I'm considering buying a 883 or 1200 Sportster in the year range 90-99. I currently have an Ironhead from '72.
I've had some issues with the gears and shimming of the gears etc. which difficult to fix compared to the bigger models from that time (shovelhead).

My question is: I want a nice reliable bike that works and won't give me too many problems. Can I get that in a 883 from 90-99?

Some of you must have experience with the 883/1200 (mainly looking at 883) from 90-99 and can tell me what the weak part on these bikes are so I got an idea of how many problems they usually have?

Also if anyone knows is 883 or 1200 is more reliable than the other that would also be great.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

This will give you some info on those years......http://www.sportster.org/history/

those years were OK, my favorite years are 93 - 03.

There is no difference in reliability between the 883 or 1200.

 

+1 on what xFreebirdx said. The Evo sporty engine is rather bullet proof. The only difference between the 883's & 1200's is about 5 pounds of weight with the 1200 being 5 pounds lighter due to less metal in the cylinder walls. The only other difference would be between the various sportster models offered for those years, ie-difference between XLC, XLH, XLCH, XLS, etc.

 

I ride a 92 Deluxe and although I've only had it since April I have had a chance to do some work on it. It seems like good old fashioned technology. What I've seen of it so far it looks fairly tough and simple functional parts. Many of the parts up until 2003 were very similar from the early 90's bikes and some are still the same today.

I would advise a 92 or later to get the 5 speed gearbox and belt drive.

One of my friends has been having trouble with his 09 Sporty for 3 weeks now and the dealer can't work out what's wrong.

Like I've said before, there's a lot to be said for good old fashioned technology.

 

Hello, new to the thread and Harley. Appreciate any help or information. I noticed you mentioned your favorite years range from 1993-2003. May I ask why or what makes that range better in your opinion? I just bought a 1993 Sportster 883 XLH Deluxe.

Thanks,

Andrew.

 

I would Say... 1991 to 2003... 5-Speed... solid Mount... lighter than a RubberMount.
the 5-speed Sporty is Tough as a Ten Inch Tiger Turd!!!! Period...

 

I had an 02 and it's hard to think of any real issues other than the e clip that broke in the primary. It took me longer to drain the oil than it did to fix that.

 

I will have had my 1991 for 32 years this coming November 24. Absolutely reliable, even smoother now that it's a 1250. My bike probably weighs at least 90 pounds less than the later rubbermounts after removing some stuff and switching to a lithium battery. Since the 1250 kit with new gaskets, not one drop of oil, not even a tiny weep like the stock paper gaskets.

John

 

I've owned a '99 Sportster XL1200 Custom for 2yrs now. Bought it used with 7,777 miles on it, that I've almost doubled. The only downside to owning it is Harley doesn't make all the parts for it anymore. Wanted the replace the rear master cylinder but it's discontinued, have to go the after market route. The only issue I'm having is all the sudden it won't start, problem is I'm not much of a mechanic outside of basics and have limited time to go through all the troubleshooting steps.

Not trying to hijack this thread so please no one reply with advice, I'll ask for help in my own thread.