Let me preface this by saying Ive owned and ridden Sportsters most of my life, 8 Ironheads and a '99 883 and a '97 1200S. I recently sold my old Shovelhead and bought a 2006 883L, 20,000 miles, good shape. Before I did anything, I installed Progressive 13" 412s, put a bit heavier fluid in the forks, added a small wind screen and installed a Roadster seat. Ive never ridden a rubber-mount before. I loved my '77 FXE, but Im 51 and I dont have the time to keep the old girl up, plus, I really need a good commuter. Today I took the '06 for my first real long ride, and I gotta say, the difference between it and say my '98 883 was dramatic, to say the least! The vibration, which was always a trait of rigid mounted Sportys, was drastically reduced. Because of that, the power band was way more usable so revving it up didn't feel like it was gonna break something, and getting out on the slab and hitting 75 mph was smooth and easy. I dont think it has anymore power than my '99, but it sure seemed like it does. I was concerned at first buying another 883 as opposed to a 1200, but honestly, she seems to have plenty of power. Even with Vibranators, my '99 used to buzz my hands to sleep, but with the '06, I wasn't conscious of any distracting vibration at all. I really think guys who grew up riding old Irons and British bikes are the ones who'll appreciate these new rubber mounts the most. Im surprised how much I love this bike. But then again, Im a Sportster lover. If you're a speed demon or are expecting it to ride like a BMW, this isn't the bike for you, but if you're looking for a great, solid everyday Harley with classic looks and lineage, this is it.

 

 

I agree, the rubbermount Sportster is a big step forward

 

I so agree! I probably should have titled this thread "Old guy sells Shovelhead and buys first Rubber-mount Sportster, and loves it!".