As I discussed, I went to Capital City HD-Buell today to check on skid bars for Sportsters, especially those fitted with forward controls.

I talked to Chad in parts, who admitted even he didn't really understand some of the nomenclature he found in the parts book. It appears that the current Sportster skid bars fit all models from 2004 and forward--except Super Low 883s. While they are unsure if the 2003 and earlier model might fit, and the current Super Low frame appears to be identical to all other rubber mounted offerings, the parts book clearly states there is an issue.

They just don't state why. They additionally don't say if the 2003 model works either. We did check with sales mercenary Kerry Royce, and short of a problem with the special windshield dedicated forks on the Super Low 883, he's not sure if any skid bar is available. The bar might foul the front wheel.

So there you have it. All 2004 and later Sportsters (but not the Super Low 883) can use the same skid bar, both mid and forward control models. They're about 215 bucks in either black or chrome.

We believe the black model is powder coat.

Are you considering getting them?

Yes, the one I have been looking at is for the superlow because the brackets have to be different. I just didn't know if the aftermarket ones would be good? They cost less than half of what the harley ones cost. The guy says they are the same but they look different in the picture, and I can't see them in real life. I talked to some people about them and it is a simple process of just bolting them on, so should have no problem, I see where the two brackets go. May just go for them soon. Anyone seen one of those locking braces for your windshield? I just broke one of my brackets and was wondering if you could just buy one bracket and get the locking one.

Yes, I am. Despite Spinner's "fun factor" she is a company vehicle. As you'll remember I put the expensive headlamp in Spinner, and not Betty. Betty is a pleasure craft. We go home when the fun is done. Spinner works for a living. We ride when the work calls for it.

In that manner, I might get caught in the rain, in the fog, after dark and amid cagers. I need lights to see and skid bars to, well, 'skid.'

Definetly show pictures once you get them on. Also let us know how you get around with them with foot controls if any different at all. You may get them before me if you are thinking about getting them soon. Thanks

Do you have any pictures on here right now tourist? To see the before? I couldn't find an album but maybe under something else? Thanks

Do you mean Spinner?

https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb23 ... /005-9.jpg

Hey ya missed a spot... jk

Looks good. Thanks for showing

Matt, thanks, but Spinner is amazingly stock. In fact, I kind of half-assed promised my wife she would stay stock to save a few coins. Then they had the winter labor specials, I got a deal on the work and parts if I stored it on the premises, I had some extra butter-and-egg money, one thing led to another...then I convinced my wife that the new headlamp was a 'safety issue'...bada bing, bada boom...



LOL, if I can't find it neither can you! That little girl gets wiped down every night over a cold lemonade. For a high mileage little spitfire she's quite shiny. BTW, I bought a spare knurled seat attachment bolt today for Spinner, and I think it fits Betty, as well. One bolt, chrome plated, says "Harley-Davidson" on it, twenty bucks.

Guy comes in today with a softie. Out of state guy maybe, returning from Sturgis most likely. He had just snapped a similar knurled fitting, and the shop was out. It's Sunday, and they scrambled to find the right size stove-bolt to get him down the road. I figured with my luck (and my mouth) I'm due some kharma, so I bought a spare.