Sorry about that first pic... I also highly recommend a bluetooth unit for navigation. It's far less of a distraction... Just listen and ride...

 

I think people in the old days just accepted the fact that there's a some discomfort in riding a heavy, vibrating piece of machine long distances. A badge of honor you might say. We've become so accustomed to modern technology and an obsession with feeling absolutely no discomfort whatsoever. Everyone feels they need some giant mega-cruiser to go 100miles. The motorcycling demographic has changed a lot in recent years IMO....

 

True indeed! Some forty years ago I rode a Honda 305 Superhawk all over Texas and New Mexico, still faster and more comfortable than a horse! Lol

 

All the time without hesitation. I have taken it on long tours just for the fun of it. Left the Road King, Road Glides and trike in the garage.

2011 XL1200L to Sturgis in 2013. Did the 681 miles each way in 12 to 13 hours.
Ready to go


There at Elkview Camp Grounds exit 37 I-90


Earlier this year I did the 4K ride to Laughlin River Run in 6 days on my 2014 XL1200T super low. It did 51 to 53 mpg at 70 on I-40 and on the toll way at 75.



One can tour the world on a bicycle or a 50cc scooter. So why not on a Sportster?

 

Love reading your posts lh4x4... Really inspiring.

To answer your question, which, I assume is of a rhetorical nature...it's because we've basically become fat, lazy, and soft as a society and we have this seemingly innate desire to seek total comfort in everything we do.

In the realm of motorcycling, this translates into the (mis)perception that we need a $27k motorcycle to "tour".

In my mind, anyway, riding a motorcycle SHOULD be a bit "uncomfortable".

 

I used to tour my 09 nightster, did multiple trips over 3k miles. Ended up selling it with 16k had it for a year and half

Going to the sun road from a couple of years ago.

 

After modding my suspension, seat and lights......I'm ready to tour and will do mini ones this summer. It's still not as comfortable as a road king but that's a Sportster for Ya!

 

kwn36:

You are exactly right! Motorcycling is hot, cold, wet, sore parts everywhere, windy, dusty but the experience is PRICELESS.

On a motorcycle you can experience life going on around you while you are leading the charge. Looking out a window in a climate controlled house watching life go by is not living.

 

If I had the choice of touring a sportster or a bigger bike, I would definitely go bigger. When that's been said, i am planning a trip to the South of France from Copenhagen in a few weeks on my 883 iron. Last weeks I drove to Hamburg and back. 1,100 km altogether.
What i will do different next time is to get a better (more sound proof) helmet for wind noise and better ear plugs. And for sure a wind shield. otherwise, the rumble and the tinyness of the bike is a bit annoying - but the only way to deal with that is to get a bigger bike. All in all: Yes, I definitely would take the sportster for a long haul.
Enjoy your trip!

 

ALL these people who love to tour on your sporty! specially LOVE IH4X4's posts!!! so inspiring!

its funny now the MoCo now makes a 1200T looks like enough of us have spoke up and the MADE a model just for people like us