Sportster Project?
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
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Sportster Project?
Just curious if I am biting off more than I can chew.
I have an opportunity to purchase a really BEAT UP '021200 Custom for$2500. It was actually not running at the timemy frienddropped it to the dealer. Well they basically gotit to runbutseems to need a lot of work.
Most of the work seems to be cosmetic, no seat, banged up tins, signal lights all busted(must have laid down), brake issues. Initially I was not concerned asI want to builda blacked outed and chopped version of a bobber.
First, Is the price fair for such a bike? Not sure of the milage but will verify tomorrow.
Two, I am not mechanically inclined but have worked on my 05 NTas far ascutting the framehorns, pulling all thetins and splicing and wiring upthe new headlight and taillight,changing the risers and bars and stuff,but do you think I am jumping into a hole I won't be able to get out of?
I guess I am basically asking howhard is it to work on a sportster? I am totally unfamiliar with sporters, engines andcarburators for that matter, if I do need todo morework to the motor.
Input is really appreciated as Ihave to make my decision soon and am really leaning toward getting itbased on pure excitement alone, and not my skill and ability level.
I have an opportunity to purchase a really BEAT UP '021200 Custom for$2500. It was actually not running at the timemy frienddropped it to the dealer. Well they basically gotit to runbutseems to need a lot of work.
Most of the work seems to be cosmetic, no seat, banged up tins, signal lights all busted(must have laid down), brake issues. Initially I was not concerned asI want to builda blacked outed and chopped version of a bobber.
First, Is the price fair for such a bike? Not sure of the milage but will verify tomorrow.
Two, I am not mechanically inclined but have worked on my 05 NTas far ascutting the framehorns, pulling all thetins and splicing and wiring upthe new headlight and taillight,changing the risers and bars and stuff,but do you think I am jumping into a hole I won't be able to get out of?
I guess I am basically asking howhard is it to work on a sportster? I am totally unfamiliar with sporters, engines andcarburators for that matter, if I do need todo morework to the motor.
Input is really appreciated as Ihave to make my decision soon and am really leaning toward getting itbased on pure excitement alone, and not my skill and ability level.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
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From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: Sportster Project?
I am no help, because IMO how a bike looks on the outside will also indicate how it will 'look' on the inside.I would have no problem if it was a beating on the tank and fenders from an 'event', but a bike abused and trashed over a period of timeis not even a consideration (IMO).
Later
Hogback
Later
Hogback
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: Sportster Project?
Yeah, you do make sense there HogBack.
The bike doeslook like it has been abused a WHOLE LOT.
Just curious if anyone has worked ona project bike like thisand turned out worth there while. Even just getting there hands on it forthe fun of it works for me.I really do want to start onmyvery first project. I guess the starting price of it caught my attention for a 02 bike that is actually running.
I also do have a lot of parts off of my 05 NT(tins, wheels, risers, bars, grips, levers, etc). Not even sure if I can useany of them without major modifications.
The bike doeslook like it has been abused a WHOLE LOT.
Just curious if anyone has worked ona project bike like thisand turned out worth there while. Even just getting there hands on it forthe fun of it works for me.I really do want to start onmyvery first project. I guess the starting price of it caught my attention for a 02 bike that is actually running.
I also do have a lot of parts off of my 05 NT(tins, wheels, risers, bars, grips, levers, etc). Not even sure if I can useany of them without major modifications.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Sportster Project?
A bike that had one single bad happening would not be out of the question. However, as stated above, a bike that appears to have had prolonged abuse would be something I wouldn't consider.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Sportster Project?
I think I would pass it by. It sounds like to much damage and and overall lack of care. It's just to easy to wind up having to drop 2K in the motor and tranny alone if it was abused like you make it sound. I would rather start off with a late 90's, sound, well maintained bike for 3500 - 4000. But that's just my .02.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Sportster Project?
Yeah I'd look around a bit... I'm sure there's better deals out there. especially since it's winter time.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 112
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RE: Sportster Project?
After sleeping on it and reading all your comments, I do beleive I will pass on the bike(unless of course I could steal it for $1000 as jambor07 stated).
Especially due to the dealer telling me "we were able to get it started" doesn't tell me a whole lot. There could be real problems with the engine and tranny,leaks and all. I guess I need to find a really sound running bike in which I can just work on the cosmetic stuff and not mess with the engine, not for my first project anyway.
Just curious though, would the 21" wheel off of a 2005 NT fit a 2000 - 2003 sportster without changing to a wide glide front end?
Also, I do beleive I can use the risers and drag bars of the NT to fit on the stock sportster front end, someone please correct me if I am wrong.
Thanks All
Especially due to the dealer telling me "we were able to get it started" doesn't tell me a whole lot. There could be real problems with the engine and tranny,leaks and all. I guess I need to find a really sound running bike in which I can just work on the cosmetic stuff and not mess with the engine, not for my first project anyway.
Just curious though, would the 21" wheel off of a 2005 NT fit a 2000 - 2003 sportster without changing to a wide glide front end?
Also, I do beleive I can use the risers and drag bars of the NT to fit on the stock sportster front end, someone please correct me if I am wrong.
Thanks All