New to me 89 xlh
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Ohio
New to me 89 xlh
I just picked up a titled 89 xlh that was taken apart down to the frame. My plan is to hardtail the frame and turn it into a frisco style chop with my son. I know absolutely zilch about evo sportsters. It looks like everything is there minus Jugs and heads. I got it so cheap I didnt really care to take inventory. of what was in the boxes of parts. I plan on doing this swap meet style, I really want to use original parts where possible. I already ordered a manual but I have questions for you guys.
1. I read that 86-89 sportsters are odd ***** because of the 4 speed and the charging system. How difficult will this make things?
2. What years of Jugs and Heads are interchangeable with this model?
3. Will a 5spd from a newer sporty bolt up? If not, what year 4spds are compatible?
4. Any items to watch for, any bit of advice for a first time build?
1. I read that 86-89 sportsters are odd ***** because of the 4 speed and the charging system. How difficult will this make things?
2. What years of Jugs and Heads are interchangeable with this model?
3. Will a 5spd from a newer sporty bolt up? If not, what year 4spds are compatible?
4. Any items to watch for, any bit of advice for a first time build?
Last edited by brownie4412; Feb 3, 2019 at 07:31 PM.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
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Likes: 1,067
From: Ohio
Yeah I did look at those. Problem is, I don't know what year cases will fit in that frame. Do i have to get 86-89? Will an ironhead fit? that would be ideal.
I'd check out hammer performance they'll know exactly what heads and jugs will fit..
I looked real quick and they mention that the 4 speed heads have different valve geometry and it's not recommended to install 5 speed heads.
Hammer performance
btw good luck with the Frisco project! I'm building a norcal/Frisco sportster myself but I'm keeping my swingarm..
I looked real quick and they mention that the 4 speed heads have different valve geometry and it's not recommended to install 5 speed heads.
Hammer performance
btw good luck with the Frisco project! I'm building a norcal/Frisco sportster myself but I'm keeping my swingarm..
Last edited by Puffy; Feb 4, 2019 at 06:25 AM.
Thread Starter
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 1,067
From: Ohio
I'd check out hammer performance they'll know exactly what heads and jugs will fit..
I looked real quick and they mention that the 4 speed heads have different valve geometry and it's not recommended to install 5 speed heads.
Hammer performance
btw good luck with the Frisco project! I'm building a norcal/Frisco sportster myself but I'm keeping my swingarm..
I looked real quick and they mention that the 4 speed heads have different valve geometry and it's not recommended to install 5 speed heads.
Hammer performance
btw good luck with the Frisco project! I'm building a norcal/Frisco sportster myself but I'm keeping my swingarm..
1996.. bike started its life as a hugger 883..
it's still an 883 but it wont be a hugger after I install the 8 inch over stock fork tubes I just ordered..
I also have a 2.5 gallon Frisco tank from lowbrow customs...
i also made my own coil and key relocation mounts and a right side jockey shift..
it's still an 883 but it wont be a hugger after I install the 8 inch over stock fork tubes I just ordered..
I also have a 2.5 gallon Frisco tank from lowbrow customs...
i also made my own coil and key relocation mounts and a right side jockey shift..
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Ohio
So I think were definitely going to use the straight side weld on hardtail from Hammer in Hand. I like how it comes with the engine mount jig, perfect for me since Im still undecided on which engine I want to use. Im really leaning towards finding a late model iron head, primarily for the cool factor, Ive always loved kickers.
Itll be a few months before this thing takes off since im currently in Alabama, but once I get home for good were gonna hit the swap meet circuit hard.
Itll be a few months before this thing takes off since im currently in Alabama, but once I get home for good were gonna hit the swap meet circuit hard.
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So I think were definitely going to use the straight side weld on hardtail from Hammer in Hand. I like how it comes with the engine mount jig, perfect for me since Im still undecided on which engine I want to use. Im really leaning towards finding a late model iron head, primarily for the cool factor, Ive always loved kickers.
Itll be a few months before this thing takes off since im currently in Alabama, but once I get home for good were gonna hit the swap meet circuit hard.
Itll be a few months before this thing takes off since im currently in Alabama, but once I get home for good were gonna hit the swap meet circuit hard.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Ohio
so i just ordered my hard tail.....
for you welders out there, how do you feel about stick welding it in? i'm thinking 3/32' 7018. I have a stick/tig welder at the house. I know TIG would be the consensus "best" option but my tig skills are garbage on a good day. I'm a formidable enough stick welder that I know it would be solid. Plus, im just going to grind the excess off anyway then paint it. Anyone ever stick welded a frame? Before someone tells me to take it somewhere, No. That's not an option. This is going to be 100% me and the little man start to finish. What do you think?
for you welders out there, how do you feel about stick welding it in? i'm thinking 3/32' 7018. I have a stick/tig welder at the house. I know TIG would be the consensus "best" option but my tig skills are garbage on a good day. I'm a formidable enough stick welder that I know it would be solid. Plus, im just going to grind the excess off anyway then paint it. Anyone ever stick welded a frame? Before someone tells me to take it somewhere, No. That's not an option. This is going to be 100% me and the little man start to finish. What do you think?
Last edited by brownie4412; Feb 21, 2019 at 06:29 PM.
so i just ordered my hard tail.....
for you welders out there, how do you feel about stick welding it in? I have a stick/tig welder at the house. I know TIG would be the consensus "best" option but my tig skills are garbage on a good day. I'm a formidable enough stick welder that I know it would be solid. Plus, im just going to grind the excess off anyway then paint it. Anyone ever stick welded a frame? Before someone tells me to take it somewhere, No. That's not an option. This is going to be 100% me and the little man start to finish. What do you think?
for you welders out there, how do you feel about stick welding it in? I have a stick/tig welder at the house. I know TIG would be the consensus "best" option but my tig skills are garbage on a good day. I'm a formidable enough stick welder that I know it would be solid. Plus, im just going to grind the excess off anyway then paint it. Anyone ever stick welded a frame? Before someone tells me to take it somewhere, No. That's not an option. This is going to be 100% me and the little man start to finish. What do you think?
while it could be stick welded, do you have a buddy that knows how to tig?
I'm not saying have him weld it but he could come over and maybe help you hone your tig skills...
seems like a win win