Getting into Harleys: 1998 Sportster Sport
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
Getting into Harleys: 1998 Sportster Sport
Well, it all started a few weeks ago when my wife, after watching me ride for years, decided she too would like to give the open road a shot. Now, I have always ridden sportbikes, and considered HDs to be touring bikes that were just too expensive for me to even contemplate purchasing. As a result, though I know quite a bit about UJM's, Euro bikes, Italian, etc., I know vitually nothing about HD's other than the stereotypes that we all know.
Now, my wife is short, and as such, not much of a match for the higher seat heights of most sportbikes (32" give or take an inch). So, we were driving by the local HD dealership when we decided to pull in. She loved the Sporty's, with thier low seat height, and generally narrow frames, but I was a little put off by the prices. A 250 Ninja can be had for 3K all day, and they wanted 5 digit prices for these Sportsters.
So, by happenstance, I found out that a guy in my Masonic Lodge has a 1998 1200s Sportser Sport with low miles that has rarely been ridden. Apparently, the only thing wrong with it is that the speedo isnt working. And its in the 250 Ninja price range.
While I think the 1200 may be a bit too much for her to start on, I was thinking about buying the bike anyway and riding it myself until she was ready for it. By then I may be hooked enough to get myself a VROD, which I have always though were sweet rides.
So finally, my questions....
Anything I should look out for on the Sportster? I know about bikes, carbs, tank rust etc, but are there any sportster specific problems?
What are the modification options, and where are they listed online? Do other year sportster parts fit this model, i.e. pipes, air intake, controls, etc.?
Thanks in advance for the advice and info!
Now, my wife is short, and as such, not much of a match for the higher seat heights of most sportbikes (32" give or take an inch). So, we were driving by the local HD dealership when we decided to pull in. She loved the Sporty's, with thier low seat height, and generally narrow frames, but I was a little put off by the prices. A 250 Ninja can be had for 3K all day, and they wanted 5 digit prices for these Sportsters.
So, by happenstance, I found out that a guy in my Masonic Lodge has a 1998 1200s Sportser Sport with low miles that has rarely been ridden. Apparently, the only thing wrong with it is that the speedo isnt working. And its in the 250 Ninja price range.
While I think the 1200 may be a bit too much for her to start on, I was thinking about buying the bike anyway and riding it myself until she was ready for it. By then I may be hooked enough to get myself a VROD, which I have always though were sweet rides.
So finally, my questions....
Anything I should look out for on the Sportster? I know about bikes, carbs, tank rust etc, but are there any sportster specific problems?
What are the modification options, and where are they listed online? Do other year sportster parts fit this model, i.e. pipes, air intake, controls, etc.?
Thanks in advance for the advice and info!
Last edited by Adams33; Apr 21, 2011 at 02:59 PM.
Novice
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Rochester,NY
That chassis was used from 1982-2003, The evolution motor was installed starting in 1986 and they started using belt final drives & 5 speed trans in 1991. So part interchangeability with different years is quite large!! The 98 1200 sport was the first to use duel plug heads and It had higher compression & hotter cams and was considered the Hot Rod of the XL line up...Nice bike but not a good bike for a new rider!!
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
I had a 98 1200S, it's got the best suspension of the Sportster line. They are basically bullet proof. If the bike is stock (they rarely are) A Screaming Eagle air cleaner and carb kit on the intake side and pipes on the exhaust side will wake it up and keep reliability. I had a Thunderheader on mine, sounded sweet and ran like a raped ape. The only downside of the Thunderheader was that it would drag on the really aggressive right handers.
I had mine set up with a HD Convertible windshield and adjustable highway pegs, in that configuration I rode it 1100 miles, from Mass. to Jacksonville FL in a day.
Get the bike Hiram, you'll, you have fun with it, when your lady is ready for it, install an engine guard.
I had mine set up with a HD Convertible windshield and adjustable highway pegs, in that configuration I rode it 1100 miles, from Mass. to Jacksonville FL in a day.
Get the bike Hiram, you'll, you have fun with it, when your lady is ready for it, install an engine guard.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Welcome to the Harley world. There are also alot of Masonic brothers here if you look around. As for the Sportster, that is a great bike for YOU to start with. you can mod it to your satisfaction an they have enough pop to satisfy our sport bike soul.
Have fun and stick around!
Tq
Have fun and stick around!
Tq
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