I'm looking towards getting a used 1200 custom by July/August. Most prefer an 07 or earlier due to the efi carburetor is already included. The custom fits me very well and I don't want to go with an 883.
I live in southern California and plan on making the bike my daily commuter rain or shine.
I have a 97 Suzuki savage and as fun as it is, the gas tank is a peanut, it leaks oil, and it is very unreliable in the winter.
Will this bike be a good choice for what I'm looking for? Be able to ride it year round with minimal problems?

Tom

 

I believe 1200 customs came with 4.5gallon tanks. I personally like my EFI bike, yeah I can't fix it but I've used EFI in every vehicle I've had for years and have never had to fix the fuel injection system yet.

1200 is plenty of motor, and I've had my nightster out in heavy rain and very cold weather without issue.

 

I live in social ride my 883 year round 80!miles a day no probs at all

 

The S40 (new name for the savage) was my first bike in '05. I loved that thing, especially the shotgun blast you could crank out on decel to let the BT riders know I was still with 'em. Small, nimble, torquey as hell, and not worth a **** over 60 mph, i miss it.

3 bikes later, my N is the first efi I've had and I'll probably not go back unless it's for a bonneville. There's just nothing to worry about with it, and I don't really work on bikes unless it's something simple.

 

still a chicks bike!

 

I think you definitely need a 1200 to ride in So.Cal! They'll run you over if you're on an 883...people drive crazy in LA!

 

HA I drive by a 2005 1200C every day on my way to work for sale. Dont know the price but it looks good!

 

Yeah your bike choice Is just fine for what you want,,
Carbs are fine, they just need some choke and a minute or two to warm up..
EFI needs seconds,,then an easy first mile.

A little advice,,Learn to use ALL of the power band on your 1200.
It has plenty.
Sporties love to rev.
Resist the hassle of re jetting and stage one for a while.
Who knows you may already have It..

You can tap more haul *** and power by really learning the power band
than you may think.......

 

Just sold my 2005 carbed Sportster this past week end







And yes I'm still kicking myself... Somebody made me an offer I could refuse... that I could refuse with a couple of beers in me.... lol

Charlie D.