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Old Jan 4, 2010 | 04:22 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Travisty
Thanks to those who took the time to help. I will look into the plugs, filter ect.
Yes, I really did expect more power from this bike stock. My Duc was a twin and it had 130rwhp. I didn't think that I would have to invest more into it than I paid for it for it to perform. Lessen learned.

Yes, I really did expect more from a HD forum. I said I was new and that I didn't know **** about Harleys. Lessen learned.
Experienced rider asking how to dress and how to lean a bike. And on his first post here. Can't imagine why anyone would think you just might be a troll. (someone who posts just to stir the pot) Certainly made me wonder.
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:19 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by hagger
(1)An '09 Night sporty?
(2)Metrics are quicker off the line but you can not plow the back 40 w/ them.
In other words, comparably loaded down, Harley will win the race up the mountain.
(3)Get rid of the Harley before you kill yourself!!
(4)Dressing like a Power Ranger doesn't make you look like a jackass
but dressing like a pirate does? See (3)
1. http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/C.../model/xl1200n
2. I don't understand your point, why would I want to load it down?
3. Really? I would have to be trying on this thing.
4. Dressing like a pirate doesn't save my ***, dressing like a power ranger does.
5. lists are fun.
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:34 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by Travisty
Thanks to those who took the time to help. I will look into the plugs, filter ect.
Yes, I really did expect more power from this bike stock. My Duc was a twin and it had 130rwhp. I didn't think that I would have to invest more into it than I paid for it for it to perform. Lessen learned.

Yes, I really did expect more from a HD forum. I said I was new and that I didn't know **** about Harleys. Lessen learned.
Makes me wonder what if any research did U do prior to buying it.??
Hard to believe anyone with any bike background doesn't know that most stock Harleys aren't fast.
Tourers are made to cruise all day in comfort, and crusiers are made to cruise around as long as Ur body can take it.
Spend some time in here and look at the Sporty section, with a few changes U can make some really decent numbers out of the 1200, mostly filter, pipes, will net 20-30% more...But still wont keep up with a 650-750cc crotcher....

Harleys make really good TQ not High HP, untill U spend some $$$$

Enjoy her for what she is or go back to whatever rings Ur bell....
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:39 PM
  #34  
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Why does every response have to end in a slap?
If that is how it works around here I'll play.

Can you get Kevlar lined doo rags?
If I put those leather tassels on my grips how do I keep my fore arms from chafing?
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:45 PM
  #35  
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Most riders who go from metrics to harleys have similar questions. It's power to weight ratio, harleys weigh more and don't have the rpm advantage. As has been said, they have lots of torque. Don't be mistaken, if you thought you were getting a crotch rocket with the hd brand then you'll be disappointed with the performance.
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:46 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by Travisty
Nice.
Sounds more like a double negative. This makes you sound WAY more smart that me.
Sorry man. You have to understand the background of all the kids who come on here and one of their first posts is "I bought a Harley and it's a piece of ****"... and they didn't buy a Harley, have never ridden a Harley and wouldn't know a Harley if one ran them over.

You went on Craigslist and bought a motorcycle you apparently knew nothing about. Not a very inexpensive motorcycle at that. Then you complain about poor performance. ... and it's not a bike that was built for performance. If you want to go fast and carve corners, you pop a few thousand on a nice crotch rocket. You claim to have some experience with motorcycles, but are surprised at what a sporty is an isn't. All in all, it looked very much like a BS post from a troll.

Since you are saying you're not, you are admitting to spending a lot of money on a bike you didn't bother to research before buying. Doesn't sound like a very smart move. My guess is you will *never* be happy with this bike - even if you spent another $10-$20,000 to get it close to what you're looking for.

At this point, you have two realistic options - Spend something reasonable to increase the performance & handling and learn to love the Sporty for what it is OR Chalk it up to a bad move on your part, sell it, do some research, and find a bike that is better suited to what you want.
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:47 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by Travisty
Why does every response have to end in a slap?
If that is how it works around here I'll play.

Can you get Kevlar lined doo rags?
If I put those leather tassels on my grips how do I keep my fore arms from chafing?
Well that kinda seals it don't it! Last time I will get suckered by a troll! Only interest you got in Harley's is F'n with the people who actually own one!

Got some other services on craigslist you might want to check out! You've screwed your last poster on this thread!
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:51 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Travisty
Why does every response have to end in a slap?
If that is how it works around here I'll play.

Can you get Kevlar lined doo rags?
If I put those leather tassels on my grips how do I keep my fore arms from chafing?
At least you get points for sticking around. With a start like that, some people run and never come back. You'll do fine here. Yeah... some of us get pretty harsh at times. Ain't really nothing to it.

I am interested in your story though. If you haven't already done so in another response, I'd be interested to know why you bought the Sporty and what you expected from it.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:55 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by Travisty
So I just bought a 2009 Night sporty off craigslist. To be honest I come from a slightly different back round of motos, hence this is all new to me.
First, THIS THING IS A DOG. 1200 some cc's and my kids dirt bike has more power. Is this normal? What is the average HP? What is the correct way to lean these bikes? Every time I turn I'm dragging hard parts.
I am also having a hard time finding gear that doesn't make me look like a jackass AND that I feel safe in. I've had my fair share of get offs and none of them were caused by me. Without the gear I would have been toast.
Any input would be helpful.
Since no one will actually answer your questions, and I've owned a few Sportsters, I'll help.

1) do a complete SE stage one to it. New air cleaner & pipes. Also do the fuel pack thing.
2) Nightsters aren't designed to handle. Regular standard Sportsters handle much better and are actually quite fun in the twistys. You can get longer springs for your front sliders and some longer shocks for the back. That will fix it up.
3) Half helmet, good jacket, boots and yer set.
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:57 PM
  #40  
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and to the rest of ya's

 



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