All stock bikes are slow and sluggish. Whenever I rent a Harley, I cringe the first time that I twist the throttle. SJ Ron

 

The Softail and the Sporty aren't built the same, aren't set up the same and aren't designed the same so not a surprise that the Sporty will beat the Softail off the block. I had the chance to ride a Sporty and it was definitely way faster but it was just too small for me. I didn't have any trouble hitting triple figures with my 88 it just took a little longer and now that it is a 96, it takes a little less time.

 

My sporty was def faster than my heritage, but that's cool...Its a more comfortable ride,and Im past the point of "racing" any more.

 

I went from an 01 1200 carberated Sporty to my 08 Softail Custom, and there was a definate difference for me too. 1200 Sportsters are very agile and quick. I regret trading mine in. I really should have kept it.

 

My hot rodded 74" sportster is way faster than my stage one 96" deluxe but just look at the weight difference. My sporty would not feel nearly as fast if I put a 300lb chick on the back (but it would wheelie better). Thats about the weight difference between my sporty and my chrome ***** deluxe. I love blasting around on my sportster but its buzzy and uncomfortable on the highway. My deluxe may be a little slower off the line but it sure is nice to cruise on. There is a time and place for every bike.

 

I hear you man, I still have my sporty. I'll never get rid of that thing. It's bare-bones... hardtailed, no gauges or speedo or turn signals... Just a loud, fast, SOB. When I crack the throttle all the way on that thing I am literally hanging on with all I have!

-cracked all the way on this Softail, and I kinda chuckled. Seemed same as 1/2-3/4" throttle just a tad louder. LOL

 

Stock is boring. Stock is slow. Toss in a cam and pipes or go big bore to wake it up.

 

A stock 88 Deuce will do 13's in the 1/4. My 2011 GTI will do high 13's low 14's in the 1/4. Of course that's slow.

 

I have to say never had a problem with being to slow on any the
Harley's I've ever owned.

OK, one problem I've had with power was when I got a speeding ticket.

 

I had an 88 in my '99 SuperGlide Sport; put the 95" kit in it, with cams, headwork, RB Racing exhaust and Mikuni carb...it was a whole 'nuther animal...