Hi guys,

I'm a Dyna guy looking to buy a used sporster for a hardtail project..I'm looking for something reliable, but as inexpensive as possible, considering my limited mechanical skills...what year sporster's will give me the best reliability for the least amount of money...I love the look of an ironhead but I'm not sure if the are as reliable as the more modern engine...

what do you sporster guys think will give me the most bang for the buck with reliablilty..1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000 up to 2003 ???

Also, are there any years I should stay away from ???

Thanks,
Scott

 

Any with low miles. The later years are easier to find parts.

 

I thinkthe 2000 to 2003, you can get some pretty good deals and they have the peanut tank.Yes, I think the peanut tank is a plus not a minus. JMO

Brian

 

If you can squeeze it.....look fer a 2006....last year of carb, rubber mounted engine, etc...If i find one in my area i may just jump on it....

 

i'd go with anything with an evo motor. reliable as heck. parts are all over too. i see the sporty evo motor all over the place. plus a lot of company's have rolling chassis' or sporty frames for cheap. buy a 3,000 rolling frame, a 4,000 dollar sporty and swap everything, and you got a nice freaking custom that is only like a 90 something motor/tranny/wiring/guts with a 2007/2008 frame. great gas mileage, good strong motor, parts arecheap and easyto find. hope this helps,

later,

wanna

 

PRE - 2004

 

One with a trap door to service the trans, 5spd and Timkin main bearing.

 

The flyrite rolling chasis I'm looking at come in two models 1957-1981 and 1986-2003....it seems so far that you guys feel the 86-2003 is the way to go...do all sporster from 86-2003 have the evo motor ?? or are there any years to stay away from?? thanks

 

Early Evo's 86-90 may be a little tricky to find high performance parts .They are out there but choices can be limited,even on common parts.I like to think outside of the box a little so this made hotrodding my '90 a bit more difficult and expensive.For some reason there isn't a big market for these years.Parts for Ironheads and 91-up can be found all day long.'85 and up are all Evo's.Personally, I prefer Ironheads(pre '85)but they usually involve a little more wrenching(sometimes alot) and you really can't beat an Evo for reliabiliy.

Flyrite makes some excellent frames and rollers at a great price.Check out Carolina Customs for Sporty frames and rollers also, as they have some great stuff.I'm about to do a rigid frame project with my '90 and these are my top two choices .Hope this helps a little

 

There are sites on the net where you can bid on totalled bikes so that may be an option over buying a good running bike cheaper.