Im looking at a 2005 HD Sportster 1200 custom that was in a accident. I am told that it needs one fork tube and the triple clamp and that the outer rim(front) could be replaced. I do not know anything about Harleys and am thinking about this bike as a project. are these things easy to get OEM or aftermarket or used and can a person with some mechanical ability do the work? Let me know what you guys think. Also not familiar at all with these bikes and the gas tank is going to need repair, can a person get a used or new one for a decent price and do various models or years work for parts?

Raymond

 

As far as the front rim goes, a replacement run around $150, but unless you can re-spoke the wheel, you will need someone to do it, which is where is gets expensive.

 

I would get a cast wheel. It will handle better, tires last a lot longer, and no maintenance on the spokes. Can usually pick one up for around $300, plus a tire. I suspect the fork tube and triple tree will have to come from a HD dealer, and I have no idea that cost. But the labor to replace those items is not a difficult job. The fuel tank, I would look for a body shop to repair the tank.

 

See post #11 (below) for correct axle sizes by year.
Any triple clamp from any model Sportster '04 and up with a narrow glide front will be fine. The 48 and the '11 up "Custom" models have a mid-glide, iirc. I think, but I won't promise, you can use a triple clamp off an older Sportster, but you'd have to use the old style risers, too. They're rubber dampened risers.
If you need a new lower leg for the suspension, get the appropriate fitment for the axle size. If you change both lower legs, you can buy any axle size you want to match whatever wheel you find. However, all the little additional parts (axle, spacers, etc.) add up quick.
Check the steering neck cups for dings or indentations and replace the bearings while you're in there.
Look around. Ask questions. Good luck.

 

ok so im gonna try and get more info from the guy tomorrow and im leaning towards buying the bike. Ive noticed on ebay 19inch and 21 inch rims for the front and im wondering what difference this will have either way.

 

One of the differences is the look. I decided I wanted a "beefier" look on the front of my bike so I went to a set of mid-glide trees and a 19" wheel.

The other difference is the mileage and handling. The 19" tire is wider and larger overall so it will last longer than a 21" tire and handles better. I run Metzeler ME 880s and I have 12k on my first 19" front with some tread left. I only got around 10k out of the 21".

 

Wouldn't it make sense to do both fork tubes instead of just the bad one?
Who knows what got fooxered that you don't notice

 

19 inch will hold better in turns, and the tire will last twice as long. The overall dimension is the same. Just more rubber with the 19 inch configuration. With the 21 inch wheel, the tire is more like a bicycle tire. You can ask cHarley about the difference between 21 inch and 19 inch.

 

What price is the bike you're looking at? Since you're not that familiar, are you sure it's a good deal?

 

its $2800 and I think i have a complete front end (triple clamp and forks complete) for about $350. Ive found a new rim for a few dollars. i may have to replace fenders and tank but wont know til I see it infront of me.