Can a 1200 sporty motor work on a softail frame?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Anything can be done if you throw enough $$, time, and talent at it. But I'm wondering why you'd really want to. I mean it comes with a big twin sittin' in it, so if you're going to strip it down to make a bobber, or hotrod, why not start with a bigger motor that has more potential from the git go?. Not bashin' or hatin' on Sporty's as I had a cherry Ironhead for a number of years and I loved it, but unless you just want to be different, why not go with the bigtwin motor?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 709
Likes: 0
I can git with it...
I've got an '09 dyna'
I had an '07 1200C sportster.
I can fully understand the OP's question.
That 1200 motor is very responsive and I for one would like to see it in the bigger frame. Maybe the 1200 they use in the XR...leaner and meaner. Not everyone is into this torque stuff....some of us just like quick...
I had an '07 1200C sportster.
I can fully understand the OP's question.
That 1200 motor is very responsive and I for one would like to see it in the bigger frame. Maybe the 1200 they use in the XR...leaner and meaner. Not everyone is into this torque stuff....some of us just like quick...
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks guys!
Basically it's what I have laying around. A stripped softail frame and a 1200 engine that this chick gave me.
I think I may just find a sporty frame and make a rigid, blacked out , front fork raked bike I have been toying around with in my head.
IMR4350
Basically it's what I have laying around. A stripped softail frame and a 1200 engine that this chick gave me.
I think I may just find a sporty frame and make a rigid, blacked out , front fork raked bike I have been toying around with in my head.
IMR4350
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
You will need major frame mods. The sprocket will be on the other side and that means moving the brakes to the other side. The engine mounts will be a big mod. also. But I guess if you wanted to do the work you could put a volvo motor in the frame. The question is WHY???
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: Just south of Chicago, Illinois
The softail frame weighs a ton more than the sporty frame so you would lose a lot of the fun from the sporty motor. I'd sell the st frame and get a custom sporty frame.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 5
You will need major frame mods. The sprocket will be on the other side and that means moving the brakes to the other side. The engine mounts will be a big mod. also. But I guess if you wanted to do the work you could put a volvo motor in the frame. The question is WHY???
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 588
Likes: 1