Hey, I am debating back and forth between getting a sportster 1200 or a 96 cubic inch dyna.

So, here is a question - how is the power and rpms at high speed on the 1200? What do you think the top speed is? Can the bike comfortably cruise at 80? Lets say I am doing 75 or 80 down the interstate and I temporarily need to speed up, would I be pushing it to get up to 90? 95?

Just curious.

FYI - I will most likely have the stage 1 upgrade.

 

You can do it but if you plan on cruising at 80 mph, a big twin may fit your needs better. I usually keep it at 70 or less on the freeway and have plenty of oomph left for the occasional passing blast up to 80-85 mph but don't think I would cruise at that speed.

 

Each to his own on cruising speed. The sportster will comfortably do 80 mph on the freeway. Bursts above 90 aren't a problem. Top speed is over 100 mph. At this kind of speed, a more comfortable seat and shocks is a better investment than a Stage 1.

What will probably be more of an issue is rider comfort. If you want to spend hours on the freeway then you should consider another model.

 

+1. My wife and I rode fron Tacoma, WA to Reno NV and back on labor day weekend on an 07 1200L. Cruising speed between 75 and 80 with 100 mph passes.

Not the most comfortable ride, but no power problems.

 

Get a Dyna, trust me 80 plus MPH on a 1200 Sporty is very scary when passing big rigs.

 

Well my 07 1200 does just fine on the freeway, but it does rev out a bit. I have had mine to like 115 MPH and did not like the feeling, but at 70-90 MPH she is just fine all day long. If i know i'm going to ride freeway alot I take my Z1000 since it's alot better for that, but a 1200 is not as bad as some make it out to be on the freeway. I have no issue getting on the freeway with the sporty and going.

 

I have an 08 1200C and ride on the highway a lot. I usually cruise around 70 mph and have plenty of power left for passing. The only thing that bothers me is wind noise since I have no windshield and wear a half helmet.

 

I'm a new rider and very comfy with running my sporty at 75 all day long on the freeway. I like it better with the windshield. My roadie runs about 3500 rpms at that and I did 3 hours (with a gas stop of course) without a problem. I little flick of the wrist and I'm at 85 pushin past the semi's. Yes you notice the wind blast when you get in it, but I figure thats one thing to be used to. I took it through the twisties and had a ball.

Of course a friend had a dyna and regrets getting rid of it too and he loved riding it.

MH

 

+1 - I ride 120 miles daily on the turnpike, and cruise at 70pmh.
If you really need to always go 80, then a Dyna, Softail or Touring model with the 6 speed is a better choice.

However, I have had to pass cages and trucks at 80 - with no power problem whatsoever.

 

The Sporty will get the job done at higher speeds but if I wanted to do expressway driving much I would opt for the weight and power of a Dyna or softail. When doing a lot of in town riding or quick twistys the sporty is much more agile. Fact is a guy just needs 2 or 3 bikes !!