Thinking about a Sportster - opinions needed
#11
09-26-2016, 07:31 PM
Tourer
I purchased a 2006 1200 XLC this summer. It was lowered using 10.5 inch shocks. The handling and ride not good. I replaced them with 12.5 inch Progressive heavy duty shocks. What a difference. It handles perfectly and has a nice plush ride. Combined with perfectly tuned stage 1 the 1200 flies. I can get it up to 170K (106 Mph) effortlessly and it still pulls hard and is rock stable. (just chicken to go any faster). I'm actually getting a little better fuel economy than quoted. 4.8 liters/100 kilometers. (49 mpg). I rarely see my oil temp over 210 degrees with 2 up 80 MPH 90 degrees outside. With normal riding it runs at 190. None on the heat issues as with the big twins. A bit of mechanical noise from the valve train with open face helmet but totally gone with full face. I put 6500 miles on the bike in 10 weeks. It has been flawless. I bought it with 4500 miles on it. My last bike was an 81 Goldwing. With the wind shield and $300.00 suspension upgrade along with the stock forward controls and after market seat I find my Sporty more comfortable. I have ridden with some big twins. One thing I noticed right away. I seem to be able to out accelerate them. It just jumps from a dead start. I doubt the average sport bike could keep up. I also like the simplicity of the Sportster. It's raw motor cycle. No gadgets. no plastic. light and fast. Economical and reliable. Some individuals are getting 200,000 miles out of their bikes before opening the motor.
And finally with the V&H shorts...It sounds amassing...sorry neighbors.
Lovin' it.
And finally with the V&H shorts...It sounds amassing...sorry neighbors.
Lovin' it.
Couldn't have said it better myself. . . agree 100%
#12
09-26-2016, 08:12 PM
Extreme HDF Member
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However, sporty is faster off the line than BT. All the hub bub about the 883 being slow and gutless is opinion, not fact. 883 is fine for skipping around town. Neither is that hreat on the high way but, you can totally take an 883 touring. I've done it.
Last edited by cvaria; 09-27-2016 at 05:51 AM. Reason: Cell phone auto-correct
#13
09-26-2016, 10:57 PM
Tourer
#14
09-27-2016, 04:31 AM
Thanks for the great input. The 883 was sold so I'm going to look at a 2006 1200 Low with 4,000 miles on Friday. My buddy said I can take it out for the day and see how if I like it. It's carbureted so I'm looking forward to that. It's been a long time. I'm already looking into upgrading the shocks for better handling. I think this is pretty much a done deal.
#15
09-27-2016, 07:28 AM
Tourer
Thanks for the great input. The 883 was sold so I'm going to look at a 2006 1200 Low with 4,000 miles on Friday. My buddy said I can take it out for the day and see how if I like it. It's carbureted so I'm looking forward to that. It's been a long time. I'm already looking into upgrading the shocks for better handling. I think this is pretty much a done deal.
+1 Good choice!
That's a great 2006 at only 4,000 miles. I did similar and got a 2009 with 3,800 miles on it. I would have liked a carb engine also, but the FI works fine. I think 2011 and up 1200s seem to have more touchy maps.
I upgraded my shocks to Progressive 12" 412-6068C. This has given me both longer travel as well as better ride with no bottoming. I'm 5-11 and 200. Setting the shocks one click up from the bottom starting position is fine for solo and +1 more click for loaded bags, etc.
Last edited by JayTee2015; 09-27-2016 at 07:47 AM.
#16
09-27-2016, 07:33 AM
Advanced
Agreed... and short shots, no. Average sporty is not hanging with even a 600 sport bike.... it just can't. You may ride with some guys on sport bikes if they go slow.
However, sporty is faster off the line than BT. All the hub bub about the 883 being slow and gutless is opinion, not fact. 883 is fine for skipping around town. Neither is that hreat on the high way but, you can totally take an 883 touring. I've done it.
However, sporty is faster off the line than BT. All the hub bub about the 883 being slow and gutless is opinion, not fact. 883 is fine for skipping around town. Neither is that hreat on the high way but, you can totally take an 883 touring. I've done it.
