I've got a hankerin' for a Sporty
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 560
From: Indiana
I've got a hankerin' for a Sporty
Confession time. I've always liked the looks of the Sportsters, but due to whatever never got too serious about getting one. I've got 4 bikes now, don't need a 5th. Watching YouTube came across a peanut tanked Sporty done up a bit. Soooo . . . . I'm doing the responsible thing and perusing the net looking at 1250/1275 kits and building one myself. A project. I've heard get an 883 as the gearing is better for a hot rod, get an '07 or up, it goes on. 100/105hp, ride it like a rental and smile all day long. Bass Boat metal flake, wide whites, obnoxious, unapologetic neighbor hater. Only caveat, I do NOT want to have to wrench on it nonstop to keep it running. Not so tempramental as to be unreliable.
Looking for a bit of input here. Not saying I'm writing a check today, but damn it, I want one.
Looking for a bit of input here. Not saying I'm writing a check today, but damn it, I want one.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 392
Likes: 188
From: india
I live in India where we were are tough to get- I got a sportster because they are said to damn near bulletproof! Regular maintenance is all you need even with a well installed and tuned 1250/1275 kit. Just dont go overboard with the mods!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 1,202
From: river
I would find a 91-03 for a 100hp hot rod project, but thats just me. They are quite a bit lighter too. Easier to strip things and clean up the bike to your liking. Most likely Headwork will be required for that hp goal.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,311
From: Virginia
They also have the trapdoor transmission if you need to do trans work they are much easier.
https://www.1250kits.com/883conversions.shtml#100hp
Hammer has a decent writeup on what it takes to get to 100+HP. Head work, cams, the whole 9 is involved to get to 100HP, and they also recommend ditching the stock CV carb and going flat-slide like a Mikuni HSR42.
If I were you, I'd look at a 91-03 Sporty. Simpler, lighter, less computers, and less cost than 07+. I just did a 1250 kit (from Hammer) on my '02 Sportster, and damn it was worth every penny. Just finished my break-in miles last week and had a chance to really open it up. This puppy barks now, accidentally got the wheel up a few times haha; my 1250 is probably in the 74-78HP range (stock heads, stock cams), going to do some more tuning and get it Dynoed in a few weeks.
Hammer has a decent writeup on what it takes to get to 100+HP. Head work, cams, the whole 9 is involved to get to 100HP, and they also recommend ditching the stock CV carb and going flat-slide like a Mikuni HSR42.
If I were you, I'd look at a 91-03 Sporty. Simpler, lighter, less computers, and less cost than 07+. I just did a 1250 kit (from Hammer) on my '02 Sportster, and damn it was worth every penny. Just finished my break-in miles last week and had a chance to really open it up. This puppy barks now, accidentally got the wheel up a few times haha; my 1250 is probably in the 74-78HP range (stock heads, stock cams), going to do some more tuning and get it Dynoed in a few weeks.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,528
Likes: 12,142
From: Indianapolis
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 560
From: Indiana
Thanks for that link templeofdank Lots of great info there. The more I read, the more I want. Been eyeballing FB marketplace of late gauging the market and seeing what out there.
