New rider
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Stage III
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3
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From:
New rider
First of all the tips and posts in here are awesome. Glad to see eveyone give advise and tips. At the young age of 48 I just purchased a 2004 Sportster 1200. Since I bought it used, without any manuals, I just have a few quick questions. Some of you will say go get a manual, which I will do soon. So here are a few questions. How many miles will I get per tank, and how many on reserve. What are the best type of saddle bags to get, since for longer trips wearing a week supply of clothes won't cut it. Is it normal to have a more pronounced shift from 1-2 then throught the rest. Is it normal for others to look in awe that you are riding a Harley and they are not.
Thanks for your replies and any tips or suggestions to a new owner of a Sportster 1200 would be great.
Also I'm looking for a club to join to ride with. I'm from Whitby, Ontario Canada.
Thanks for your replies and any tips or suggestions to a new owner of a Sportster 1200 would be great.
Also I'm looking for a club to join to ride with. I'm from Whitby, Ontario Canada.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: New rider
Welcome Peter,
Cant answer most of your questions but I know there are many on here that can. I can tell you however you should get about 50 mpg on your bike averaged between city and hwy. Depends what type of traffic you are riding in and how hard you get on the throttle. Good luck an Ride Safe.
Cant answer most of your questions but I know there are many on here that can. I can tell you however you should get about 50 mpg on your bike averaged between city and hwy. Depends what type of traffic you are riding in and how hard you get on the throttle. Good luck an Ride Safe.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 62
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RE: New rider
You're gonna love that bike! Congrats!! At the "young" age of 60 (wow!
) and after laying off riding for more years than I can recall, I'm loving my '05 1200C. So far, it's averaging around 50MPG -- I haven't made any long trips yet, so haven't added saddlebags, etc., but I have ordered a windshield as I've been at highway speeds enough to feel that it's needed. While my experience is limited and goes way back to a truly old 305 Honda Super Hawk, I just couldn't be more pleased with the style, comfort, performance and sound of this still stock Sportster, but I just know I'll be adding some stuff to it as time goes by.
) and after laying off riding for more years than I can recall, I'm loving my '05 1200C. So far, it's averaging around 50MPG -- I haven't made any long trips yet, so haven't added saddlebags, etc., but I have ordered a windshield as I've been at highway speeds enough to feel that it's needed. While my experience is limited and goes way back to a truly old 305 Honda Super Hawk, I just couldn't be more pleased with the style, comfort, performance and sound of this still stock Sportster, but I just know I'll be adding some stuff to it as time goes by.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,101
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From: Redmond, Washington
RE: New rider
Congratulations - at the youngish age of half a decade or older - I purchased my first HD - a 05 1200C Sporty, which I just recently traded in for a Softail Heritage Classic. You will find some archived posts in this section about the gas mileage. From what other's shared with me - it varies based on the kind of riding and style of riding and what mods you have. Mine had the upgraded pipes and was a carb. I rode to work alot in rush hour traffic - so my mileage wasn't all that great - averaging about 32mpg on that kind of riding only. However, when Iwent out on the freeways/open roads, that average went up to about 42 mpg. From what I read, Others on this forum have better mpg than me. I would highly suggest going through past posts..they offer a wealth of information.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
RE: New rider
My '93 gets about 50 mpg, combined city/highway. It gets a bit more on the highway. Don't trust your reserve for more than 20 miles.
Willie & Max makes some good synthetic leather bags. I've had mine for about 7 years and they still look and work good.
You won't be able to take a weeks worth of clothes in saddlebags. I'd suggest a sissy bar and a set of T-Bags for that.
Congrats on your new ride, and if you haven't taken the MSF riding course, TAKE IT! It'll be the best money you'll spend on your bike!
Willie & Max makes some good synthetic leather bags. I've had mine for about 7 years and they still look and work good.
You won't be able to take a weeks worth of clothes in saddlebags. I'd suggest a sissy bar and a set of T-Bags for that.
Congrats on your new ride, and if you haven't taken the MSF riding course, TAKE IT! It'll be the best money you'll spend on your bike!
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