want to buy an 88 sportster need tips.

[djmell762]

Thinking of buying an 88 sportster with a about 2500 miles on its motor with 89" S&S hot setup. It also has a 5 speed. I'm the kinda guy that rides everyday so wondering how much maintenance usually costs on these things. Estimating at least 8000 miles a year. Any opinions on the s&s hot setup?
thanks

[XL883L]

im not sure about the S&S kit but people are getting good results out of their "hot" conversions. Just plan on fluid changes and gas.

[CaptNDirt]

Thinking of buying an 88 sportster with a about 2500 miles on its motor with 89" S&S hot setup. It also has a 5 speed. I'm the kinda guy that rides everyday so wondering how much maintenance usually costs on these things. Estimating at least 8000 miles a year. Any opinions on the s&s hot setup?
thanks

If it has a five speed it's not the original motor. Get all the paperwork, title to motor and title to bike. Some places they look and both VIN numbers. Can't comment on the S&S Hot setup but S&S makes good stuff.

[langner91]

I personally wouldn't buy someone else's conversion unless I was intimately knowledgeable of what parts were used and what kind of condition it is currently in. Like maybe only if my buddy who I love like a brother put it together with the same loving care he shows his children, but then fell on hard times and needed the cash to buy a kidney. Then, and only then, might I consider it.

People don't put 89" motors in Sportsters to ride them sensibly on Sundays to Church.

I would buy a nice little 883 and build your own. Then, if it breaks, at least you won't feel like you have been shafted.

YMMV.

[DC in PHX]

And that hot build may be BS too. Those kits are quite expensive and there is no real way to tell except opening up the motor. May have S&S heads and carby, but not neccissarily a "hot build" motor.

Good luck

DC

[DC in PHX]

And that hot build may be BS too. Those kits are quite expensive and there is no real way to tell except opening up the motor. May have S&S heads and carby, but not neccissarily a "hot build" motor.

Good luck

DC

I may be wrong. Maybe you can check through the timing plug to see if it is a S&S crank?? Anyone know??

[djmell762]

Yeah it's got an andrews 5spd transmission. I don't know anything about those. The guy claims to have about 6k $ into the motor which sounds about right. I haven't checked if he had documentation but for something like that you'd be retarded not to. He only wants about $4k for it.
thanks, keep the good stuff coming.

[dave76]

I thought there was no 5 speed option for the 4 speeds?? Must be a 91 and up motor.

[djmell762]

That's exactly how he explained it. 91 up motor and trans