I like the instant torque and the Sporty has way more usable power for every day cruising situations......sounds and feels ultra cool too. Sorry neighbors.
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#17
09-27-2016, 08:08 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Good luck with your choice.
I think the only issue is Sportster envy jokes.
I did downsize horsepower wise and I find Harley's Sportster a great do everything bike.
Yes, in the used vehicle market these bikes can be a bargain.
+ 1 for 1200 if you are a long time motorcyclist or if you may ride two-up.
I think the only issue is Sportster envy jokes.
I did downsize horsepower wise and I find Harley's Sportster a great do everything bike.
Yes, in the used vehicle market these bikes can be a bargain.
+ 1 for 1200 if you are a long time motorcyclist or if you may ride two-up.
#18
09-27-2016, 08:12 AM
I've had my 13' 1200C since new with 3 miles on it when I got it. Now I'm at 9K on the speedo/odometer. Love the bike and never had a bad mile on it!
Cut my teeth on a buddies 06' 1200L. Both it and my Sportie are injected. What I will say about the low is that it rode stiff but I liked the bike just the same less his short shots...aaaccckkkk!
Got my dresser since DW likes to ride with and a smaller bike didn't make sense. So I logg'd many miles on the big bike then wanted to go small for commute to work and just hopping around town etc. Together we added a theme of upgrades and a better seat and airshocks from a RK. Bike is great and comfy yet it does go when you twist on the grip. Recently we added the V&H straight shots and now it sounds a lot better vs. my modified stock pipes. Could not be more pleased with it. Fine for 2 up for shorter trips when it's hot out and when you don't need to pack much. Course for roadtrips we take the dresser...
As many here have said the Sportster is alot of fun and parts are not priced too bad.
You will love the bike! Good luck and ride safe!!!
Cut my teeth on a buddies 06' 1200L. Both it and my Sportie are injected. What I will say about the low is that it rode stiff but I liked the bike just the same less his short shots...aaaccckkkk!
Got my dresser since DW likes to ride with and a smaller bike didn't make sense. So I logg'd many miles on the big bike then wanted to go small for commute to work and just hopping around town etc. Together we added a theme of upgrades and a better seat and airshocks from a RK. Bike is great and comfy yet it does go when you twist on the grip. Recently we added the V&H straight shots and now it sounds a lot better vs. my modified stock pipes. Could not be more pleased with it. Fine for 2 up for shorter trips when it's hot out and when you don't need to pack much. Course for roadtrips we take the dresser...
As many here have said the Sportster is alot of fun and parts are not priced too bad.
You will love the bike! Good luck and ride safe!!!
#19
09-27-2016, 03:53 PM
Road Master
Sportsters all the way baby! Get a 1200 though. 883 is pretty capable for everyday casual riding but sooner or later you will want to have more power if you like to ride hard.
It does whatever you want it to do. Before I added the sports bike to the stable (again!), I used to ride with my sports bike riding buddies all the time. I never out-accelerated them in straight line but would routinely pass them in the twisties on my Sporty. That quickly changed their initial snickering into a new found respect for Sporty.
Even now Sporty is my bike of choice for everyday riding and weekend mountain runs. My wife rarely rides with me and we both are short people with combined weight of 300lbs. The way I've set up the Sporty (see the sig pic), it is just perfect for long trips (solo) or those short day rides with her.
It does whatever you want it to do. Before I added the sports bike to the stable (again!), I used to ride with my sports bike riding buddies all the time. I never out-accelerated them in straight line but would routinely pass them in the twisties on my Sporty. That quickly changed their initial snickering into a new found respect for Sporty.
Even now Sporty is my bike of choice for everyday riding and weekend mountain runs. My wife rarely rides with me and we both are short people with combined weight of 300lbs. The way I've set up the Sporty (see the sig pic), it is just perfect for long trips (solo) or those short day rides with her.
#20
09-27-2016, 06:39 PM
Road Master