Need advice on Harley Davidson SPORTSTER for birthday present?

Question

Hi guys!

I need some help. I am looking to purchase a HD Sportster for my boyfriend for his birthday. I have been looking on Craigslist and there are a TON of them from 1972-1995 in my price range.

This would be his first bike (he's 35) - he has very limited experience on a motorcycle - but really wants one.

He is about 5'7" tall and 220lbs. This will NOT be a daily driver but will be riden often with the gas prices!

I can spend up to $3500 and have cash.

Any obvious stuff I should look out for? I have head that the 883 is best. Others have said to make sure it's an "EVO".

My main questions are:

Is a sportster from the late 70's too old if it has been kept in good shape?

Do all Harley's leak oil?

I have two that I am seriously looking at - let me know if you think these are a good deal! Are either of these worth a go?

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/740769007.html

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/722181177.html

Answer 1

too small for his size.......

Answer 2

1.  Harleys don't depreciate in value, one from the 70s would be a collector's item

2.  Not all of them, most of them do

also, an 883 is a tiny bike for someone 5'7 and 220 lbs.

Answer 3

a 1200 is better than a 883 but since he is a new rider the bike that is blue with the flames is a nicer bike and a good price that the one I'd choose. as far as do all H-D's leak oil no mine doesn't but I keep up on its maintance. the 70's are fine just stay clear of the AMF years of H-D mid 80's to early 90's

Answer 4

Just to throw an idea out there, your budget would be able to buy a much newer, aka much more reliable metric cruiser.  They will also be more safe to ride since they would have more modern brakes and suspension.  If you have to get a harley then get a harley but I would not want either of the bikes you listed, even as a gift.  Too old and too slow, plus they are asking too much money for bikes that are as old or older than I am.

You could probably get a mid to late nineties Honda Shadow with that budget and I am sure he would be much happier on the thing than on either of the maintenance nightmares you listed.

While you are at it get a lid and some gear for the guy so he is ready to ride when you give it to him.  I know I would not be able to wait to ride if I had a gifted bike waiting for me, but then again if I came home to one of those I guess I could.  Nice thought, but unlike the saying goes, the thought really only goes so far.

Answer 5

OK, here goes. A Sporty from the 70s has what's known as an Ironhead engine. As a matter of fact all Sportsters from 1957 through early 1985 are Ironheads. These are a lot of fun, however, you should take into consideration, that when buying an Ironhead, you should be prepared to do a complete engine rebuild. All the bushings, bearings, and gaskets, will need to be replaced. I could go on for a long time about why this is, but just take my word for it. The bottom line is, your buying a 30 year old motorcycle, and these things wear out. On the plus side, these are very reliable, and like I said, a LOT of fun!

The EVO Sportster was made from 1985 through 2000. The one's you want to stay away from here are late 1984 to 1990. The clutch on these were endless problems. Once Harley did away with the AC clutch, they built a great motorcycle. Keep oil in it, and it will run for a long time.

From the pictures, it looks like either of the 2 you're thinking about, should be pertty good. If either have matching engine and frame numbers, go for that one. Having an engine replaced on these things over the years is not uncommon.

Answer 6

an 883 is so capable of moving anyone.... just not like a bullet.  you're a h**l of a girlfriend kudos to you

the other missed point, if you do go for an old iron head, you'll look forever for a 1200 like the others keep telling you.... they aint there, never built.... it will be an 883 or a 1000

3500 probably won't find you a 1200 if it's any good, but it will find an 883 or an iron head 1000 just fine.  have fun, good luck, and expect expensive jewelry when you give it to him or kick his ***

Answer 7

Years are a bit off- AMF was boutght in the early 1980's.

Most pre 1980's leak oil, EVO's do not normally.

883 will carry him fine- plenty of HP and torque. Clutch problems on the 85-90 EVO were resolved, no problems about buying them, if yours was not fixed it will be when it needs to. I have an 87 1100. Evo is the Evolution motor, created in sportsters in 1985 for the 883, in 1986 they made it's big brother the 1100 (the 1000 in 1985 was still a shovel head- the older style), in mid 1987 they punched the 1100 up to 1200, and there it has stood.

The Shovel head engine ie not as reliable and enduring as the evo engines- evo's are 100K mile engines with common sense riding and proper maintenance whereas shovel engines are in need or complete rebuilds around 40K.

With around $3500, you're looking at an 883. They have better power/weight ration that the 1200, and can be converted to a 1200 for less than the cost of buying a new 1200, plus you will have a better power band with a converted bike than the stock 1200.

Answer 8

Either of the ones you posted Knock off a thousand they are not worth that much plus they are AMF"Not a good thing"you should be able to find lots of 883s in your range I like the old bikes but they would not be a good choice if you cant work on them

ebay is full of them but i like to check out a bike before i buy it

AMF is a company that owned harley for a few years and had VERY poor quality control They destroyed the Harley rep for years The black one looks like it still has the AMF Decals but I cant see well enough to tell

Answer 9

What a lucky guy!

My first choice would be an Evo powered bike

First,the Evolution(or EVO) engine is more or less oil tight and is on 86 and newer sportys . The 883 is the smallest Evo . An 1100 was available in 86 and 87. In 88 it was upped to 1200cc . 91 and up gets you a 5 speed and a belt final drive on the 1200. 93 you get belt drive all sportys. Is your boy friend mechanically inclined?will he be doing his own repairs?Maintenance cost have to be considered when buying an older bike or one that has been sitting for a long time.

As for the bikes on craigs list the blue one looks good,it is an older iron engine design,but if it was well cared for that shouldn't matter,find out what mods were done and talk to the shop that checked it.

Look at the bike carefully.check to see if the engine #s and frame #s match the title Other than that its buyer beware

Answer 10

Go for an Evo 883 or 1200

Like the guy with the novel the other guy wrote you will need to rebuild it if you get a older one

You may be a little low in price but 35 to 4 should get you a good one

If you run across a pre unit transmission for a triumph my birthday is in august