HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Evo Sportster => Topic started by: johnchev89 on November 15, 2019, 03:16:07 PM

Title: Best year for engine mods
Post by: johnchev89 on November 15, 2019, 03:16:07 PM
Looking to build a sportster for some light to light action and cruising the local bike nights.
Something along the lines of a street legal drag bike.
What would be the best years for performance mods?
Plan on a dual disc front end, probably chain drive.
  What are thoughts on the Basanni Pro street pipesfor sportsters.
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: aswracing on November 16, 2019, 07:38:09 AM
2000-2003.
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: hogpipes1 on November 17, 2019, 04:37:39 PM
Quote from: aswracing on November 16, 2019, 07:38:09 AM
2000-2003.
:up:  :Any thing newer is rubber mount . :down:
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: johnchev89 on November 18, 2019, 03:27:34 AM
What are the drawbacks of the 04 and up bikes?
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: rigidthumper on November 18, 2019, 05:08:56 AM
You have to split the 04 & newer cases to do any trans work, and they are heavier than the earlier cases. 
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: PC_Hater on November 18, 2019, 02:05:45 PM
Quote from: johnchev89 on November 18, 2019, 03:27:34 AM
What are the drawbacks of the 04 and up bikes?
They are heavier, can be quite nice, good for long fast rides due to reduced vibes from the rubber-mounting.
The up-to-2003 proper Sportsters rattle and snort and I have one, but I'm so old I wouldn't thrash it around Europe anymore. It hurts too much. A weekend to northern France is the most I can manage now! I have a Road-Glide for touring.

Splitting the cases to repair the transmission on the 2004-up bikes really isn't anything to worry about. This is Harley Tech Talk where sad old farts come to whinge so 'many' will say they had to split the cases to fix the transmission.
British bikes had unit construction since 1962 or thereabouts, in 92,000 miles I never took my T140V apart to fix the transmission.
Don't worry about it.

If you want to build a fire-breather pay attention to aswracing.
If you want a nice bike - follow your wallet and your heart.
Ignore those that say an 883 can't do it - nobody ever said a 500 BSA or my 750 Triumph or an 850 Norton had too small an engine...
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: johnchev89 on November 18, 2019, 03:30:16 PM
Not too much worried about the older bikes being a rigid mount. 
Just going to be a hot rod.  And already plan on using a Hammer engine package.
That way I can tone down my softail for everyday riding. Should be able to find a used 883 pretty cheap around here.

If i go with a chain conversion would it be possible to fit a 150 series tire under it?
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: 72fl on November 19, 2019, 05:02:05 AM
Where's around here located at ?

I see 03 sporty's and down going for a couple grand actually around here  :hyst:(Illinois)as I have been involved in two of these builds on my own 883's/1200, last one I bought Wheelie bars for and never got the opportunity to install them or even ride it as Health issues come into play.
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: johnchev89 on November 19, 2019, 05:12:05 AM
I'm in the Tampa Bay area.   I have seen a few 03 and down bikes under $3000. 
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: rigidthumper on November 19, 2019, 05:19:05 AM
It can be done. I ran a Shinko 003 stealth 170/60-17 tire on the back of my 88" XL.
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: Hillside Motorcycle on November 20, 2019, 03:54:03 AM
Quote from: rigidthumper on November 19, 2019, 05:19:05 AM
It can be done. I ran a Shinko 003 stealth 170/60-17 tire on the back of my 88" XL.

Those 88" XL engines are a GREAT way to get the power from a Sportster.
110 hp and 100 ft/lbs with ease.
Must have built a dozen or more of those, over the years.
Did one in a Buell once.....brutal.
Title: Re: Best year for engine mods
Post by: PC_Hater on November 20, 2019, 12:11:26 PM
Quote from: johnchev89 on November 18, 2019, 03:30:16 PM
Not too much worried about the older bikes being a rigid mount. 
Just going to be a hot rod.  And already plan on using a Hammer engine package.
That way I can tone down my softail for everyday riding. Should be able to find a used 883 pretty cheap around here.

If i go with a chain conversion would it be possible to fit a 150 series tire under it?
Assorted fat-tire kits are available so you can go as wide as you want. LedSled customs have instructions for their kit, but for a proper fast bike I would choose something a bit better.
A 180/55x 17 radial should be quite nice on the back! And needed if you build it right.