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Sportster vs old Goldwing for rig build?

Swordsman · 2014-10-01T11:40:57Z

Hey guys! I'm beginning to toss around the idea of putting a rig together in the next year or so if finances permit. I'm wondering what the general consensus would be (if there ever is such a thing) deciding between an early-mid 80's Goldwing and a late 80's - early 90's Sportster (883 or 1200 cc ). My goals are to have a rig that will be easy and relatively cheap to maintain and have enough oomph to cruise at 65 mph if need be. I know the GW has 4 carbs which could be daunting to adjust. Valve adjustments look like they'd be easy to do since they're exposed. 4 cylinders could be handy lugging around a tub. Shaft drive is ideal. Low initial cost is a plus (usually well under $2000 in my area). The HD on the other hand doesn't need any valve adjustments and has famous torque. Considerably better mpg stock (dunno how much a sidecar would affect this). Single carb would be easy to deal with. Belt drive would probably need to be switched to a chain. Plenty of parts available, but I suspect they're costlier due to the name on the tank. Higher initial cost as well ($2500 - $3500 for the 883cc). So, any thoughts on which of these two bikes would have the advantage? Thanks! ~SM

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Phelonius

(@Phelonius)

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Gold things are complicated to work on. The newer the more so.

Posted : October 27, 2014 4:52 pm

VLAD

(@vlad)

Posts: 443

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Phelonius - 10/27/2014 7:52 PM

Gold things are complicated to work on. The newer the more so.

Any newer bike complicated to work on...

Posted : October 28, 2014 4:14 am

jaydmc

(@jaydmc)

Posts: 1789

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They may be complicated to work on but the up side is, they do not tend to need to be worked on.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793

Posted : October 28, 2014 5:57 am

TomM

(@tomm)

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VLAD - 10/1/2014 5:19 PM

Water cooled engine (almost no overheating). Shaft drive(almost no maintenance). More power. Lot of parts for lot less $$$..

I have a 2008 Suzuki Boulevard; water cooled, shaft drive, good power, low maintenance, parts are available. I've seen them advertised on eBay for $3500-$4000 w/ 5k miles. That is NOT a typo.
I love my Boulevard Touring bike w/ sidecar. It's a head turner.
TomM

Posted : October 28, 2014 8:40 am

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Hello Swordsman,
MY $.02
I would go with the H-D Sportster but find a 2004 or newer. They have a updated frame and a rubber-mounted engine for decreased vibration.

Posted : October 28, 2014 9:19 am

Phelonius

(@Phelonius)

Posts: 653

Prominent Member

I was looking at the new Harley 750 the other day. It looks like a strong simple frame, is water cooled, looks comfortable.

I don't know anything about the engine, but if you don't mind a modestly sized engine, with the right hack it could be fun.

Posted : October 28, 2014 9:33 am

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