Bought a Sporty, suggestions needed

[JenM]

After looking off and on for a year, I finally found my Sportster. It's a 1982 1000cc. It looks like hell right now!

Here is what it needs, and/or I want: new handlebars. It currently has drag bars which I can't stand. It needs a paint job desperately. And the pipes are a problem. The pipes are eardrum shattering loud and I can't take it. They've got to go. What I don't know is, do I need to buy new pipes, or can these be altered somehow - maybe with mufflers? - to quiet them down?

The bike rides and runs GREAT. It has a new chain, new sprocket, new battery and a S & S carb. The price was most definitely right.

I will take the body parts off and have them blasted, then we'll do the paint job ourselves, and I think I have the bars covered. I know a guy...

I'd welcome suggestions for the paint, and help with the pipe question. I have this burning desire to paint it pastel pink with daisies on it, just to screw with all the die-hard Harley guys I know My husband told me if that's what I want, go for it, but he sure has heck would never be seen on it if I did!

Here's a pic (it has a front fender, just not on right now because it's currently painted red):

[Dystrakti0n]

Check with the Pipes manufacturer, they might sell baffles for those pipes, if not you might be looking at a whole new set. Best of luck with it.

[NorthernPete]

Striaght pipes are loud? say it aint so... *L

look into some aftermarket or hit up a scrap yard.

Edit* Paint it flourenscent something.....

[xsyamahadg]

There should be a million sets of OEM pipes out there in garages and basements, everyone who buys a Harley removes the stock exhaust and throws them in a corner. Shouldn't be hard to find some. Pink is ok, but I like the pearl white. Anything but black !! Good luck with your bike !! XS

[Locopez]

wow...very cool...it will look awesome..when it is done

[JenM]

I got the bike tonight. (we told them Friday night we wanted it but had to wait til today for the bank to get the money).

Man this thing RUNS. I can't imagine riding something with a bigger engine. I am in awe of its power!!! When I stop it is like pulling back the reins on a horse who's rearing to go. I also cannot believe the difference in cornering/turning compared to my Nighthawk. I have always felt as though I'd tip over on the hawk - not so on the Harley. Smooth and solid.

I am in love already

We found several things "wrong" with it once we got it home, but nothing that cannot be easily fixed...with a little $$. For example, one thing we didn't notice when we looked at it is, it has no turn signals

It'll be well worth it. I honestly believe that when we're finished it will be worth more than twice what we paid for it. Harleys go for a fortune around here (Indiana) and finding a used one that RUNS for less than $5,000 is miraculous in and of itself.

I am leaning towards white pearl coat with my tattoo painted on the tank sides, and "Jen" painted in blue on the oil tank, with maybe a dolphin under the lettering.

We'll be taking it to a guy we know who offered a set of bars to us, and are hoping he might have a spare exhaust lying around. He's a "collector" After we visit him, it's back to my barn and time to disassemble!!!
I ordered a manual that should be here any day.

It's gonna be a great summer

[VermilionX]

congrats!

and i doubt you will not consider anything more powerful than that. give it some time and you'll crave more power.

what's the hp on that thing anyway?

[JenM]

congrats!

and i doubt you will not consider anything more powerful than that. give it some time and you'll crave more power.

what's the hp on that thing anyway?

Ya know, when I bought my Nighthawk last year, my friend told me, "It's not big enough." I told him he was crazy, that a 450 was plenty big enough for me. He said, "Just wait... you'll see."

Haha! So you may be right, Vermilioin!

I believe my Sportster is 50 hp. Only 7 more than my hawk. Hard to explain the difference, but it's definitely there. I don't know a lot about engines and compression and torque, but..whatever the difference between the Honda/Harley, I like it!

[VermilionX]

you should try a triumph rocket III.

[JenM]

you should try a triumph rocket III.

Ha! My friend whom I mentioned in my previous post. Guess what he rides?
Not a rocket III but an '06 Speedmaster.
He tried his darndest to talk me into a Triumph, but to no avail. When you know what you want, you know what you want!

Wow..I just looked at the Rocket III. 140 hp???
I'll have to pass on that one.

I've only been riding a year, ya know I'd be pavement goo in no time on something like that!