Differences Between Sportster 1200 and Super Glide
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Differences Between Sportster 1200 and Super Glide
How is everybody doin? This is my first post here so let me start from the beginning before I ask my question.
I'm looking to buy my first bike (maybe next spring) and I recently went to a HD dealership and fell in love with just about every bike there and had to force myself to leave after a long stay. I sat on a bunch of bikes there and it's hard to remember exactly which ones were what but I know that the Sportster 1200 Low felt my size regarding seat size and weight.
I'm a pretty small guy standing at only about 5'4-5'5 and weighing in at about 130 so seat height and weight are pretty much the first things I look at when considering a bike.
Like I said, I really liked the Sportster 1200 Low. I don't specifically remember the Super Glide but I know it's a little bit heavier and a little bit bigger (both physically and cc wise) and as far as I know the Super Glide is the next step up after the Sportster 1200.
I do not intend to go for any long trips, probably no more than a few hours at a time, but I don't want a real bumpy ride which I am worried about in the Sportster.
So what I would like to know is- what are the differences between the Sportster 1200 and Super Glide? I don't mean specs, I can read all about those on the HD website. I want to know if the Super Glide would be a lot smoother riding, handle any better or worse, be a lot harder or easier to control. Basically what would I be upgrading from the 1200 to the SG?
I know the best thing to do is test ride all the bikes I can but I don't even have my license yet so that's not an option. I just want to get all the opinions I can collect.
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the book.
I'm looking to buy my first bike (maybe next spring) and I recently went to a HD dealership and fell in love with just about every bike there and had to force myself to leave after a long stay. I sat on a bunch of bikes there and it's hard to remember exactly which ones were what but I know that the Sportster 1200 Low felt my size regarding seat size and weight.
I'm a pretty small guy standing at only about 5'4-5'5 and weighing in at about 130 so seat height and weight are pretty much the first things I look at when considering a bike.
Like I said, I really liked the Sportster 1200 Low. I don't specifically remember the Super Glide but I know it's a little bit heavier and a little bit bigger (both physically and cc wise) and as far as I know the Super Glide is the next step up after the Sportster 1200.
I do not intend to go for any long trips, probably no more than a few hours at a time, but I don't want a real bumpy ride which I am worried about in the Sportster.
So what I would like to know is- what are the differences between the Sportster 1200 and Super Glide? I don't mean specs, I can read all about those on the HD website. I want to know if the Super Glide would be a lot smoother riding, handle any better or worse, be a lot harder or easier to control. Basically what would I be upgrading from the 1200 to the SG?
I know the best thing to do is test ride all the bikes I can but I don't even have my license yet so that's not an option. I just want to get all the opinions I can collect.
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the book.
It depends on what you want to do. If you are going to do some two up riding further than just around town, you might want the Super Glide, quite a bit more power and a smoother ride. Sporty is a great bike and the low would fit you well. If they still have the same deal, you could buy the Sporty and trade up the Super Glide if you found the Sporty did not fit your purposes. They have been offering the full purchase price on 1 yr old Sporty trade-ins.
I had a used 05 Sporty traded after one year for a 08 Street Bob. I like the Bob much better than the Sporty. Both great bikes made for different types of riding. Sporty is an around town, short recreational ride bike. The Super Glide which in my mind is the most versatile Dyna,(best looking I think also) with a comfortable (not the stock) seat you can ride 300-500 miles on a long trip for several days and not feel to much worse for the wear.
I had a used 05 Sporty traded after one year for a 08 Street Bob. I like the Bob much better than the Sporty. Both great bikes made for different types of riding. Sporty is an around town, short recreational ride bike. The Super Glide which in my mind is the most versatile Dyna,(best looking I think also) with a comfortable (not the stock) seat you can ride 300-500 miles on a long trip for several days and not feel to much worse for the wear.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut / Amsterdam
Don't buy a Skirtster !
What ever you do DON'T buy a sportster because you will want a BIG TWIN down the road , I'm 5'4 myself and have many bikes including a Sportster 1200 and have also owned a couple of fatboys, etc go with the street bob and buy Progressive 11" shocks and you will be fine !
I am 5'5" and am on a wide glide ('03) which is one of the most stretched out bikes in the HD lineup. You can always modify the bike to fit your purposes. I have also [recently] has a sportster (1200). Loved that sportie but I get a more satisfying ride out of the dyna. The one thing I did like about the sportster is that it was pretty easy to manhandle it if it seemed like it was a bit off balance at a stop light or when stopping short due to some idiot cutting me off. What I find with the wide glide is that it never seems to be off balance so there isn't as much of an issue with a 670+lb bike as you might think.
I know this isn't really telling you much .... and there is a reason for that .... the bike you choose has to right for YOU. None of use can really tell you which one that would be. You will have to figure that out for yourself.....but he11, that is part of the fun
I know this isn't really telling you much .... and there is a reason for that .... the bike you choose has to right for YOU. None of use can really tell you which one that would be. You will have to figure that out for yourself.....but he11, that is part of the fun
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From:
I'm 5' 6" and ride a Heritage Softail.
I had 2 Sportsters...883 and 1200. They were great bikes and some riders stay with them for years....but many.many..many decide to get a bigger bike.
When I got my 1200...a friend said to skip the Sportster and get the larger bike. I wish I had listened. It was an expensive mistake on my part.
Again the Sportster is a good bike ( all Harley's are good bikes ) just make sure you don't get the Sportster and soon wish you had gotten something different.
BTW....I find the bigger bike easier to ride. If you're just starting out, the extra weight will get your attention at first..but once your 'on the road'..the big twins are not as top heavy.
all the best with your decision.
By choosing Harley, you're already going in the right direction.
I had 2 Sportsters...883 and 1200. They were great bikes and some riders stay with them for years....but many.many..many decide to get a bigger bike.
When I got my 1200...a friend said to skip the Sportster and get the larger bike. I wish I had listened. It was an expensive mistake on my part.
Again the Sportster is a good bike ( all Harley's are good bikes ) just make sure you don't get the Sportster and soon wish you had gotten something different.
BTW....I find the bigger bike easier to ride. If you're just starting out, the extra weight will get your attention at first..but once your 'on the road'..the big twins are not as top heavy.
all the best with your decision.
By choosing Harley, you're already going in the right direction.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
If I was new to harleys and I could buy a sportster, ride it for a year, and trade it in on a new bike for the price i bought it for, thats what I would do for sure. That way you dont lose any money, except some fees probably, and you will know for sure whether or not the sportster is too small after a year. No matter what people say about buying a bigger bike, a sportster is the perfect first bike to learn on.
Last edited by firebrick; Oct 2, 2009 at 09:40 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,621
From: along the shore of Mishigami
One thing I noticed after I got my FXD after a sportster right off the git go was when a semi goes by on a two lane you not moved around much by the trucks turbulence, the comfort level and performance while riding two up also quite noticeable. Today's models seem to have solo seats and are lacking passenger foot pegs, extra money to spend to set one up for two up riding.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 37
From: florida
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
I had a Sportster 1200c and traded it in for a Dyna Lowrider because the MOCO offered me full MSRP back on my Sporty. I like the Dyna more. The Sportster was a great bike and it seemed quicker in the curves. The Dyna is more comfortable, has greater torque, and feels more stable on the highway.
