New To Sportsters
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,122
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From: In The Woods, PA
New To Sportsters
Hey all. I have a chance to pick up a 1990 1200 Sportster pretty cheap. Is there any common issues with this year that I should be looking for when I go look at it?
I am not new to HD. Been riding and wrenching on touring bikes for over 20 years.
I am not new to HD. Been riding and wrenching on touring bikes for over 20 years.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 721
From: Lake Carmel, N.Y.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,512
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From: San Diego, CA
I would NOT buy a 1990 or earlier Evo. The 1991 and up are so much better. One more gear (5 vs.4), improved oiling design (integrated filter mount), better alternator design (no stator magnets coming loose, or clutch basket wobble causing damage), parts availability up to at least 2003. I ordered and waited for a 1991 back in 1990 rather than buying the 1990 I could have got easily.
Go with no earlier than a 1991. A 1994 is probably the best year, better oil tank mounts, still simple electrical system IIRC.
My 1991 turns 27 years old this November 24, with no problems whatsover in all that time. Except not ridden enough.
And, they do not vibrate that much. The rubber mounted bikes (2004-up) look like a fat chick in too tight clothes IMO. With fake plastic parts attached. Oh, and you cannot easily remove the transmission on rubbermount bikes like you can on 91-03 models.
John
Go with no earlier than a 1991. A 1994 is probably the best year, better oil tank mounts, still simple electrical system IIRC.
My 1991 turns 27 years old this November 24, with no problems whatsover in all that time. Except not ridden enough.
And, they do not vibrate that much. The rubber mounted bikes (2004-up) look like a fat chick in too tight clothes IMO. With fake plastic parts attached. Oh, and you cannot easily remove the transmission on rubbermount bikes like you can on 91-03 models.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Oct 25, 2017 at 05:58 PM.
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