Hello everyone im new to this forum and to motorcycles, I have a few questions.
So I might be buying an 1998 Sportster 883 from a friend and the first problem it that the speedometer doesn't work after he dropped the bike so I don't know if this is easy to fix "sending unit"? Did that year Sportster come with self canceling turn singles? The color of the bike it red would like to get it painted jet black is, I was going to take the front and rear fender off and the tank off to get it painted any thoughts on that?
Also does Haynes make a repair manual for the Sportster?
Thanks for the time and help.

 

dont know about some of the stuff your askin but my 94 883 has self canceling turn singnals

 

It should have self canceling signals.

As for the speedometer, it could be a few things. Without knowing how the bike was dropped, I'm willing to bet that it is just inside the speedometer housing where the problem lies. The speed sensor is routed near the bottom of the bike on the right side of the transmission cases underneath the starter, and then up to the speedometer itself through some connectors. Check to make sure that is all fine and dandy. Work your way back up to the speedo itself to find the problem. You may end up having to replace it.

Manuals: I use a Clymer manual. Very reliable, good pictures and everything. It's got everything you could ever do. About $40 on amazon or some bike shops.

 

+1 on what Scuba said, but I'll say to look on Ebay for a Used '98 HD manual. I found mine on there a few years ago for about $30 with shipping included. As far as paint'n it, IMHO, everyone has a black bike, so I personnally wouldn't go that route unless you're going to do a design on it to make it stand out.

 

Good year..

+1 on ebay about the manual.. if you go to the HD Dealer they run you about $60 .. and I would just try to get a speedo off ebay too.. 88 - 03 speedo should work.. as far as pulling the tins.. its pretty easy.. takes about an hour or two depending on how often you have a beer break.. and how mechanically inclined you are.. but I would really suggest getting a manual before you do anything.. it will save you time and money..


If you don't mind me asking.. how much are you getting it for?

 

Thanks for the info everyone, is there a site to tell how much the 1998 Sportster is worth?
It has about 2000 miles on it a few nicks in the paint.
Thanks ~Gage~

 

NADA is a pretty good site as far as values go. That will give you a general idea. The best way to figure it out is just to hop on craigslist or something and see what bikes are going for. (Not the asking price, if it's been reposted it's probably not selling.) I would say around $2000, maybe a little more for low miles and if there are some aftermarket parts on it.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I just installed a battery tender, while the seat was off I started to push all the connectors in and now the speedometer works again. Don't know what I did but I should charge my friend for fixing it=)

 

Speedos are fairly cheap.
Your signals are self canceling.
I would get the factory manual.
Check this article out before you pay someone to paint your bike.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/harley_paintin.htm

 

You said" dropped the bike and quit working", bet the cluster of wires under near the handlebars are your trouble.

The turn signals work off of distance traveled from the trip odem thru the elec speedo.
Speedos are not cheap electronic and about $300 new. Also the dealer requests mother HD to set to your actual mileage, so you have a wait before you ill receive it back with the true mileage.

First does the speedo light up? No power and might be the problem for all your troubles.

If you have the back light light then when riding the bike does the odem register and increase the total miles on the bike. If yes then the speed sensor might be bad or have fine metal particles from the transmission where it is attached.

Lastly get the factory service manual, way better then the rest

Leroy