[Photo Milo]

I am close to closing the deal on the 97 Boss Hoss that Ricky posted on April 12th and I need some info on this bike.
The bike has 2500 orginal miles on it including the orginal tires and is supposed to be in show room condition. I know that I will have to replace the tires because of their age. What else needs serviced? Any upgrades that are recommended? Is this the ZZ3 engine and did they only offer one engine that year? I know from reading the posts over the last year that the trans is the weak point on a lot of the bikes. This has the single speed auto. Is this a good trans and can it be replaced with the new two speed? Does this have reverse? Any weak points for this year? My wife has an o5 57 trike and we tour a lot. How is this model for long trips? Any over heating problems etc?
I know that these are a lot of questions, but I would appreciate any help I can get.
We would like to become a two Boss Hoss family ( actually I'm tired of her running off and leaving me on my Harley).
One last question, What is the wheel base on this bike? I have a rail trailer and I need to know if it will fit on it.
Thanks

 

[HAWK88]

97 Boss

Milo;

Hello again, I met you and your lady @ Daytona after the Friday Group Ride.

Congrats! I have a 97 Boss, and live just the other side of the Titusville Airport from you in Port St. John.

My Boss (right now) is a clutch bike, soon becoming a single speed auto, and has a couple other mods, but your welcome to measure it, ride it, anything you want to help make your decision.

I think your on to a good thing!

Give me a call!

H: 321-639-3969
C: 321-426-5243
Both have voice mail.

Ride Safe!

HAWK88
Jack Phillips

 

[Rick]

Milo,

Just a few comments - my first Hoss was a 98 single speed and I enjoyed it very much - only reason I sold it was to get a 2 speed.

You cannot install a 2 speed tranny without doing major frame modifications - Perhaps Lamont could elaborate on that more than anybody - - also the gearing (front pulley) may need to be changed to achieve lower rpm's at higher speeds (80-90 mph) - on mine I was running about 3800 rpm at 80 mph - it was ok but when the pack ran harder I was pushing it.

I personally did not like running at the higher rpms for extended periods of time although there are others here with single speed clutch models that run them hard - do little maintainence and they seem bullet-proof -

If price is right - go for it! You'll enjoy it just the same - - - -

 

[HAWK88]

Single Speed front pulley

Milo;

In support of what Rick said, my 97 has a "frame Loop" mod by Mountain Boss Hoss which allowed space for a 38 tooth Gates front pulley, and 80 rear.

I read a thread some time ago that one person machined down the outer radius of a larger front pulley so it would fit. Don't know if it was Gates, or the earlier type belt and pulleys.

It does make a bit of difference on cruising RPMs, but not much.

I would recommend you ride, and enjoy it before you get decide if you need any major mods. Nice ride as it is.

My Boss does have the late inverted front end with a 4 degree rake in the triple trees, also by Mountain Boss Hoss. Never rode the earlier conventional front end for comparison, but your welcome to throw a leg over mine and try it.

Actually, you might speak with Randy @ Daytona, and Tom @ Mountain. They are both super, and will honestly and freely share advice and info.

Don't let all this stuff overwhelm you! As with your wife's Trike, their a nice ride!

Ride Safe!

HAWK88
Jack Phillips

 

[Jim Caldwell]

97 Boss Hoss

One thing you might want to check is the Engine. Atlanta Boss Hoss built a lot of them in that era with 210 horsepower Mr. Goodwrench engines (iron heads). If that is the case, your VIN number will have the sequence
"BVC2" in it instead of "BVC3". I replaced my engine with a 383 stroker :twisted:

 

[HogV8]

I don't know much about the one speed trannys , but I heard that the early ones had a small output shaft bearing or low quality bearing . Not sure which but might be something to check on .

Jack

 

[Glenn B]

Milo,
On the single speed you can take the battery box off and there is a serial # stamped onthe tranny. Check with NESCO and they will tell you if that tranny has the output shaft problem. There was a series of them that did have the smaller shaft and had issues. Unless you do a lot of touring in the 80-100 mph you will not have a problem with the rpms on that single speed. The trannys are simple and have had little problems aside from some with the output shaft issue. Your fuel tank etc will need the usual attention. Congrats and good luck.
Glenn

 

[Dean]

Need feedback ref: 07 Boss Hoss

Last year when I was changeing parts to my tranny (98 SB single speed), NRSCO told me that if the serial # ended with a "-B" you had the latest update.

Dean

 

[Photo Milo]

I want to thank everyone for their input on the 97. After reading all posts and doing other research, I decided that I wanted at least a 2001 for various reasons so I passed on the bike. The bike is in beautiful showroom condition and at a good price if anyone is interested.
I ended up buying an 03 from Randy at Highlander Boss Hoss in Daytona, so we are now officially a two Boss Hoss family. I can not say enough about how helpful Randy has been and what a fantastic dealership he runs.
I have been reading the posts here for about a year and most of the stuff that I have learned has been at this web site.
We met a lot of you at Bike Week and look forward to seeing everyone at Myrtle Beach. We plan on leaving here on Friday the 13th and riding up; we will arrive on the 14th and be there for the week.

 

[Green Bean]

Congratz on the bike acquisition Milo!!!!! Let's see a photo!!!!!

 

[Photo Milo]

I tried to post a couple of pics last night without any luck. I will read the instructions and try again tonight.
Milo

 

[Photo Milo]

Picture Posted. Thanks LaMonsterV8
Milo

 

[Boss Man]

Milo,
Nice looking bike! Enjoy! :capwin:
Maybe I'll see you in Myrtle Beach!

 

[HAWK88]

Congrats!

Milo;

Your smile says it all. Nice looking ride!

Looking forward to seeing it in "1:1" size!

Ride Safe!

HAWK88
Jack Phillips

 

[HAWK88]

Rides

Milo and Laura;

Pam and I really enjoyed your company this evening. Thanks!

I / we will be so happy when some of our medical KRAP is tidied up so we can get out more often and ride!

I always admire couples each on their own machines, and both of you on Boss's is awesome! Both your new bike and Lauras' trike are beautiful machines.

Ride Safe!

HAWK88
Jack Phillips

E: [email protected]