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Cost is relative. When I did my bike I looked at the cost of a newer Sportster with the mods I would want. $12k was the going rate so I decided I would rather buy an older sportster and spend the $12k rebuilding it. The end resale is about the same either way and I learned a ton completely rebuilding the bike. It was fun and now I have some knowledge and tools and pretty much no job on this bike is too intimidating for me.
Last edited by OCSpringer; May 23, 2023 at 02:48 PM.
So thankfully it looks like the cases are good. There's minor damage at the top front where the piston was destroyed, but no cracks so I think it's definitely useable. Now to clean all the parts and figure out what I need to buy. Damage at the top left Close-up of damage
Quick update. I sent the motor off to Hammer Performance and they rebuilt it with a 1275 kit. Figured I might as well have them do a little bit more since it was already there and they installed the whole 95+ HP kit. My crankshaft needed a rebuild so it was sent to Dark Horse and they added Carrillo connecting rods. Almost 6 months later, motor was delivered home. Now time to install with my short shots.
Last edited by ijnorton; Nov 30, 2023 at 12:56 PM.
A sportster with almost 100 hp is going to be a blast to ride. Good on you for rebuilding it and giving it a second life. Not everything has to be a money making investment...sometimes it's fun just do something because you want to.
I agree. Even though I bought my Ultra, used, I will not get out of it, in dollars, what I have in it, but still upgrade occasionally, to make it more useful to me.
Build a bike to ride like you want and be happy with it. I see a guy on craigslist with a 2017 (I think) DR650 for $9400, because of "all the upgrades". I just laugh. He might have that in it, but no one else will pay him for it. They are 7K plus fees new.
Some would build a sporty like this one, and hope to get every dollar back. Figure your enjoyment will be most of the payback, cause most buyers won't go there.
That's a lot of power on tap. I have ridden the Pan Am, with 150hp rated, but it doesn't come on like I bet that 1275 will. Like Beagle said, I bet that is a blast to ride. Just go light on the throttle when on slippery stuff though, lol.
The engine rebuilt with parts and labor was $6,400, which was definitely more than I was wanting to spend but I think will be worth it in the end considering the increase in power. Its also basically a brand new motor so it should last a good amount of miles. On top of that, I spent $1,000 on exhaust, air cleaner, LED headlight and some other minor cosmetic upgrades. The shipping cost round trip was $1,200 and in hindsight, I would have taken a couple roadtrips to Idaho.
Its definitely rainy season here in WA, so its going to be a good indoor project. Going to be mounting the engine Sunday when I have some free time.
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