IDK. I've had 4 XL based bikes now, two of them being Buells. Know what I like about it? It's more than enough. They run good, look good, chicks dig them, what's not to like?

The coolest thing about the bike is the age of the design. Harley built the bike of the future 100 years ago. EVeryone else had to update. Harley was able to hold out for a few more years. I just can't describe it. I have a beautiful FLHR. But, the Roadster gets more saddle time locally.

TBH, I love the new Iron 1200. If I didn't have a Roadster, I would consider it. It's a cool looking bike, and blacked out with a 1200, and better bars. You can also change the bars to something even cooler without having to do the cables. That's a big plus, since moist people end up changing them anyway. All those other bikes are normally ridden as delivered, with nothing ever done by the customer. Meh.

 

I find it funny how some here hang on a HD forum only to bitch about HD. Anyway, I love the idea of a 1200 Iron. I had an Iron and if I still had it, I would have made it a 1200. It was a great bike. I took it on many long rides w/touring guys that wouldn't go over 55 mph and surely wouldn't go on the freeway. I rode that bike on the freeway and it never had one issue. It was very solid. If I could afford it, I'd have another one parked beside my Dyna.

 

They do, the Roadster

 

if you compare the indian scout to the sportster, you aren't really getting any more for your money on the scout. some more horsepower (not sure how much since hd doesn't publish hp numbers) but about the same torque. but on the indian you have to rev it up to 6000 rpm to get the same torque from the sporty at 3500 rpm. not really any additional features on the indian. gas gauge? nope. neither bike has one. both have low fuel light.

there are two things the indian has the hd doesn't. the first is a radiator, and the second is a $1500 price bump over the hd.

what the sporty gives you over the indian. a much larger aftermarket and dealer support network.

 

did you read any of my other posts?

and the scout will wipe the damn floor with a sportster 1200.. scout bobber and octane will outright destroy a 1200 (assuming all are stock) no problem.

if you dispute, you haven't ridden and are probably looking at numbers on paper. revs on scouts don't matter because they are very different engines. scout stock redline is 9k... liquid cooled. it will be past 6k before you blink scout bobber is way faster than my stage 4 1200. i couldn't believe it but, it was and felt damn good, lol. don't believe the negative stuff folks throw out here about Indians. those things are mean. i go to the demo days and try the new stuff. i'm not closed minded... i'm still waiting to try a 116'd bike.


proof of pudding:

1. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...l#post15671453
2. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...l#post16854146

 

yeah, i read your other posts. i'm just saying that the indian scout is not light years ahead of the sporty as you try to make it sound. sure it may be faster. and you're right, there is not a 1 to 1 correlation between rpms on the two bikes. but most of us who ride hd don't necessarily want to rev to 9000 rpm.

between the two bikes. i'd go with the sporty. it has a classic, timeless look, while the scout is, well, kinda ugly (imo)... and again, the larger aftermarket and dealer network are a huge plus in the sporty's favor.

just for example, a member in our group has a scout. he hasn't been able to ride for almost 6 weeks. his bike has been on recall for the starter and the starter has been on backorder for that long, so far.

 

Those look nothing like Vario bags.

 

Lol I don't even know what vario bags are, just responding to the non slammed standard part

 

Absolutely not, the graphic are great what they really need to change are the tires and wheels.

 

I have a 2003 883R, 2009 XR1200, 2008 XB12XT Ulysses, 2014 XL1200T Superlow, 2016 Roadster and I had a 2011 XL1200L that was traded in on the 14 T.

I took the 1200's all over the US and Canada over the years. Got me home every time. They ride, corner handle, brake as well as any bike that I have had in my 62 years of riding. The 11 XL went to Sturgis twice, the XB12XT took me 9K miles in 14 day to the Arctic Circle and back in 14 days. The XL1200T has done winter riding since the winter of 14/15 and at least half of the states west of the Mississippi.

The XB is 103 hp and does 147 mph, the XR is 90 hp and does 125 mph due to its lower gearing. The other XL1200's are 65 hp but I don't know if the 16 Roadster was bumped up more than that.

They all yielded no less than 50 mpg which because I tour extensively each year is very important to me. The 883 is only ridden locally and has been in excess of 70 mpg.

They all appeal to me because they look like a motorcycle should look. I totally reject any plastic paneled Buck Rogers looking bike.

I bought the 11 XL1200 used for $7,200 put 7K miles on it and traded it in for 7,200 which saved me 7.75 percent sales take on that amount. Since I bought it privately in Illinois sales tax on a mc is a flat $25.

The other will not be sold or traded with the exception of the T. It was my plan to trade for a new T at 30K miles or so but the T is no more. They will be distributed in my will.

From where I stand the Sportster is an exceptional bike in looks and durability. I have the models that I have because together they represent the best of the line. If I were to only have one the T would be it.

God bless America, God bless H-D and God bless Sportsters.