cacomy - No they are buckhorns. It came with mini apes but these are easier on my wrists.

Second set of stock tires and they go 12 to 13K. Not real good but my dealer has a sale every March with 25% off on tires. Will need a set by then.

I run stock mufflers with a highflow intake, iridium plugs and an oil cooler. The 50 mpg is with E10 87 octane. Run stronger than stock on that set up. No pinging as it runs to cool to do that.

Also do a carbon job every 3K. Run 5w40 Rotella T6. My 03 883R does 66 mpg.

19K + miles with that set up.

Waiting for Gregg to chime in.

 

When you say carbon job every 3K are you pulling the heads to clean piston domes and heads?

 

If you want improved mpg buy a Buell! Mrs B and I often ride together, she on our 883L and me on my Firebolt. I get significantly better mpg, which she gets miffed about. But then we do occasionally ride at up to 80-90mph, when conditions permit - she ain't no grandma....

 

Can you give me a link for where I can purchase one of those 6 gallon tanks?

 

IIRC he had it custom made.

 

And here is my Sportster "Modified" for touring. Sundowner seat, Windshield, cheap throw over saddle bags, Saddleman tail bag with tent strapped on top and waterproof stuff sack for sleeping bag. Did a 4,000+ mile trip last summer. I've since changed to mid mount controls and am adding a crash/highway bar and pegs to it.

 

It seems Paughco manufactures a 5-gal tank for the sportster. Model 830il2 is for the 2007 and later EFI sportsters. 830il1 is for the 2006 carbureted ones.

 

It was custom made by Boyd Welding in Florida. The mount for it was designed by my bike shop

 

What exactly is different in the 1200T forks and trees? I have the 07 1200L to compare.

 

I agree with everything you said. Five points:
1. I replaced the standard speedo with the analog tach with digital speedo you recommend. This change has worked great for a number of reasons, not the least of which are my ability to better manage rpms and quickly see mph.
2. I have a 2017 1200T; so, I am pretty well set up for light touring. But, I recommend riding solo and using the space behind the seat for the quick-disconnect luggage rack. I am 5'7" and 178 lbs and not convinced two-up is a good idea for a Sportster.
3. We get a lot of wind in southern Nevada, Arizona and western California. When the wind kicks up above 30 mph, I get pushed around and beat up more than the heavier bikes.
4. I did a Stage 1 conversion, including the V&H FP3, and am adding an oil cooler. I am convinced that the lean HD factory settings aren't good for controlling engine heat. The V&H FP3 allows me to monitor more functions to see if everything is running normal.
5. I only use full synthetic oil and lube, and I use Mobile 1. Convinced from research that the HD products aren't as good as other ones.

FYI: No problem keeping up with the larger bikes. Riding solo with the 1200 engine with a Stage 1 conversion gives me as much or more acceleration capability and all the top-end speed I should use. Also notice the reupholstered seat with a light color material. Much cooler in the summer.