Hey guys, I've been on this board for awhile but I think this is my first post in the Sporty section. I've built and owned many Softails over the years. I convert them into a bobber style and sell them. I almost always base my builds on 2000-2005 Softails as these are basically the same bikes. I want to build a cafe racer style Sportster and I'm not sure what years would be the best for this style. I plan on stripping the bike of everything not necessary. I definitely want a peanut style tank and will probably chop the rear end and fab a custom seat pan and tail. I don't care if it's injected or carb'd. Probably gonna use clip on bars and remove or relocate the gauges. I also prefer a bike with mids rather than forward controls. Can anyone steer me in the right direction as far as what year range would be best suited for this? Price is a factor otherwise I would just buy a new one. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Sweet. That softy in your avatar looks damn good so pretty sure you can pull off the cafe build. Only thing I'd suggest is stay with a carbed sporty. Less wiring. Pre 06 I believe. I started a thread wayyyy back cause I've always wanted to do the same. Lots of inspiration there for you. Check my threads. How about an older triumph tank with the knee slots cut out or modify a sporty tank? Either way good luck and start a build thread!

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...re-thread.html

 

We're big fans of the early 90's through 03 chassis. Minimal wiring, much lighter than the 04 and newer models and less expensive to pick one up.

 

Perfect example of what a dialed sporty cafe should look like. ****! Hey burly, chuck that pic in the thread man if you haven't already. So sick.

 

Any solid mount Sportster with a 5 speed tranny so you can add the SportGear

 

I have no fab skills or the tools to match,
I really liked the cafe style so took the easy option and just bought bolt on bits.
Im not gonna call it a true cafe cos its not really but its a style i like.
For me the Nightster is the best bike HD have sold for years (i have owned Softails etc) but thats my opinion only

 

You've got to go a long way to beat the look of the original XLCR ... I always thought that was a sweet scooter ... You guys have some nice lookin' Sporty's too!

 

Thanks for the link. 30+ pages. At least I'll have something to do tonight.

 

If you want dual front disc, look for an "R" or "S" model.