New guy with questions about an '83 Sportfire

[Tully123]

Hi everyone,
I am new to the board and have some questions about a sled I just picked up. It is a 1983 Sportfire.

This is the first Deere I have had in a long time. I had a couple of Trailfires a long time ago and was impressed by the logical layout of the sleds.

The sled is in very good shape with about 900 miles on it. The engine is tight, but I think that is just from siting. Looking around this site it appears they didn't make too many of these. Is this a desirable sled? The seat is brown. Is this factory or did someone recover it. I can't imagine they put a brown seat on the sled, but hey it was the '80s.

Can someone give me a rough idea of what it is worth?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[ihengineer76]

Brian,
Welcome to the site. The sled you picked up is a pretty fun machine when they are working well. I myself have a few Sportfires. The seat was originally black, so it has been recovered at some time. The 83's are fairly sought after, but not as much as the 84's or some of the other more rare years and models. Value can vary a lot depending on overall condition. Currently, with a locked motor of unknown condition, the value would not be very high. Pictures would help a lot in giving you a better idea. To give you an idea, I paid $650 last winter for a decent running 83 Sportfire with a nicely recovered seat, electric start, and a rebuilt skid.

Tom

[Matt]

Well said Tom. I had a whole reply typed up that said basically the same thing. I love mine. It's a good rider and reliable.

[WinnipegStPaul9]

I've ridden a lot of sleds and my 83 Sportfire is by far my favorite.

DA

[Tully123]

Thanks for the quick replies. Here is a picture.

[fastl82vette]

It looks to be in really nice condition!! Where in Illinois are you?

Not to sure why anyone would put a backrest on with the sport seat?!?

[Tully123]

I am about 25 miles south of Rockford.

[fastl82vette]

Not to far from me. I'm about 15 minutes west of mendota. There are a few of us deere guys in this area.

[acesillini06]

Hey Brian, I must be really close to you. I live in Rochelle. Very nice find you have there! I also have an 83 Sport.

-Matt

[cledussnow77]

Hey Don, if the sporty is your favorite the I could find a spot for your 78 LF

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Hey Don, if the sporty is your favorite the I could find a spot for your 78 LF

You can always make me an offer. Right now it's enjoying controlled temperature space in Dan Blaney's museum.

DA

[AirborneX4Special]

I am about 25 miles south of Rockford.

I must be close at 10 miles south of Rockford.....

[Tully123]

It is hard to believe how many people on this board are in the same "neighborhood". That is pretty cool. It can be a small world.

[sledhead16]

nice looking sporty!