New to HD
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
First things first, welcome to the HDForum from about the middle of Texas. Second thing, thank you for not asking which bike should I buy. My advice it to test ride a Sportster at the dealership before you buy the 97 Sportster so you can see what you will be missing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
New member must work in a Funeral home or he is just a morbid individual.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Crazy thing. I went and drove it today and at 60mph it was great. Not sure what all the fuss is about. Bought it. Pick up this week. I'll post pics here when I have it. Whoever has owned it in its 21 years of life has babied the hell out of it. Single seat and smooth as can be. Thanks for all the input guys
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 54
From: Pennsylvania
Welcome to the forums. Nothing wrong with a sportster they are great bikes. My first road bike was a sporty and I traveled everywhere with it. You will get great enjoyment out of riding it. Good luck and don't forget to post a picture. Dennis
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
Pics or it didn't happen. You will get familiar with the drill in due time. Congratulations on your first Harley Davidson, so start saving your money now, just in case the modification bug bites you. Watch out for that bug, because if there is no known vaccination or cure for it if you get bit.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,086
Likes: 19,246
From: The Wasteland
Speaking from my own experiences and opinion, I have owned 2 Sportys, a '79 Iron Head and a 2000, that were pre rubber mount, I also rode my friends 04 rubber mount. The difference is huge. You're probably going to find that highway speeds are tough for anything over an hour or so. The vibration is very much an issue in the hands and the feet on the pre rubber bikes. The mirrors are pretty much for decoration anywhere over about 40 MPH. There's also no storage unless you mount some bags on it.
Around my parts you can buy a 2000-2003 for the same or less than you paid for the '97. For about $3000 you can find a pretty nice '04-'06 rubber mount Sporty.
My 2 cents, take it for what it is.
Around my parts you can buy a 2000-2003 for the same or less than you paid for the '97. For about $3000 you can find a pretty nice '04-'06 rubber mount Sporty.
My 2 cents, take it for what it is.