I've been in the market for 90 days ish, Here's a little backstory for you all. I grew up on the pegs of a honda 80 since I was 8 or 9, eventually upgrading to a yz125. When I was 16 I traded for an early 80s yamaha 600 that I rode for a short while before it had tons of carb and electrical issues and traded it for tires for a jeep I had. Blah, blah blah, history has brought us here. I've always had a love for sportsters since I was a kid, there's just something about the quick nimbleness about them. My wife has mentioned riding with me several times, so thus far in my bike buying journey, I've looked at a lot of things that she thought would be comfy like a couch and she would be willing to ride. As of a week ago, my wife's grandparents lost their lives in a tragic car accident, so now she has sworn that she will likely never ride.

I tell you all of that to tell you this. I'm back on the hunt for a sporty. I've found a few good deals, however last night my pastor told me he acquired an 86 hardtail on trade that he essentially has nothing in. He traded a sprint 350 for it. It's in a few pieces, as the originally owner started to bob it out but he decided it was too much for him to get into.

Before being taken apart, he rode it all the time and it ran like a top. I think it would be awesome as I could have it for $1500 and I could essentially make it mine from the frame up with pastors help. I have this envisionment of a frisco style bob, mini apes, a chopped fender, foot clutch and tank shifter.

Pastor K. has been wrenching on harleys since the 60s, and buys and flips them all the time, I'm very confident in his skills and knowledge so anything my fabrication skills can't handle, I'm certain he can.

My main concern is what issues might I run down the road, I understand 86' was the 1st year of the evo in production, its also hard mounted. What input might you have for a guy that hasn't been behind bars in 8 years, and being the first Harley in my garage. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Also, are there many power adder options for an 1100 as I'm a big boy, at 6'2 240.

 

97 views, and no input??

 

Was expecting to see a picture
I know nothing about those bikes...

 

Give us time - it's an older bike than most members will be familiar with!

As for your question about 'issues' there are none that will be relevant today to be honest. It's almost thirty years old and has already been cut about and modified, so is a clean slate, so to speak. It is what you find it to be.

I suggest you build it as it is for starters, to get it running, before you make any modifications, even if it is little more than the engine in the frame. Once you are happy it works then you can start making it yours, with further mods.

 

The stators on those crap out and are a pain to find parts for.

 

I am still wondering why he would trade a HD Sprint 350 for the 86 Sportster? Had a friend with a 350 Sprint (when we were young) and had a blast on it...would love to have one...;-)

 

He also took the sprint on trade, he had no attachment to it. He is always buying selling, and trading, except his sportster, he has an 04 1200c with a 100 hp dyno sheet to accompany it.....

Anyhow, attached are some pictures, he also has the tank, bars, and fenders, however he has already started to tear it down hence it's dissembled shape. nevertheless, here you are.

 

I'm going to see the bike Friday, I also just may end up buying it. If so look for a build thread to come as winter comes to a close