Used Sportster Buyers Guide

We like to say, Sportsters rule!!

1957 – 1985
• The Iron head Sportster. Called this because heads & cylinders are cast iron.
• Things to consider when buying a used Sportster in this year group: Good for riding around town or on quiet country roads. Not a good motorcycle for long distance touring or highway speeds. Repairs can be labor intensive &, sometimes, knuckle busting. Watch Our Ironhead Video Series.

1986
• The Evolution Sportster. Watch Our Video Series. Things to consider when buying a used Sportster in this year group:
883 & 1100 models with aluminum heads and cylinders, these Sportsters are much easier to maintain and repair. The transmission, however, is still a 4 speed with a chain secondary drive.

1988
• Carburetor is upgraded to a CV carburetor.

1991
• Big upgrades include a 5 speed transmission and the secondary drive chain is permanently replaced with a belt.

1994
• Things to consider when buying a used Sportster in this year group. The Sportster electrical system is updated and the oil tank and battery mount, design, and location is changed. The clutch is also changed to a better design.

1995
• Harley eliminates the speedometer cable and drive. Now, an electronic speedometer is standard in conjunction with an electronic speed sensor.

2000
• The Sportster brake systems are upgraded and the first year for sealed wheel bearings.

2003
• Things to consider when buying a used Sportster in this year group. The last year for a transmission with trap door access.

2004
• No more transmission trap door means that a transmission repair requires the entire entire engine to be broken down (top & bottom end) and engine cases split in order to access the transmission. This is very labor intensive. Fuel injection becomes available as an option.

2005
• Rear axle & wheel bearings are upgraded from 3/4″ to 1″.

2006
• Things to consider when buying a used Sportster in this year group. The transmission receives helical cut gears. Last year for the carburetor option.

2007
• All Sportsters are manufactured with fuel injection systems

2008
• Front axle and wheel bearings are now changed from 3/4″ to 1″.

2010
• The ECM is relocated

2014
• Upgraded electronics and wiring harness. The Sportster receives larger brakes with an ABS option.

Try to buy your used Sportster in person, not online. Get all the relevant paperwork, service records and try to buy a stock motorcycle.

Watch all our Videos on Sporsters:

Maintenance

Performance

XL Belt R&R

Cafe Racer Project

Carburetor Videos

Ironhead Sportsters – Coming Soon

More Buyers Guides:

Ironhead XL 1957 – 1985 – What to Look for

Used Harley Davidson Buyer’s Guide

1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Evolution Buyers Guide

Buying a Harley Knucklehead: What to Look For

Panhead Buyers Guide

How To Buy Used Choppers

Harley Shovelhead for Sale Buyers Guide Part 1

Harley Shovelhead for Sale Buyers Guide Part 2

Buy a Used Harley and Make It Your Own Project Videos Here