Sportster re-engineering?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
A counter balancer to make it smoother, and double the horsepower, and I'd be happy with one. The 883 is downright anemic in power for it's size; hell, the 500 Motoguzzi is rated the same horsepower, and probably faster because it's lighter, too. Harley's have accessory sales designed into them - like rear turn signals right where bags would go - which I consider taking unfair advantage of their customers considering how expensive they are; redesigning a few things so they're functional for most folks as is would be nice. Guess it doesn't really matter for me; retilrement has taken me out of the running for a new bike, and I probably don't have enough riding years left for a redesign to hit the used market at what I'd consider affordable.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 42
From: Bossier City, LA
I've given up on thinking Harley would do something radical with any model. They change some stuff around but the bikes are the same. When they do a major overhaul on a model, the changes are normally beneath the surface, like the new Bagger frame a few years ago, 6 speed trans, and increasing displacement. If you're trying to keep up with technology or hoping for something ground breaking you're looking at the wrong bike. The XR is the most radical thing they've done lately an it needs a lot of work to be competitive.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 42
From: Bossier City, LA
I've given up on thinking Harley would do something radical with any model. They change some stuff around but the bikes are the same. When they do a major overhaul on a model, the changes are normally beneath the surface, like the new Bagger frame a few years ago, 6 speed trans, and increasing displacement. If you're trying to keep up with technology or hoping for something ground breaking you're looking at the wrong bike. The XR is the most radical thing they've done lately an it needs a lot of work to be competitive.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
I think the Sportster engine is the most reliable engine HD makes. I would like to see them upsize it to a 1600cc and add a 6 speed and larger frame and replace the Dyna line. I would take that engine design over a TC any day.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 2,144
From: Ohio
I wish HD would make the Sporster frame BIGGER. I've ridden numerous Sportsters and they are a blast to ride. Plenty of power compared to a BT, but I always feel like I'm riding a mini-bike! Make them bigger so the average sized guy (I'm 6' and 215 lbs) doesn't feel like he's dwarfing the bike!
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I wish HD would make the Sporster frame BIGGER. I've ridden numerous Sportsters and they are a blast to ride. Plenty of power compared to a BT, but I always feel like I'm riding a mini-bike! Make them bigger so the average sized guy (I'm 6' and 215 lbs) doesn't feel like he's dwarfing the bike!
There's a reason many bagger riders still keep a Sporty in their stable.
BTW: I'm 6'2" - 215 lbs, and manage 15,000+ miles a year on a Sporty just fine. There's lot's of options for making the Sporty a relatively comfortable ride.
