The '98 Sportster

[mrbones]

I was able to get out yesterday and ride it. Here's a few pics.

It's a '98 Sportster 883. I bought it last year and have made a few changes. It now has 12,000 miles on it.

- I upgraded the front brake to the '00-'03 style with a real floating rotor and braided line so it actually stops.
- Progressive springs up front
- rear Road King shocks which are a little on the stiff side but perfect for 2-up riding.
- Longer Drag Specialties sissy bar
- I chopped the front fender
- changed the mirrors, grips, and windscreen
- added a new gauge cluster mount from a '08 sportster
- changed the seat to a sportster '03 custom seat
- Painted it flat textured black that included fixing a dent in the gas tank
- Hand painted the wheels
- changed out the rear turnsignals with the front ones with red lenses and LED bulbs. Now I have running light in the back
- Screamin' eagle pips, the old louder style.
- S&S air filter assembly with K&N filter, rejetted carb.
- changed front signals to fork mount and LEDs.

That's about it. I'll dig up some before photos, too. It was blue. Yack.

Oh, and how could I forget? I said FU to the chrome last March and scuffed and sanded it all silver. I still have to do the engine.

[mrbones]

Here's some before pics.

[dt]

I just noticed that the pictures above are in the exact same place (somewhere around Brooksville/Darby) where you took the SV pictures. Is that your photo op spot?

[mrbones]

Yes. It's nice and quiet there, too.

[mrbones]

I got a new seat in the mail yesterday. It's a Mustang vintage. The old seat just wasn't agreeing with me on longer rides. Especially after using a Corbin on my SV650. I was looking at Corbin for the Sportster, but it just cost too much.

The new seat has a LOT of foam for the passenger (the Wife should like that). Overall I think it looks pretty good. I won't get a chance to ride until Monday to test it out.

Now, it's time to list the old seat on eBay and try and recoup some of the cash I laid out on this seat.

[mrbones]

Oh, and last week, my kids left me alone long enough for me to actually put a part on I bought LAST year at Leesburg. It's a metal carb cover that replaces the faded plastic one. Big improvement!

[mrbones]

I just got back from a 120 mile ride up to Floral City. I give the new seat a thumbs up and it's not even broken in yet. Dang, it was cold and windy and rainy today!

[dt]

Yeah. That’s very nice looking too! 

Are you planning on any long-haul trips?

[mrbones]

Leesburg. Got to do some long loop along the coast and back down to the rally. That's as far as my planning has gone.