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Sportster models are typically the most nimble and compact motorcycles offered by Harley-Davidson that make them great for dashing through town or visiting the back road twisties. That said, a Sportster can make for a capable touring bike with a few simple modifications.
You bet you can modify the sportster and make a good touring bike. 1200C, custom made windshield, extended fwd controls, cyclevision bagster mounts, Harley hard bags, detachable luggage rack and passenger backrest, mustang wide vintage seat with backrest, analog tach and digital speedo, and iso grips. Im 62 tall and 200 lbs. This bike makes an excellent touring bike for people that dont want to back up 900 lb bikes. Its nimble around town and great in the twisties and will run all day at 75 mph on the interstate. No problem keeping up with its bigger counterparts.
The engine is reliable and trouble free.
Putting some used RK air shocks on made a huge difference in ride, and still corners fine. The stock seat had to go, too. But even fully stock, it's still a whole lot better long distance bike than some I've crossed state lines on. You don't need a bagger to tour, just determination.
Simple to put on air shocks, too. Just make sure your mechanic knows which end is up...
The truth - we just put them on upside down to pump the old oil out, a quick and simple way to do it with no special tools or jigs, with just one side on at a time, the bike bounces real easy with one hand.
Sportster models are typically the most nimble and compact motorcycles offered by Harley-Davidson that make them great for dashing through town or visiting the back road twisties. That said, a Sportster can make for a capable touring bike with a few simple modifications.
Take it from somebody that tried for 8 years to make a Sporty into a touring bike. It was a total waste of money for me tbh. You can tour on a moped if you want if you are wiling to make sacrifices. I went from a 06 883R with many mods ie bags and suspension to a bagger. Then i realised what a waste of time and money after driving my 15 Road Glide Special off the lot. The question is why try to make a bagger out of a bar hopper when a RG or SG can do both better.
My Sportster did not handle any better than my Road Glide in the twistys. It actually felt like a bicycle after several months of riding my bagger. I am not dissing the Sporty it is what it is. They are fun riding bikes. What i am saying is if touring or long distance is a priority you might look at a different direction.
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Modifying a Sportster for Touring
