r/sportster

I have ridden for 12 months combined over 30 years. 6 months at age 20 on a junky '84 Kawasaki 454 LTD and 6 months on a barn rescue 1978 Suzuki gs 750 at age 35. Had a good year at work and financially at age 50 in '25 and took the MSF course in August and got this beautiful sportster in September. I have been lurking on here daily and learning some things from those of you more knowledgeable than me about everything from maintenance and gear to riding practice and skills. Thank you for everything you all post across the motorcycle forums in here.

Came across a 91 frame for cheap. Had a motor I pulled out of a 1997 on my shelf, the rest is all just parts and pieces I had laying around my garage. Need to weld on some tabs for the rear fender and I think I’ll just rock it as an around town beater.

Im looking at potentially buying a 2003 Sportster 883 10th Anniversary but when I went to check it out the batter was dead, then we got it jumped and the carb must be gunked up because it won't idle with choke closed. I noticed the oil was too low to even hit the dipstick, then noticed what looked like a build up of oil as pictured. Bike sounded fine when running besides bogging down when given gas. Would this be a costly repair for the oil leak? I can swap carb and battery myself but never dealt with an oil leak. Guy was showing it for his Aunt so he didn't know why it would be leaking ...Any help much appreciated I really want the bike but unsure if it's a wise choice. Thank you

Belt guard, the bracket snapped. I knew I was hearing something rattling the past couple weeks and didn't figure it out until just now while I was getting gas. I don't really need this, right?

Hey y’all, I’ve got a 2005 1200R that’s giving me fits with the carb. Are the post ‘06 EFI bikes so much nicer that it’d make sense to part with the 2005? Ik it’s a silly question but I’m unsure if EFI is that much more worth it

i am planning on converting my 06 883 from belt to chain drive pretty soon here. are tc bros claims that a sealed chain will essentially last longer with less maintenance true and or worth the price tag? it makes sense to me but i’m just wondering what some more experienced riders than myself have to say.