motor swap

07XL1200c · #1 11th January 2009

My gf just got a 87 sporty, it needs a full motor rebuild, complete rewireing, new tins, basicaly a complete rebuild. Here's my question, will a 2000 or newer motor fit in an 87 frame. im wanting to use an 883 for now till she learns to ride then i will make it run better for her. thanks.

biknut · #2 11th January 2009

I'm not sure. It won't fit in a 1988 frame because of the location of the jiffy stand. On 88 models the stand was near the front motor mount. In 89 they moved the stand closer to the middle of the primary. I don't think there's a problem with 89 and later frames, but I can't remember 87 frames.

decman · #3 11th January 2009

There is a couple of small differences in the jiffy stand area
and the oil pump area that may need to be looked at. I know
this was talked about in other threads, do some searching and get
the added details you need.