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Liberty Sportster

Started by Slarsonroy, April 09, 2010, 01:28:36 PM

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Slarsonroy

I have a chance to buy an original 86 Liberty edition 1100 Sportster for $2500 or less. All original, sitting idle for the last 15 years, original owner, 9000 miles. What are these things worth today? Is it a good riding machine? I never want an ironhead again. It broke every time I rode it. I'm a decent wrench, kinda excited about the Evo motor. Thanks
2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

harley1450000

that's a good deal,if you want it go for it,cool bike for sure.

rednectum

its just a used sporty wit a decal. worth 1500-2500

Panzer

If I had the chance I'd go for it.
Naturally it will need some parts and labor but the finish is a restored classic.
You might want to enter it in some shows when it's done.
Good luck, would like to see some pics when you pick it up.
:wwp:  :hyst:
Everyone wants to change the world but, no one wants to change the toilet paper.

andyxlh

I must admit I'd tend to agree with Panzer - it is a unique ride and paint-job - stock they are getting rare and with the liberty edition paint more so. As i remember some % of the sale went towards the refurbishment of the statue.
They have all the usual problems of 4 speed evos - shedding magnets, burning out starters and transmission cam followers breaking but should certainly be more reliable than most ironheads. I have few photos of the repairs I have had to make to my '89 on my web site. Same engine up to '90 with minimal changes.
cheers
Andy
If you can't fix it with a hammer and a roll of Duck tape then you're in trouble

Slarsonroy

Thanks for the replies. I did end up buying the bike and used Uship.com to ship it back home to Iowa. It arrived unscathed so I'm very happy. I payed $2000 for the bike and $425 for shipping so I'm still in good shape. Stuck a new battery in it, fresh gas and a quick carb clean (gas was still liquid), pushed the starter button and it tries to turn over but just clicks and slips. Haven't had a chance to do any more but if an extra battery doesn't help I suspect the starter will need to come off. I live on top of a hill, so I'll see if will run first.  Engines rolls over and plenty of compression so I'm hoping for a short ride anyway. Thanks for the info, Andy. What's your website, I would like to check it out. I'll also add pics later, just goofing off at work right now.
2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

andyxlh

#6
Hello mate
Congrats - I'd love one of those!
the starter problem sounds like the battery, but the early starter was no firehouse. An aftermarket sporty starter is not expensive and you get a lot more grunt if it is useless. Check the connections at the battery and the starter. The earth strap for the battery is connected to the frame at the rear engine mount, have a look at this too. Give it a tug and make sure it is tight, check for continuity with a multimeter too if u have one. sand the terminals with emery paper to make sure the connection is good.
My site is www.youfreeweb.com/andysharleys
cheers
Andy
If you can't fix it with a hammer and a roll of Duck tape then you're in trouble

Slarsonroy

Andy, you were right,  it was the battery. I charged it but evidently not enough to crank it. Tried it again tonight and it cranked right over and started. Its cutting out some on full throttle so I still need to pull the carb off and do a thorough cleaning.  Leaks a little oil on the primary side but I dont think thats really abnormal is it? Other than that, everything works, it idles nicely and goes through the gears like it should and rolls down the road real nice.
2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

andyxlh

Excellent mate, well done.
The primary usually leaks from the shifter hole as there's a little oil seal that doesn't really work all that well at keeping oil in on the outside of the primary cover. Check for a dribble from the shifter shaft. On the inside of the primary cover there should be a washer which acts as an oil slinger to slow the dribble - without it the thing turns into a bit of a low-grade gusher...
It could be the gasket of course or the hole where the primary chain aduster fits. It might be worth stripping the primary drive at some point to check the condition of the dodgy charging system so you know if you are up for problems down the track. If you are serious about keeping it, pick up the workshop manual, the clymer one as well as the OEM one, and the parts book.
post some pics if you get a chance, I've only every seen one in the HD catalogs.
congrats again!
Andy
If you can't fix it with a hammer and a roll of Duck tape then you're in trouble

Slarsonroy

Thanks, heres a couple pics. I'll check out the oil leak this weekend and go through the carb again and see if I can get some closer pics too.



2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

andyxlh

wow looks completely stock except for the sissy bar, seat and pipes. Even got those funny cowhorn bars! excellent!
If you can't fix it with a hammer and a roll of Duck tape then you're in trouble

Slarsonroy

After a couple short rides, those funny cowhorn bars are pretty comfortable. I'm taking the carb off today and hope to find some blockage, since its been sitting idle for 17 years. I never do get by with just a quick jet clean and I dont know why I even think I can get away with it just once.  The primary leak has stopped for now so I better check for oil on that side. Pretty clean bike, Im very happy with it.  :smiled:
2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

Slarsonroy

The carb cleaning did the trick. The main jet was half blocked and the accelerator pump nozzle was blocked. It idles nicely and pulls like a freight train on full throttle. Starts right up with a little choke when cold and starts easily when hot.  What a fun bike to ride. Now I just need to check out the primary side and make sure nothing is coming apart. Thanks for the info! :teeth:
2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

Panzer

Well done Slarsonroy.
I've been following you and Andy's replies thus far.....and so good.
Andy is a good man to listen to, you can trust him as he, along with others has helped many.
BTW, thanks for posting the pixs, nice find, nice ride.  :up:


Panzer
Everyone wants to change the world but, no one wants to change the toilet paper.

Slarsonroy

Thanks Panzer, Couldnt have done it without the help of this forum and its stellar members, especially Andy, so thanks again brother. I put another 20 miles on it tonight with my wife and it ran like a champ. Its a whole different animal than my 07 Ultra so she didnt enjoy it so much, but its a fine machine. I love to listen to it idle. Heres a few more detailed pics.











2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF

Panzer

Although there maybe a buddy seat on the machine, a passanger (be it a woman) won't like the ride.
Women are use to comfort, I need not say more.
For the solo rider it's ok, no way is it a touring bike.
Thanks for the pics, nice looking machine, you did well.  :up:
Everyone wants to change the world but, no one wants to change the toilet paper.

andyxlh

Wow! what a find! I'd be tempted to remove the very few non standard parts like the pipes, sissy bar and saddlebag supports and get it totally original. Then clean it up, put it in a show and watch the reaction!
Panzer is right - compared with an ultra (or my road king) it is not a super comfy ride for the passenger or rider. But i did ship my '89 xlh to the USA for the 100th in '03 and did 13000km in 6 weeks touring...beat the heck out of me tho'.
If you can't fix it with a hammer and a roll of Duck tape then you're in trouble

Slarsonroy

Ended up selling the sporty for $3500 and bought a shovel FXE for $4500.
2012 Electraglide
1979 FXEF,1953 FLEF