Hi from San Diego...883 Questions
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: san diego
Hi from San Diego...883 Questions
Hey guys. I am a new member and a new rider as well!
i am currently working on a 1991 883 Harley Davidson. This is my first bike ever so I decided document my growth as a rider. I have zero experience when it bikes. Any tips and advice is greatly appreciated!
https://youtu.be/nZ7kjtCHTPI
i am currently working on a 1991 883 Harley Davidson. This is my first bike ever so I decided document my growth as a rider. I have zero experience when it bikes. Any tips and advice is greatly appreciated!
https://youtu.be/nZ7kjtCHTPI
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,512
Likes: 3,924
From: San Diego, CA
Welcome aboard!
I have a 1991 that I bought brand new 26 years ago. What do you need to know? Post up some pictures and show us what you got.
Here's mine:
Get a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and a Factory Parts Manual (FPM) off Ebay if you can. Otherwise, the Clymers will work and asking questions here. You might check out www.xlforum.net as we have somewhat "older" style bikes. Lots of good things about a 1991.
Make sure your brakes and tires are good! Best tires are Pirelli Night Dragons, without a doubt! Check the oil when engine warm, always ride at least 20 minutes to make sure the engine comes to full temperature. Then check the oil. Halfway on the dipstick. Sportsters have an external oil tank which can (will) drain down (thru pump or check ball at filter) when the bike sits, so check when engine at full temperature.
As a new rider, be extremely careful with the recent rains, we've got a lot for the San Diego area in a short time. Keep your head on a swivel and expect people in cars NOT to see you. Practice using your front brake (dry conditions!), it's (too) easy to lock up the rear. Good riding.
EDIT: Just checked out your video. Fuel tank is from a later bike ('91 petcock on right side), oil tank has been replaced (original is gloss black, not uncommon to see chrome), battery is installed backward (terminals go under seat). Sounds like your carb may need a good cleanout (easy job for you without cowbell horn!). Someone spent some money on that bike in the past, good deal for you. PM me if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help out.
Looks like you have original Screaming Eagle 1 slip on mufflers (very good!) as do I. You may likely have an SE air cleaner, if you have a flat metal backplate under the chrome ham can and filter element. If so, you should have a K&N filter element with the SE kit. As do I. Nice money already spent!
John
I have a 1991 that I bought brand new 26 years ago. What do you need to know? Post up some pictures and show us what you got.
Here's mine:
Get a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and a Factory Parts Manual (FPM) off Ebay if you can. Otherwise, the Clymers will work and asking questions here. You might check out www.xlforum.net as we have somewhat "older" style bikes. Lots of good things about a 1991.
Make sure your brakes and tires are good! Best tires are Pirelli Night Dragons, without a doubt! Check the oil when engine warm, always ride at least 20 minutes to make sure the engine comes to full temperature. Then check the oil. Halfway on the dipstick. Sportsters have an external oil tank which can (will) drain down (thru pump or check ball at filter) when the bike sits, so check when engine at full temperature.
As a new rider, be extremely careful with the recent rains, we've got a lot for the San Diego area in a short time. Keep your head on a swivel and expect people in cars NOT to see you. Practice using your front brake (dry conditions!), it's (too) easy to lock up the rear. Good riding.
EDIT: Just checked out your video. Fuel tank is from a later bike ('91 petcock on right side), oil tank has been replaced (original is gloss black, not uncommon to see chrome), battery is installed backward (terminals go under seat). Sounds like your carb may need a good cleanout (easy job for you without cowbell horn!). Someone spent some money on that bike in the past, good deal for you. PM me if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help out.
Looks like you have original Screaming Eagle 1 slip on mufflers (very good!) as do I. You may likely have an SE air cleaner, if you have a flat metal backplate under the chrome ham can and filter element. If so, you should have a K&N filter element with the SE kit. As do I. Nice money already spent!
John
Last edited by John Harper; Dec 25, 2016 at 09:46 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
I take it you're still alive after dripping all that gas. Get a fire extinguisher! One of the best engines Harley ever made. That 883 with a stage one will be plenty of power for a rider for quite some time. Have fun and stay safe.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
Welcome to the forum
Just go out and ride. If you have not taken the MSF Rider course, it is highly recommended. I have seen so many drop their bikes because of misuse of their front brake....basically, use front brake for stopping and only when you are straight up i.e. not turning even when slowing down.....use your rear brake. Practice in a parking lot if you are still not comfortable and expand your route outward i.e. around the block, around town, etc. Look where you want to go.
Check out this video (Twist of the Wrist) for some good riding tips....
Confidence will come with more saddle time....enjoy your new bike
Just go out and ride. If you have not taken the MSF Rider course, it is highly recommended. I have seen so many drop their bikes because of misuse of their front brake....basically, use front brake for stopping and only when you are straight up i.e. not turning even when slowing down.....use your rear brake. Practice in a parking lot if you are still not comfortable and expand your route outward i.e. around the block, around town, etc. Look where you want to go.
Check out this video (Twist of the Wrist) for some good riding tips....
Confidence will come with more saddle time....enjoy your new bike
Last edited by hscic; Dec 24, 2016 at 11:42 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 136
Likes: 14
From: Augusta, GA
Welcome to the forum
Just go out and ride. If you have not taken the MSF Rider course, it is highly recommended. I have seen so many drop their bikes because of misuse of their front brake....basically, use front brake for stopping and only when you are straight up i.e. not turning even when slowing down.....use your rear brake. Practice in a parking lot if you are still not comfortable and expand your route outward i.e. around the block, around town, etc. Look where you want to go.
Check out this video (Twist of the Wrist) for some good riding tips....
https://youtu.be/rZWXR7AB_hg
Confidence will come with more saddle time....enjoy your new bike
Just go out and ride. If you have not taken the MSF Rider course, it is highly recommended. I have seen so many drop their bikes because of misuse of their front brake....basically, use front brake for stopping and only when you are straight up i.e. not turning even when slowing down.....use your rear brake. Practice in a parking lot if you are still not comfortable and expand your route outward i.e. around the block, around town, etc. Look where you want to go.
Check out this video (Twist of the Wrist) for some good riding tips....
https://youtu.be/rZWXR7AB_hg
Confidence will come with more saddle time....enjoy your new bike
Best of luck and take care!
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