Stock Carb- 89' fxstc
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
It looks like 1984 - 1989 was the butterfly carb. I have a 1988 and I had that carb, it sucked. I have an S&S Super E and it's so much better, way, way better. I bought the S&S kit for a shade under $500.00 plus shipping and it has been the best money that I spent on this bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
The Keihin CV carb first appeared on the 1988 Sportster. I can't remember whether it made it to the big twin in '89 or '90.
Unlike the Keihin butterfly carb that preceded it, the Keihin CV carb is generally considered to be an excellent carb, especially when set up properly. It's probably the best stock carb ever fitted to a Harley.
Unlike the Keihin butterfly carb that preceded it, the Keihin CV carb is generally considered to be an excellent carb, especially when set up properly. It's probably the best stock carb ever fitted to a Harley.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,476
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Also, my 1987-1990 Big Twin Parts Catalog shows the Keihin butterfly thru 1989, and the CV appearing in 1990.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,739
From: South Carolina
On the Big Twin:
1989 was the last year for the Keihin Butterfly carb.
1989 was the last year for the tapered mainshaft and clutch hub.
1989 Was the first year for the modern starter configuration.
The Keihin Butterfly carburetor is junk, when you are running one of these carbs it feels like the bike is pulling a trailer full of bricks...
1989 was the last year for the Keihin Butterfly carb.
1989 was the last year for the tapered mainshaft and clutch hub.
1989 Was the first year for the modern starter configuration.
The Keihin Butterfly carburetor is junk, when you are running one of these carbs it feels like the bike is pulling a trailer full of bricks...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 6, 2015 at 08:12 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,716
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
On the Big Twin:
1989 was the last year for the Keihin Butterfly carb.
1989 was the last year for the tapered mainshaft and clutch hub.
1989 Was the first year for the modern starter configuration.
The Keihin Butterfly carburetor is junk, when you are running one of these carbs it feels like the bike is pulling a trailer full of bricks...
1989 was the last year for the Keihin Butterfly carb.
1989 was the last year for the tapered mainshaft and clutch hub.
1989 Was the first year for the modern starter configuration.
The Keihin Butterfly carburetor is junk, when you are running one of these carbs it feels like the bike is pulling a trailer full of bricks...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,739
From: South Carolina
Check a parts manual for any `89 Big Twin, you will see a Butterfly carb with the old compliance fittings...
I bought my `89 Softail new in `89, and it had a Keihin Butterfly carb, which is still in my basement (the bike is still in the garage).
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 7, 2015 at 05:00 AM.