Had to bring my Fatbob in for service yesterday so as a Father's Day present to myself I decided to rent a 72 for the day just for kicks since I love looking at them. Boy, what a treat it was. Incredibly light, fun, and nimble. Just a blast.

I took it up Angel's Crest to Newcomb's ranch for lunch, then on to Wrightwood and eventually back to Pasadena. About 160 miles of canyons, local streets and a 60 mile freeway blast back home. It handled like a champ in the twisties, just as well as my Fatbob. Very planted feeling. I didnt know what to expect from such a skinny front tire, but it was a nice surprise. Combined with the low weight it really added to the effortlessness of turning, but still had a very solid feel. I expected road imperfections to effect it more than my fat front tire on the Dyna, but it tracked like a champ. As great as my Fatbob handles, I could really feel the weight difference between the two bikes under agressive canyon carving. Suspension was about on par with my stock Fatbob, so it could use an upgrade, but otherwise was fine. Ergos were great. Loved the 3/4 forwards. Plenty of power to zip around with too. Had that great Evo feel. Kind of like a rubberband pulling you forward effortlessly.

I've heard a lot of people complain about Sportsters on the freeway but I found it rock solid at 85. The five speed is perfectly spaced for power and comfort. Yes the rpms were up there compared to my 96", but it soaked up the road, had passing power, and with a shield (and seat) I could ride all day at 70. Yes, the seat is the worst seat I've EVER ridden on. Shear agony, and I'm 180lbs and 5'6. HD needs to offer a refund/recall on those suckers....damn. The bike was so much fun though I just dealt with it and enjoyed the ride. Easy fix.

Bit more valve clatter then I'm used too, but it had stock pipes and I haven't ridden on stock pipes in many many years so maybe I'm just used to it being masked by the exhaust. Could also be a bit thrashed as a rental, but it only had 1500 miles on it and I know they do 250 mile break in themselves, so maybe it's normal. Sporty owners want to chime in on that?

Overall I freaking loved the bike. I'd have one in a second and could even see it as an only bike, but I still love my Fatbob too, so for now I'll have to wait until I have room for two...for now. Toughest choice would be green flake or flat black...both look beautiful IMO.

 

Sounds like you enjoyed your trip to the dealer. Glendale by chance?

I need get up Angeles Crest soon. Havent been in years.

 

I rode the bike as well at Mad River HD Demo Day during the Bike Week in Ohio. The seating position and ergos were totally different than other bikes I had tried and just sitting on it, I wasn't sure if it would be fun to ride, but I really enjoyed it. it was a blast to ride. Everyone was gravitating towards the big baggers and it was sitting there all day by it's lonesome self--like the other Sportsters. I took it out three times then they put it away as nobody was signed up to ride it. Everyone knocks the Sportsters but I don't know why. They are just fun to ride, at least the ones I tried(72, 48, and 1200).

The only thing I didn't like about the bike was the seat. It was rock hard and when we went on the highway, the wind pressure was pushing me back on the lip and it took some effort to stay put. If I purchased the bike, I would definitely get a more supportive seat. It felt like it was on rails when turning through corners and it was just fun to ride all-around. I liked the Red Flake paint job on the tank, too.

 

That sums it up perfectly. I bought a 72 last summer because I loved the looks, but quickly fell in love with the way it rides as well. After doing a Stage 1 upgrade the engine really came alive too. The stock seat lasted about a week on mine. I have a Sick Saddles solo seat and a Lepera Cherokee. Both are significant improvements over stock. Here's a pic of my 72.

 

Great looking bike XKnight. It really is a great all around ride. I would take it cross country with a good seat no problem.

Mini - I felt like I was going to blow off the back a few times myself. Better seat is a must.

Munkee - yup, Glendale. They are a great no-nonsense dealer with a great service department too. 60,000 miles on two bikes from them and never a problem. Ernie Snare is the man there. Great salesman. They are honest and reliable.

The crest is amazing since they rebuilt the road (twice) after the fire. Clean smooth pavement. The trees are slowly coming back to life. Newcomb's is the same great spot it alway was. Sounds like you should get re-aquatinted. Stick to the speed limit though as they do patrol.

 

Very Nice!

 

I'm out of the loop with these new bikes............here i thought you rented a 1972 harley when i read the thread title. I thought..This will be a intresting read...........not that it wasn't

 

I came off of an Ultra Glide Classic. Developed arthritis in the lower back and thumbs. Found myself not riding any long distances so sold it and went looking at a Sportster.

After riding a Nightster and 48 (did not try out the 72), I decided on the Roadster model (XL1200R). I wanted EFI but with the Sportster tank (the 2008 model has the bigger 4.3? gallon tank). The Roadster sat higher with more cornering clearance, dual front brakes, mid-controls, and a tach.

I am having so much fun again riding...I mean fun...it's nimble, plenty of power, light and did I mention fun?! Not your Dad's or Grand Dad's Sportster. IF I ever bought another bike, I would not sell this for anything. They don't make 1200cc Roadsters anymore here in the US.

I don't mind the stock seat and have a flyscreen windshield for wind control at 65+ Mph. I ride daily (if not raining) to/from work about 100 miles round trip (mostly freeway/highway) and just have a blast riding this bike.

So...I understand what the OP is saying and "dicovered".

For those who haven't tried out a "newer" Sportster (rubber mounted from 2004 - On), you will be pleasantly surprised at the power and smoothness. 1200cc with a Stage 1 is awesome. Throws me back and I have to hang on for dear life when hitting the throttle...

 

I know what you mean. I thought my superglide was fun to ride, and it is. But the sportsters are a blast. I tried the baggers and the popular rides like the street glide and while comfortable, the ride is just a bit on the sterile side and is uninspiring as far as that goes. For me it's not about transportation, it's about fun. The bigger bikes lack the fun factor.

 

i love my 72! i've had countless comments on it and just love the way it feels going down the road. the bike is amazing, i put the race tuner and a/c as well as exhaust and it makes world of difference!
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