Newbie question
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 166
From: MA
Newbie question
Hi All, Question:
I have recently decided to buy an 883 (long story). That's the good news; the bad is that I don't really know much about them. I understand that starting in 2009 they were equipped with fuel injection. Is this a must-have or a nice-to-have?
Are there any years to avoid or to try and find? Is there any 'optimal' year?
Sorry for the newbie questions, but I really don't know what I don't know. I suspect that I will ride mostly country roads and most probably not longer than an hour or two.
Thanks in advance.
I have recently decided to buy an 883 (long story). That's the good news; the bad is that I don't really know much about them. I understand that starting in 2009 they were equipped with fuel injection. Is this a must-have or a nice-to-have?
Are there any years to avoid or to try and find? Is there any 'optimal' year?
Sorry for the newbie questions, but I really don't know what I don't know. I suspect that I will ride mostly country roads and most probably not longer than an hour or two.
Thanks in advance.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 431
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, MO
First year for EFI was 2007. For me it's a must have but plenty of people swear by carburetors. You'll get all kinds of mixed answers I'm sure. Also, rubbermounts started in 2004 which gives a much smoother ride than the earlier frame mounted engines.
-Beer
-Beer
Last edited by iwantmybeerbackplease; Sep 9, 2013 at 06:39 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Dayton, Ohio
I believe that 2007 was the first year for fuel injection on a sportster! I am a newbie as well! Hopefully some more experienced folks will chime in as I am curious as well. Good luck on your quest for a new bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 11
From: Central Illinois
If you want a carb'd model, I would shoot for post rubber mount, pre EFI, which would be 2004-2006.
If you want fuel injection, 07+ is a good way to go.
I think carb'd models are easier to mod because things like tank swaps are a lot easier (fuel injection means a fuel pump in the tank), but all things considered, EFI is probably more reliable overall.
If you want fuel injection, 07+ is a good way to go.
I think carb'd models are easier to mod because things like tank swaps are a lot easier (fuel injection means a fuel pump in the tank), but all things considered, EFI is probably more reliable overall.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 11
From: Central Illinois
I haven't heard much about "bad years" for these bikes, but someone may have better info than I have. I know with the dynes IIRC they had lower end problems in certain years, but the evo motor in the sporties has been solid forever I think.
I would go with a rubbermount year just to avoid the classic problems like hands going numb after a few hours, etc...
I would go with a rubbermount year just to avoid the classic problems like hands going numb after a few hours, etc...
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 4,026
From: San Diego, CA
What's your budget? That would probably be a good starting point.
I've had my 1991 since brand new (November 1990), and have had no problems except a faulty circuit breaker (recall issue). I think the late 1980's to early 1990's models are probably the best looking and have much simpler electronics. Less plastic crap too.
But my opinion may be a bit biased.
Good luck, you probably can't buy a "bad" Sportster.
John
I've had my 1991 since brand new (November 1990), and have had no problems except a faulty circuit breaker (recall issue). I think the late 1980's to early 1990's models are probably the best looking and have much simpler electronics. Less plastic crap too.
But my opinion may be a bit biased.
Good luck, you probably can't buy a "bad" Sportster.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 9, 2013 at 08:55 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 34
From: Wisconsin
Depends on how your going to use it. Pounding out the miles or daily driver get a rubber mount (2004+). Cutting it into a cafe racer or bobber, get 91-2003 hard mount. A good suspension is the hardest thing to find on a sportster. I have a carb and will probably buy a carb 2003 or earlier to make a bobber. I like the simplicity of the carb over EFI, but I understand if I only had room for one bike and it had to run everyday EFI would look good.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 166
From: MA
Thanks for the replies.....My guess on how I plan to use it is most probably out for an hour or so on back roads. I can't see taking it on a highway or on road trips. I also would probably keep it stock, although that is just supposition.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 2
From: South Africa
