( 13 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 9 2009
I purchased from Borders for $[...], but I was able to check it out first and ensure it covered the rubbermounts (Buzzelli seems infatuated with them!). It's a really strong overview for the novice and intermediate mechanic. Especially helpful were the dyno charts comparing different cam combinations and focus on real street performance (where best bang/buck mods can be made). I only have a couple issues, and this is just because I probably want mine to be different: I'd like to have seen more on the suspension section. A sportster doesn't have to handle poorly and there are many products out there to rectify this, though most information is anecdotal at best, and Buzzelli doesn't go into much depth in this area. Also, with the EFI sportsters out there, there has to be some need for a section on tuning EFI- possibly a demo Microsquirt (microsquirt.com) install on a carbed bike. At the very least- how do you jet carbs? At any rate, he doesn't appear to be trying to sell any particular brand, which is refreshing- saying basically that your best bang for buck is to have your cylinders bored to 1200, purchase some pistons, have your valves upgraded to 1200 specs, get a high flow air-filter, a good 2-1 exhaust and have done with the engine mods. Nice to see him not recommending cam upgrades except for those looking to run this tractor engine above 4500 rpms- dyno graphs showing where gains are made. Again, just wish there was a little more in-depth coverage on suspension options, especially some of the newer pieces like the intimator and better rear-shock options. Overall, well worth the $[...], make sure you get the 3rd edition if you're a rubbermount owner. Thanks Buzz, for collecting this information for us unloved sportster guys.
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Posted: Feb 23 2009
From Back Cover: "the Sportster is the performance Harley-Davidson. Did you know that your stock Sportster is ligher, quicker, faster, and handles better than any stock Harley big twin? And with the right modifications and replacement parts, you can make it really go--without spending a fortune! 'Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook' is your complete guide to improving your Sportster in every way. Its detailed text and nearly 300 photos and diagrams give expert advice on how to build the engine for more horsepower and greater reliability, tune the suspension for a softer street ride or race-track-taut handling, improve the brakes, troubleshoot and cure handling ills, make the transmission bullet-proof, and choose the right wheels and tires. Also included is a detailed history section that traces the evolution of the Sportster from 1957 to today. If you want to race, you're really in luck! The 883-Sportster-only AMA CCS Twin Sports Racking Series is one of racing's hottest classes. And this is the essential guide for all Twin Sports competitors. It explains all legal modifications, race rules, tricks used by the top tuners, and tips on race-day preparation and how to pass tech inspection. Also included are similar tips on preparing drag and bracket racers." *********** Contents Include: * The Harley-Davidson Sportster: Mythos in the Machine * Model K and the early Sportster * The One-Liter Sportster, and Beyond * The Stage I and Stage II Sportster Engine * How to Build a High-Performance Sportster Engine * Gearbox and Power Transmission * Frame, Suspension, and Brakes * AMA CCS Twin Sports Racing Series * Managing a Sporster Racer * High-Performance Parts Suppliers ******* Also: * For Evolution and Iron-Head Sportster * How to Build Horsepower: Porting, Boring, Stroking, Carburetors, Exhaust Systems, and More * How to Improve Brakes and Handling: Frames, Springs, Shock Absorbers, Pads and Lines, Wheels and Ties
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Posted: Oct 30 2008
Basically this is an interesting book to own if you have a Sportster. It's in the nature of this sort of book that the models being described and the aftermarket products being recommended will pretty soon be "out of date" or even unavailable, so that isn't a great criticism in my opinion. IF you happen to own a Sportster from the covered period, the book's "dated" info can still be what you want: The trick is to find the edition that applies to your particular bike. I have an '06 Sportster, bought just so I could enjoy the last Harley made with a traditional carburetor. (I like to work on my own bikes and I prefer to work with a Mikuni HSR 42 than fiddle with pricey electronics that, to my Neanderthal brain, seem better suited to a space capsule!) So for me, the 3rd edition is quite good... although somebody with fuel injection might want to wait for a 4th Edition! One thing that is confusing about this title is that the various editions are not always plainly marked, so one can be disappointed in the coverage of the book they get. I almost bought a remaindered copy of this book with the same cover as the 3rd Edition... but with, on closer examination, a copyright date of 1997, different ISBN numbers, 256 pages - the first edition has less than 200, the third only 240 - and, most importantly, no mention of the game-changing improvements in 21st Century Sportsters. Nowhere could I find a "2nd Edition" tag, but that's probably what I was looking at! Buyer, beware! But it's a good book, if you buy the edition which covers your own Sportster. The discussions are good, even when the advice is not quite what the current consensus happens to be, and it'll help orient you for further Internet-based research! Recommended.
