I test rode one and just felt like writing about it. I've sat on them before but first time taking a SG out on the road. 40 years old, 5'-9", 145 lbs.

I've had a 2017 Iron for two years now, purchased new in July 2017, converted to a 1200 soon after, Stage 1, 23,000 miles, so I know it well and absolutely love it.

The SGS I rode was a demo, blue 2019, 114, that the dealer said had Stage 1 with some cam work intended to show SG/RG customers the difference in power compared to a stock 114 (in hopes of getting their business for some upgrades).

First off, let me say I have never been a bagger fan and had very low expectations going in that it would be like driving a huge truck compared to my nimble Sporty.

People say Sportsters are top heavy but the SGS felt like all its weight is up top (to me) while stationary. It was quite the opposite once I started moving. Didn't feel that big, handling was quite good given its size, and it was nimble for such a large bike, I was impressed.

I cracked the throttle and went through the gears several times. It obviously has power, smooth power, but I was underwhelmed. I feel my Sporty is the much quicker bike off the line and also from a rolling start...but that's not what SGs are about, I get it, SGs are all about: comfort, smoothness, and effortless long hauls.

What I liked most about the SGS (trivial) were the contoured turn signal buttons, wish my Sportster had those, I'm still thinking about them. LOL

I always figured the fairing / dash was really big and that it would take up too much of my POV from the seat, a misconception thanks to YouTube reviews, but it wasn't bad at all, I could see clear over the fairing very well, and wind off of it didn't bother me at all at higher speeds. The Sportster wins there for me because I prefer the openness of it and am somewhat of a minimalist.

Another thing I did not like about the SGS were the floorboards but I am used to pegs and have only ridden pegs before. I felt like it would take a split second longer to lift my right foot to press the rear brake, if I ever needed to in an emergency, I also felt unstable moving my foot out and around the floorboards at every stop and that was right around the same time I started to feel the added girth again from the much larger bike than what I was used to.

All-in-all, very nice bike. it was fun to ride, a positive experience, and I'm glad I spent some time on one. It changed my perception of the 'big boat' Harley touring bikes and gave me a new appreciation for them.

Not meaning to turn this into a "Harleys are over priced" discussion but I will mention this small tidbit - I do not see how the price of a SGS is $20,000 CDN over that of an Iron ($12,000 sticker). I could see maybe $8,000 - $10,000 more but not $20,000, that's steep, you could buy a base model new Honda Civic for that difference. Having said that, it is only money, and if a touring bike is what the doctor ordered, than it's money well spent. Heck, I've spent $9,000 on a PRS guitar if you want to talk about a real waste of money.

Afterwards, the true test, I hoped back on my Iron and did 75 mph on the freeway for a solid hour. An obvious night and day difference. Where the SGS is this smooth, majestic floating on the clouds ride, the Sporty is like whipping a horse and holding on for dear life...I prefer the horse.

I can (and have) spend all day on it, put on 700 miles straight no problem, not need to take any breaks, do it all over again tomorrow and the day after. It's the perfect bike for me right now, and I would replace it with another Sporty if anything were to happen to this bike (knock on wood), but could see my next-next bike being a SGS when I'm a bit older and tired of the Sportster's raw nature.

 

Every time I do a demo ride of a new Harley when I get back on my Sportster I think, that was nice, but not nice enough to justify the cost. My Sportster does everything I need it to do.

That being said, since my wife won't ride with me I don't need it to be a two up touring bike.

 

Very well written and an easy read. I wish all long posts were like yours. Thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts into written word and thanks for posting them.

 

I ride a modded 2003 low rider for years and rented a streetglide for a couple days. I think they are absolutely beautiful. Even though I outweigh you by a hundred pounds I had the exact same experience as you across the board. Was happy to get back on my own bike.

 

And I just turned 60 so it's not an age thing

 

Thaks for the review!

Lots of people on here went the other way; myself included. I liked my sportster but.love my road glide. I do do allot of highway riding, about 75%, so the road glide is the way for me.

 

2012 Sporster Nightster here, I call it my commuting bike, quick, nimble a blast to ride, like it a lot. But when it comes to comfort and capacity I'll take my 2014 RoadKing any day.

You should take one for a ride.

 

Great write up. Sportsters are great bikes. I have three in the garage right now (96, 98, 01) and a 15 Dyna. I love em all.

 

I like lots of bikes, but there’s nothing quite like a Sportster. I always chuckle when I hear terms like “upgrade” and “graduate” to a bigger bike. Big bikes are nice too, but it’s apples and oranges. Nothing wrong with a Sporty.

 

A thoughtful and honest review! I have always had s low opinion of the Sportster line. That is until the Forty-Eight came out. Every time I have seen one a smile came on my face.

Earlier this year a friend agreed to sell me his very low milage bike. Wrote the check and immediately started making it mine. A few subtle changes and the little dude just rocks.

The Street Glide will remain the bike of choice for long distance but, the little 48 is such a hot rod to jam around locally on.

I feel very lucky to have a choice in the barn.