1986 883 xl needs work.

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Aug 13, 2022 | 05:18 PM

JJ the bike whisper

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From: TX - Texas

1986 883 xl needs work.

I just bought a 1986 883 XL used. I knew the lighting system was jacked up but when I got her home it looked like someone attempted to put extra lights on and had no clue what they were doing. The blinker relay was in the headlight. 😆... I started looking more closely and noticed the s&s carb only has one line to open and close it.... It's working fine (right now). Can someone tell me if this is correct? Thanks... My first Harley.... Loved the ride home but want to get her road worthy and something I can trust...

Aug 14, 2022 | 01:32 PM

John Harper

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I think they moved the turn signal relay to under the seat in 1991, when the self cancelling signals came out. I think I read that prior to that it may have been in the headlight shell.

John

Last edited by John Harper; Aug 14, 2022 at 01:35 PM.

Aug 14, 2022 | 06:45 PM

Screamin beagle

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From: Granville New York

Last 86 sportster I had was...well in 1986. Theres been lots of beer and other stuff that didn't inhale in the years after that. So honestly I don't know where the relay should or shouldn't be...I know I'm big help right? But it's possible to find an electrical manual for that year...sounds like you'll be doing your own work and it'll be handy along with a factory service manual. Sounds like a cool project to get road worthy. I know I loved that 86 sporty I had...wasn't the most powerful and 4 speed tranny wasn't great for running long distance on the highway but I rode the hell out of that bike. $3995 with the harley buy back guarantee of you ride it for a year and they'd give you 3995 on a trade in for a big twin. I kept mine for a few years so passed on that deal. Post some pictures when you get a chance and Good luck getting it fixed up.

Aug 15, 2022 | 02:47 AM

JJ the bike whisper

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Quote:

Originally Posted by John Harper

I think they moved the turn signal relay to under the seat in 1991, when the self cancelling signals came out. I think I read that prior to that it may have been in the headlight shell.

John

I just found that out after I bought the manual. I think I might modify that and move everything under the seat eventually. First I'm gonna take care of the more important things. The other weird thing about that year is no fuses only circuit breakers.

Aug 15, 2022 | 02:58 AM

JJ the bike whisper

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Screamin beagle

Thanks. I think she is doable just needs work. First off on the Sportster I can see why ppl convert them to hard tails 😆. Exactly what I want out of it is riding around town. More nibble bike for getting out of trouble when trouble shows up. I just found out it's a converted 1200. The previous owner had 16 inch ape bars I thought were horrid however I can see why ppl have them now and might keep them. 😆. I'll post some pics when I get her to a good point. My previous bike was a Shadow 😆... After riding home on my sportster I doubt I can go back to anything else. I was pretty much on cloud 9. 😁.

Aug 15, 2022 | 08:29 AM

Cyclone14

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best you look to the source....
The S&S website describes the Super E carb kit for an ‘86 as “utilizing stock dual throttle cables”

https://www.sscycle.com/products/super-e-carburetor-kit-for-1986-90-hd-sportster-models/

http://assetcloud.roccommerce.net/files/_sscycle/8/9/5/510-0251_super_eg_series_shorty_carbs.pdf

Last edited by Cyclone14; Aug 15, 2022 at 08:32 AM.

Aug 15, 2022 | 08:22 PM

JJ the bike whisper

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyclone14

👍. One to ensure it pulls back. Pretty standard. If the throttle gets stuck in the open position it might mean your life. Simple fix. Was thinking about wiring it with a modern lighting system. Might be a process of getting what I want done on it over time.