ok, so let me ask you guys. I have owned two sportsters, both back in the 80’s. since then I haveowned a lot of different brands…. Last bike was a heritage springer.

I’m wanting a new bike, new project. Bob it, chop it, I haven’t decided on all thedetails. I have about 7K to spend. I was thinking a sportster for 3-4K, then Ihave a lot of money to make it mine. Or Icould get a dyna or softail, but then no money to customize…

All my budies think I will be disappointed in the sportster,but I don’t do long trips, just bar hopping and back and forth from work.

Opinions? What’syour dream sportster, what would you do?

 

Just one mans opinion.

I had a 2013 Street Bob. Stage 2, great bike. Had to sell due to a relocation.



I now have a 2015 Iron. Cafe conversion. 1250 kit coming later this year.



I like the Sportster motor better, even as the 883.

For what you plan to use it for? Go with the simplicity of the Evo motored Sportster.

 

I had an 07 I just traded for a new 15. I love them. I only had xrotch rockets before these. I go 200-300 miles no problem with the stock seat. I've never had any problems with my 07 and haven't ridin the 15 much cause of snow. I don't think you can go wrong with one.

 

Your buddies don't know ****. They never really learned how to ride a sports bike. Build it and run circles around them.

 

If money wasn't an issue I'd have definitely went with the Dyna Street Bob or the Victory High Ball. 103 and 106 in. motors respectively so they're a little more comfortable at highway speeds. The only problem is the additional size and weight for those of us who have to push our bikes around in the backyard and such, but I'm sure you'd get used to it after a while.

 

Well you're asking on the sportster forum, we're biased. Had an 09 went to a 2012 dyna, last year bought a leftover 13 sportster. Had bought the Switchback for two up, it was nice, but happier back on a sportster, she rides her own as well now. I'm 6', 215 and comfortable. A newer sporty will be a lot different from an 80's model.

 

i would say get a 07 or 08 roadster but, you at plotting on hurting your new bike... too many roadsters have fallen prey to garage monkeys.

an iron will do for your plot

 

currently an FLS owner here, my GF just bought an 883 low wow what a fun bike to ride, I sold my 2002 883 in 2005 what a mistake, I have been seriously considering a new sportster! just hate to take a huge hit on my FLS if I trade it.
If I was to buy a bike tomorrow it would be a sportster!

 

well, the obvious answer is buy a dyna that is already customized to how you want it. might be tough at $7k though..


sportster are fine bikes, and at a good price.. the only way to know is to sit on one and test ride it. Keeping in mind bars, seats, and foot controls can easily be changed.


your certainly not going to dissatisfied with the performance or cornering of the sportster. you won't be disappointed with the highway cruising ability either. but You may be disappointed with it's small size.. it's just a small lighter bike, small forks, small tank, small bars, small seat, small suspension travel. .. I'd say if you 5'9" or shorter you would be a good fit.

 

I had a Road King, Ultra, Heritage in the past year and now an XL1200 I found the right bike for my style of riding Everything else was too heavy,big or too hot for around town jaunts which are 90% of my riding. The other 10% maybe 100 mile RT.

I just love the Sporty but My wife does not like riding short distances and I am over riding long distances, If she did or I did, I would have kept the Ultra or Heritage,