which is better
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From: The Wasteland
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From: river
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John
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From: Northern plains
I love Sportsters
There were a lot of improvements to the 2004 - later Sportsters. The frame was improved - even 1/4" larger diameter on places, the rubber mounting of course, longer cooling fins, and a better jetting oil system for the cylinders. Over several years, I had a 1999 xl883, 2004 xl883, a 2006 xl1200r, 2007 xl1200c(fi), and 2006 xl1200c(carb). My vote is any 2004 + year, especially if still carbureted (They have a beautiful sound, upon acceleration!).
Last edited by Hathaway; Mar 18, 2025 at 04:26 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,081
Likes: 19,236
From: The Wasteland
There were a lot of improvements to the 2004 - later Sportsters. The frame was improved - even 1/4" larger diameter on places, the rubber mounting of course, longer cooling fins, and a better jetting oil system for the cylinders. Over several years, I had a 1999 xl883, 2004 xl883, a 2006 xl1200r, 2007 xl1200c(fi), and 2006 xl1200c(carb). My vote is any 2004 + year, especially if still carbureted (They have a beautiful sound, upon acceleration!).
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From: shore of Gitche Gumee
I believe they used the Buell 'W' grind cams and a bump in the compression ratio for some extra poop with the added weight.
Last edited by hammer6315; Mar 19, 2025 at 01:59 PM.
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TerribleTabo
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Feb 18, 2024 11:04 AM
