Hey all,
I am looking for a project Sporty to build and enjoy. I happen to love the Sporty, My wife had a 2002 1200c with forward controls and it was a blast to ride. I have found several in a price range that I want, considering what I am planning to do to it. I have found a couple on Craigslist and I wanted some opinions. I am not afraid to do work, I actually enjoy doing mechanical work. The Sprtsters that I have found have different problems. I am thinking the '86, because it is pretty decent, then the 1980 followed by a 1978 that is needing work. I am looking to make a Bobber out of it.
1978
1980
1986
1992

I want your opinion and help to figure out which to go for

 

Id go for the 92

 

I was thinking about the 92, that is why I put it up, but did you look at the tailight on it. That is the kind of thing that can get scary if they hacked the wire harness to hell.

 

One with rear belt drive !

 

Well, that would be the 86 and 92. Why the belt drive?

 

I'd be looking at the 78, seems honest and not too messed with, the 86 needs an oil pump shaft, give that a miss, could mean anything as far as engine internals....

The other two, meh, look like they have been messed with too much, who knows what the PO's have done and what you will have to rectify before you make progress in the direction you want to take with it.

 

Rear belt drive is so much less maintenance and trouble-free than any chain they ever make.

 

If your doing a bobber, then just do an old stoplight side mount from TC Bros....

 

 

I am looking at it from a money point of view. Most of the others have high rise handlebars, they would have to be replaced where the '78 could be reused. If your going to chop the rear fender instead of remove it, you could still use the seat (all the others have dual seats) but would probably look better with a hinged and rear dual spring saddle seat if you're going to remove the rear fender. All in all, the '78's heads just look more bobber-ish to me. Other then that the '86 looks like it's missing the center foot peg on the one side. If you look at the first picture you'll see the freeway pegs bolted to the front frame risers, the middle foot pegs and the passenger pegs. But, on the opposite side there is only the freeway peg and the passenger peg, but no middle one.

I'd go with the '78 but that is just my personal opinion.