary/trans. The VIN on the frame and cases match so no worries...you have an 83. I put a complete primary/trans off a 94 on my 83 FLHT...pretty much a bolt on. The only downside is you lose some of the vintage "look". On the upside you get a better starter, clutch, clutch release, splined trans mainshaft, bigger bearings in the trans, and much easier to get parts for.

Looks like they also added rear belt drive while the where at it...83 had a rear chain...FXR didn't get a belt till late 84.

 

Any idea what kind of starter I should buy? My old one crapped out and the 83 i bought didn't fit. Someone said the parts look like it's from a 89+ evo. I hate to buy another starter and not have it fit again. I don't care about vintage looks lol is fast as hell def not stock heads cam or anything.

 

That's not an evo and it looks like you have a 5 speed transmission. Can you see a part# on the starter?

 

Lmao nope someone decided to paint the starter black, and they painted over the sticker as well I took paint thinner to it and it didn't work so no help there. I looked up pics and it looks like the 89 fxrs parts look the same.

 

This looks close

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/2719576...chn=ps&lpid=82

 

Same primary as mine, and I saw that that's why I thinks it's an 89 fxrs. Look at the links and tell me what you think? And yes it's an aftermarket transmission. No clue on the head work, it has a aftermarket cam because she kicks like hell, and I had the exhaust off and it been ported.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Delkron-Manufacturing-FXR-INNER-PRIMARY-DELKRON-D5030-20-0621-DS-375645-/331162999686?fits=Year%3A1989%7CMake%3AHarley-Davidson%7CSubmodel%3AFXRS&hash=item4d1ada5b86:g LEAAOxyLm9TAlZ2&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARLEY-FXR-FXLR-FXRT-FXRP-1991-CLUTCH-PRIMARY-UNIT-1989-1992-/221974795350?hash=item33aeba9456:g:8g4AAOSwpDdVDyK i&vxp=mtr

 

Looks like a crap shoot, the transmission looks like an HD 5 speed and the primary matches your 89 so I would assume an 89 fxr starter would be it.

Looks like you'll have to take a gamble and order an 89 hoping for the best, unless you pull some casting or part numbers off your old one.

 

The main difference between the newer starters is the jackshaft. The thread in the end of the shaft is different between 89-93 and 94 up. If you are buying an aftermarket starter...they usually come with with special bolts that will allow you to use either jackshaft.

Another thing you want to look at is the position of the terminal for the main battery cable...make sure it will work for your application since it is not stock.

This is just an example...there are many brands out there...most will say "All *****" is best...but cost twice as much.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARLEY-START...lR2bVn&vxp=mtr

 

If you happen to have a shop near you that rebuilds starters, they can probably make yours work like new and save you some coin. It's what I do when I need a starter for anything.

Worth a Google.....