1997 Sportster S Questions

[koolbreeze]

Handle bars do not look like originals.

Additionally did the S model come with forward controls? I do not think they did.

I would need to look closely at the front forks and the rotors look to be scored a bit, would have to see them up close.

Seat does not appear to be original.

[cdirk]

Thanks for the input. Agreed wish better shocks were on there. Some other items not stock as mentioned. Thinking of a flight to test drive I am in houston. I do like the bike how it looks. Was looking for late 90's sporty or pre 2007.

Flights are 78 round trip may be worth the trip. Was hoping it was the 98 version with higher comp and cam profile. But that's easy and cheap to do if I want to.

[bustert]

goes to show you where you look for info
a lot of places list 10

[denguy]

Looks great from afar. Would take a very up close look over. If it runs and rides good, I would call it a bargain.

[84rzv500r]

I got 2 sets of 99S triples, forks and Shocks on my shed if you really wanted the shocks PM me...

i went with XR1200X bits on my 1999

[cdirk]

Sent some vids if bike and bike running some rust on linkage foot controls would need replacing. Heard it run needs carb cleaning. Other than that seems legit.

Found another close by in really good condition but it's an 883. Had one of these before and liked it. Made it a 1250.

I like the exhaust se ac tunes supposedly..has 412 progressives on back.very clean bike. Price a bit high but worth a look. What do you think?

https://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/d...581641887.html

Vids of the 1997 here walk around and running. Gives better idea of the condition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxa51UVJ6rA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmgLIGfuHlM

On the one Hand the 883 is probably much more reliable of a ride, needs no work. 1997 will need some work to clean it up a bit and run properly but I dont see anythign major. Let me know if you see anything in the vids.

[ChinCactus]

The 05’s had known crankshaft issues. Also a heavier rubber mount chassis and no trap door transmission.

Forward controls on the 97 must have been cheap flash chrome. Other than that it looks pretty good.

[denguy]

I would take a stock 1200 over an 883 any day. This 1200 is just a little rough, appearance wise, for my tastes. But the price is tempting if the mechanicals are right.
Could black out the rusted chrome parts, that's what I do.

[cdirk]

yah. I think it looks a bit rough but not too bad. replacing the rusted parts not much to do. Add some signal lights clean carb...hoping it would be good to go....

The 883 is tempting..since its so clean but the lack or power would make me upgrade to at least a 1275 Kit at some point. With the 1200 would leave it along and just ride it.

The 1200 is in Florida so either i get it shipped here or go see it and fly back then get it shipped.

Or hold out to see if something else comes along closer to my home of the 1200 variety.

[Tomcatt]

Originally Posted by cdirk

Or hold out to see if something else comes along closer to my home of the 1200 variety.

Not a bad idea. There's really not much special about the S's until the '98 model and even then the '04 up 1200's with their bath tub chambered heads are really better motors...