Just after some information about the 1987 modle sporster (XL883), I've found one for sale at a really good price (its almost too good to be true) but im a bit concerned it may have some problems with it. As this will be my first harley im not really too sure as to what i should look for.... the add states that there is a small oil leak in the rocker cover but apparently there is a replacement part in the 1200 big bore kit. Im looking for a bike that i can tinker with, so basically what i would like to know is;

Will this bike be a good first project bike?

In relation to the 1200cc big bore kit, is it as simple as just bolting the parts on? or will there be a lot of problems is going from 883cc to a big bore 1200cc? 

Is having a small leak in the rocker cover more problems that what its worth? 

 

any input to this post would be muchly appreciated.

cheers   

The only real problem for that year bike is the gear box, there a 4 speed and not very strong

a little early so it will be chain driven and 4 speed as opposed to belt and 5 speed. They may not be the strongest, but as long as its not full of metal chunks it should be good.

Id worry more about the bike in overall condition. If you can see yourself riding it, and the way it looks appeals to you, buy it. Next bike i buy will be clean as the one i currently have was not up to my standard and resulted in it being pulled almost to bits in order to polish paint and replace. So keep that in mind. As for your plans, consider price of buying it plus the 1200 kit, and compare it to buying an XL1200, there's your answer. As for the rocker cover, it's only a gasket, not a big deal, might be a pain to replace. Cheers

Nice, thanks for the input its really appreciated! the guy selling the bike has the 1200 kit for it just hasn't put it on yet.... i dunno the more i dig into this bike the dodgier its becoming to sound! but then again it may just be me, I've never owned a harley before I've always been a sports bike rider, the only reason I'm interested in the '87 sportster is because i was born in '87 so i thought that would be kind of cool, and if i do happen to tinker with the bike and do something to break it its not going to cost me the $20 plus k like a new one would! i guess ill just have to go have a look at it and if i like the look of it and i can see anything wrong with it then ill seriously consider buying it. once again thanks for the input. cheers

Look mate at the end of the day i was in the same boat as you, all you have to remember is that it is a harley davidson, and they do keep their value. You have to toss up between big dollars, turn key, and cheap needs fixing up. Go for what you can afford, and also what you are capable of. If it seems like a lot of trouble, leave it alone. Otherwise grab it cheap and fix it up over winter. For example i started mine, clutch cable snapped. Couldn't pull the clutch cable out and the entire primary cover needed to come off. Because of this i needed new gaskets, new oil and clutch cable. Then i changed the bars, new bars needed new risers, new rubber mounting kit, new upper clamp and new bolts. Now i need a new chain and sprockets, and the thing STILL has an oil leak around the oil tank, ive had it apart 3 times. So you will have your work cut out for you

Cheers

keep away from 1986 to 1990 models Sporties unless you know how to fix them, clutch is in behind the alt , pinion shaft can crack on the crank etc ,