Looking at an older restored bike
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 469
Likes: 140
From: East Coast, Canada
Looking at an older restored bike
I've been without a bike since mid 90's. About to remedy that. I've got a budget enough for a used Sporty. Was looking at an 07 I can afford and it's ok, I could build on it.
There is an 88 1200 in my area that's been restored to the point it could pass for showroom new. It's stock and you can tell the owner really put love into the restore over a long time. Less cost to purchase than the 07, obviously. I don't care about vibrations or lack of fuel injection etc. My question is what potential expensive problem should I look for on a bike from that era? Thanks in advance for any replies.
There is an 88 1200 in my area that's been restored to the point it could pass for showroom new. It's stock and you can tell the owner really put love into the restore over a long time. Less cost to purchase than the 07, obviously. I don't care about vibrations or lack of fuel injection etc. My question is what potential expensive problem should I look for on a bike from that era? Thanks in advance for any replies.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 716
From: Pennsyleffinvania
The 88 is now 30 yrs old. How it looks on the outside may or may not represent it's current mechanical condition. Most parts will not be available from a HD dealer. Some dealers may not be willing to work on the bike. It's really a personal choice. Since I'm no mechanic, and prefer the ride quality on my 2015 Sporty to the ride quality on my 1982, I would not be buying a 30 yr old bike. I like the rubber mounting and FI. But that's just me. Good luck with your choice, and welcome to the forum.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I've owned my 1990 Glide since new, so don't have any qualms about older bikes! The parts in my experience are readily available or work-arounds are simple enough - there are planty of older bikes still around and working. However what condition that '88 is actually in is another matter, as LW points out.
Having owned Harleys since the '70s, including solid-mount shovelheads, I agree that the rubber-mount Sportsters are a cut above the solid-mount versions. It is only since the current versions were introduced that I've been able to bring myself around to buy one - and they are great! So if you want a rideable bike buy the '07. If you want to serve an 'apprenticeship' on bike ownership and mechanics buy the '88.
Having owned Harleys since the '70s, including solid-mount shovelheads, I agree that the rubber-mount Sportsters are a cut above the solid-mount versions. It is only since the current versions were introduced that I've been able to bring myself around to buy one - and they are great! So if you want a rideable bike buy the '07. If you want to serve an 'apprenticeship' on bike ownership and mechanics buy the '88.
88 is a world of hurt if you aren't ready to do your own work. not saying it is bad but you may want to factor in upkeep and replacement parts... and of course you will start molesting it the minute you get trying to make it yours... finding and swapping parts will be a bear.
the 07 was the firs year for fuel injection. but, one MY later, they swapped the axles. that may not matter at this point but, it may later. i have an 07 and it's fine, most of the problems people say they have with them, i've never had but, mine has been babied worked over to the to point that i'd feel sorry for the poor guy that bought from me if i ever sold it.
between the 88 and the 07, the 07 is a better call unless you are a masochist and love older stuff. if you can get your mitts on an 08+, even better.
have fun
the 07 was the firs year for fuel injection. but, one MY later, they swapped the axles. that may not matter at this point but, it may later. i have an 07 and it's fine, most of the problems people say they have with them, i've never had but, mine has been babied worked over to the to point that i'd feel sorry for the poor guy that bought from me if i ever sold it.
between the 88 and the 07, the 07 is a better call unless you are a masochist and love older stuff. if you can get your mitts on an 08+, even better.
have fun
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 469
Likes: 140
From: East Coast, Canada
Thanks a lot for the insights guys. I appreciate your replies. This purchase will be my first H-D. I don't want to be working on the bike all the time, although I could do my own repairs on most things. If getting parts is a problem, then I'm out. i will look into that and ask questions at the local stealership.
My last bike was a Yam V4 2 stroke... Masochist, check. Yes, I love the older style. This 88 takes me back to when I first noticed the twin sound and Sportster look.
What is the issue with the pre-08 axles? Thanks for replying.
What is the issue with the pre-08 axles? Thanks for replying.
no issue, the 07 and down are no longer the standard. both axles are now 25mm vs the mismatch and variances of before. will not mater if you never want to change wheels. if you do, you may need to make some changes depending on the wheels.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,511
Likes: 3,924
From: San Diego, CA
1988 has some real differences from 1991 and later. I would recommend no earlier than a 1991, unless you want an Ironhead. I bought my 1991 new in 1990 and have never had a problem in 28 years. Very simple electrical system compared to later bikes, and no massive wiring harnesses, computers, or fuel injection paraphernalia. Also, these bikes are much more svelte than the later bikes. I almost don't recognize the new Sportsters compared to mine, totally puffy and bloated looking IMHO.
BTW: I owned a 1977 Yamaha RD400 for several years, the Sportster is a dead snail in comparison. Best advice is to get Pirelli Night Dragon tires no matter what year Sportster you get. A Shorai Lithium battery is really nice too, especially if you have the exposed battery like me.
John
BTW: I owned a 1977 Yamaha RD400 for several years, the Sportster is a dead snail in comparison. Best advice is to get Pirelli Night Dragon tires no matter what year Sportster you get. A Shorai Lithium battery is really nice too, especially if you have the exposed battery like me.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Feb 12, 2018 at 07:28 AM.
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Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 469
Likes: 140
From: East Coast, Canada
1988 has some real differences from 1991 and later. I would recommend no earlier than a 1991, unless you want an Ironhead. I bought my 1991 new in 1990 and have never had a problem in 28 years. Very simple electrical system compared to later bikes, and no massive wiring harnesses, computers, or fuel injection paraphernalia. Also, these bikes are much more svelte than the later bikes. I almost don't recognize the new Sportsters compared to mine, totally puffy and bloated looking IMHO.
BTW: I owned a 1977 Yamaha RD400 for several years, the Sportster is a dead snail in comparison. Best advice is to get Pirelli Night Dragon tires no matter what year Sportster you get. A Shorai Lithium battery is really nice too, especially if you have the exposed battery like me.
John
BTW: I owned a 1977 Yamaha RD400 for several years, the Sportster is a dead snail in comparison. Best advice is to get Pirelli Night Dragon tires no matter what year Sportster you get. A Shorai Lithium battery is really nice too, especially if you have the exposed battery like me.
John
Not looking for a performance machine really. I'll be happy to be on two wheels. I grew up on bikes, have owned my share as an adult and now I just want to roll around safely instead of fast. (ie. I'm old now lol)
