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Trading Up From Sportster

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Old Jan 2, 2018 | 06:47 PM
  #1  
Small A's Avatar
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Default Trading Up From Sportster

Hi

Had my 1200 sportster for about 8 months but not real happy with it. Goes well, easy to ride (after a lot of practice).

My biggest hate is the high centre of gravity, I feel like I'm on the bike not in the bike. Just doesnt feel great.

So reading how a lot of people up their sportsters to something ellse and was thinking of

1. Street Bob.....like it except for the very skinny front tire.

2. Softail slim...perfect seat height and like everything about it.

BUT worried about the increase in weight and the bug increase in power with the new motors.

More hoping I can handle the power in urban commutes.

Any advice for a shorter rider on which softail because the sportster doesnt suit me, even though it a fun bike....the centre of gravity is a bitch.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2018 | 07:37 PM
  #2  
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I would say you just answered your question the Softail Slim, a good choice too. I traded my 09 Sportster 1200L for a 16 Deluxe in Sep of 16, should have done it much sooner.
You wont be sorry, Happy New Year. Ride safe.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2018 | 08:00 PM
  #3  
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John Kyle
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From: Wilson, N.C.
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Originally Posted by Small A
Hi

Had my 1200 sportster for about 8 months but not real happy with it. Goes well, easy to ride (after a lot of practice).

My biggest hate is the high centre of gravity, I feel like I'm on the bike not in the bike. Just doesnt feel great.

So reading how a lot of people up their sportsters to something ellse and was thinking of

1. Street Bob.....like it except for the very skinny front tire.

2. Softail slim...perfect seat height and like everything about it.

BUT worried about the increase in weight and the bug increase in power with the new motors.

More hoping I can handle the power in urban commutes.

Any advice for a shorter rider on which softail because the sportster doesnt suit me, even though it a fun bike....the centre of gravity is a bitch.
don't rule out the low rider! Go take them all for a soon. The power is nice BUT you'll get used to it and a little wrist restraint and you would not even notice it! The weight diference is very minor!
 
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Old Jan 2, 2018 | 10:16 PM
  #4  
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Small A
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Default cheers

Cheers fellas. Highway no prob, more holding it up in stop start traffic.
know HD isn't a super bike but close to 1800cc might take some practice in the early days.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2018 | 12:13 AM
  #5  
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YammyBase
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I come from sportster 883 & 48,, and was tossing between 2108 street bob and softail slim too.
Im 5'8" so on the shorter side too. I was sure I was going to get the slim because I like the fat front tyre.. BUT ended up with street bob because the slim felt waay to big for me.
My suggestion is to go and sit on it. ride it if you can.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2018 | 01:03 AM
  #6  
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Default Street Bob ....maybe

I like the street Bob but rode one briefly and found the front tire picks up all the road grooves.

like the style but is only maybe 10 pounds lighter than the slim.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2018 | 01:03 AM
  #7  
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Small A
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Default Street Bob ....maybe

I like the street Bob but rode one briefly and found the front tire picks up all the road grooves.

like the style but is only maybe 10 pounds lighter than the slim.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 05:56 AM
  #8  
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Al'sFXSB
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From: Westlake, OH
Default

Also may want to check out the Breakout.
Low seat height, long wheelbase for comfy ride, very easy to maneuver both in city and on the highway, TC makes plenty of power.


IMHO the pre-M8's are well worth looking at. Dealers are discounting the '16 and '17 FXSB and they have larger fuel tanks.


Good luck and ride safe.


Al
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 06:34 AM
  #9  
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Trading up from a Sportster....?

Maybe "trading sideways" would be more apt.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 06:37 AM
  #10  
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I have an FLSS. The bike is so low its easy to keep it upright. I've got a 31" inseam and its no problem what so ever. My brother has a 28" inseam and he's comfortable on the FLSS, still flat-footed.

Having a low bike makes it easier to keep a heavier bike upright. you have more leverage.

Power-wise... Well thats up to you and your right wrist. A 50 hp motorcycle can get you in trouble as fast as a 100 hp motorcycle. I find my FLSS just fine in the urban environment. I like having the extra ponies in urban areas as it helps me "power out" of potentially nasty situations...
 
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