Compatability between bikes
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 235
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From: Yuma, AZ
Compatability between bikes
OK, I'm completely new harley owner after 40 years of thinking about it. One of the things throwing me is the vast array of model numbers even in just one line like the Sportster( I mean XL/XLH/Custom/883/1200-Jeesh), then throw in the year and you see were I'm at.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 23
From: SW PA
BS,it took me 35 to finally get the nerve,I watched a good friends brother roll his in front of us as a kid and kill himself. That was stuck in my head even though I loved bikes. Almost 30k under my belt on 4 different bikes in 4 years & I'm hooked!!!!
If I'm not mistaken you should be good to go from 1993-2003,you have different version ,like a custom with the 21" front rim,the Hugger/low that has the lowered shocks but pretty much all the same. 86-89 is when the sportster went evo with a 4spd tranny & chain drive. 90 they went to a 5 spd but I think 92 or 93 is when they went to belt drive,can't remember off the top of my head plus these 12 hour shifts I'm on :P After that the Sportster went to rubber mounted motors 2004-2006 they were rubber mounted with a carb,in 07' they went to fuel injection. If you want to check out XLForum dot net you will find out all you need to know. Congrat's on the bike!
I don't think you have the Custom since it doesn't have the 21" front wheel....
Last edited by twisty571; Jul 29, 2010 at 11:33 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
As long as you stay with Sportster and within a specific year range (talk to the Sportster people) most everything is bolt on.After that jump into Ebay for some great deals as long as your not in a hurry.Good Luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
Best bet is the Sportster page. But, I think they changed the frame and went to rubber mount in 2004, so you'll have to stick with 2003 < on things like seats, headers and body parts. Lot's of other stuff should cross over.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
OK, I'm completely new harley owner after 40 years of thinking about it. One of the things throwing me is the vast array of model numbers even in just one line like the Sportster( I mean XL/XLH/Custom/883/1200-Jeesh), then throw in the year and you see were I'm at.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
These days that is not at all the case. Your 2003 Sporty is the end of the line for the old solid mount paint mixers, but there is no doubt plenty of life left in it.
I would suggest finding a site with an online parts catalog, Bikebandit is one that comes to mind. When comparing OEM parts it's a simple matter to check numbers between years. Same part number you know it fits. Different number, it may fit, you need to ask. Same thing with aftermarket parts. A big seller like CC or J&P has just about any part imaginable. They are usually a good starting point to see if something will work.
Good luck.
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From: Maryland
congrats on your purchase.
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OK, I'm completely new harley owner after 40 years of thinking about it. One of the things throwing me is the vast array of model numbers even in just one line like the Sportster( I mean XL/XLH/Custom/883/1200-Jeesh), then throw in the year and you see were I'm at.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
will either let you key in your Make/Model and filter for your specific bike or have technicians you can talk to. There are many other sites, these are just two that I've used...
Another thing you can do is go to the HD dealership and ask the parts counter for an HD part # and price, then do an Internet search for that to see if you can get a better price. Depending on what part it is you may want to go with genuine HD parts, but other things you may get better quality/price in aftermarket and/or used.
OK, I'm completely new harley owner after 40 years of thinking about it. One of the things throwing me is the vast array of model numbers even in just one line like the Sportster( I mean XL/XLH/Custom/883/1200-Jeesh), then throw in the year and you see were I'm at.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
I just puchased a 2003 100th Anniversary Edition XLH 883 with 26,000 miles and in great shape for the $2500 I paid - yes the guy needed the money. the tank needs work and one pipe shield is messed up
Anyway, I want to fix/upgrade/make stock a few items. Can anyone tell me just how compatible, if at all, things like tanks, seats, bars, cables, etc are between years and models. thanks.
if you look at mine a 69 for example, i have rims from a 70's shovel head, carb from an 80's sportster, cables from 82-95, front brakes ro ma newer heitage, front forks from a new sportster, tank from a 90's sportster, controls from 90's, headlight housing from a 2000-up etc. sometime you got to modify things a little bit to fit but for the most part accessorys are compatible with bikes throughout the years.