I've been reading a lot on this forum and I really appreciate the information on here. I thought I'd finally post tonight and hopefully contribute in the future.

I'm a proud owner of a new (to me) 2009 Sportster 1200C XL w/only 900 miles on it. It's still at HD as I'm getting 19" mag front wheel to replace the spoke 21" wheel on there now w/a new fatter tire to match. Progressive shocks are being installed as well as a mustache engine guard.

Still own a 2003 Triumph Speedmaster that I'll be trying to sell soon.

Anyways, here are the before pics of the Sportster.

 

I also own a 2009 Sportster. As a former Chicagoan now retired in Maui after 20+ years in South Florda. I wish you a hearty congratulations on your 2009 XL1200C. Good decision and great bike. The 09 has EFI as opposed to a carburetor - much better.

What part of Chicago do you call home? From Chicago, it's a short ride to Northwest Illinois (along the river) or to Wisconsin. Great cruising grounds as long as you're on the two lane roads. Less fun on the expressways unless you like playing dodgeball with the 18 wheelers. My kid brother in NW Indiana also has an 09 Sportster 1200. Enjoy your new ride. Obviously you must be an accomplished rider if you've been on the Triumph for 10 years.


"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's

 

Hi there,

I live on the northwest side in the Portage Park neighborhood by Cicero and Irving Park RD. I haven't been riding that long at all. I rode a dirt bike when younger, then let it go for years. I stuck to mountain biking and road cycling. The Triumph I enjoyed riding this spring and summer, it just wasn't the right fit for me. I wanted a more compact motorcycle that was more agile & after riding my friend's 2013 XL1200C Sportster I knew for sure I needed a change.

I definitely am not ready for freeway riding. I think getting to WI would be simple. I'm not too familiar with IL or routes along rivers around here. I'll have to do some more research.

 

Congrats on the new ride.
Surprised you gave up on the Triumph, as they are one of the smoothest power plants out there. Had a 95 Triumph Sprint 900 triple and it was a fantastic bike.

 

The Speedmaster is a nice ride for sure, one of the few new Triumphs that lets you get in it and not on it. They have come a long way from the ol split crankcase.

But there is Nothing like the low end power of a 1200 Great sound too. It takes a little doing to get the Triumph to stop sounding like a sewing machine. And of course the pure Look of the Sportster, it's just a kick in the pants to ride.

JonMon

 

Welcome to the forum Chicagogirlie!

Wow, 900 miles on an '09? She's a beaut. I like that color combo. With those initial upgrades, you'll enjoy that ride for quite awhile.

My wife hails from the Cary/Crystal Lake area.

 

When my wife and i were looking at Sportsters in 2007 they had a black and orange one in the center of the show room. It caught my eye but this green one caught my wifes eye and her check book. I've been lovin it for seven years now. I would never part with my 21" wheel though.

 

Congrats on the new bike! I bought mine with only 816 miles on it too!! You are going to love it with the other changes you are doing for comfort.

And I love my 21" spoke wheel. Will not go for a mag wheel. Maybe in distant future I might decide to do a wide-glide front end conversion and put a 16" rim and fatter tire like the 2011+ Sportsters. But then my 5 3/4" headlamp will look too small so I will have to put a 7" headlamp and then add this and then change that .... the mods never end

 

Sounds like many love their spoke wheels. I'm pretty happy with my new wheel and fatter tire. Here is a pic w/that and the Progressives on. I'm pretty happy with the look & can't wait to ride!

HD is still waiting to get the mustache engine guard in so it can get installed.

 

Hey CHICAGOGIRLIE, Nice bike , What type of saddlebags are on the bike? Are they throw overs?