New to Harley Sportster not new to bikes. I have a 2005 Sportster 1200 custom all stock picked it up with 5800 miles on it 2 months ago. Last night first time on empty stretch of highway with no one around, decided to open her up to see what it'll do. Rolled past 80mph, then look down at 100mph then 110mph, with no windshield realized that was enough for me. Question is..... it was still pulling hard with more throttle left, anyone have the ba!!s to see what these top out at??? I'm no kid anymore and common sense outwayed my need for speed, but I gotta know?????

 

I was in Germany on one of the autobahns, overtook a car and did just like you....kept the right wrist going and thought 'let's see' at 115 my vest popped so decided that it was fast enough.
I have since done 120 but I am sure they will go further...but not brave enough, based on the braking ability, to take it any further
The bike goes as fast as I need it to lol

 

Theoretically, under "ideal" conditions, a 2005 1200 Sportster with stock gearing will hit redline (rev-limiter) at about 127 mph. But that would take near zero-drag conditions.

 

Considering I have an 04 1200r I have the tachometer also and the speedometer stops at 120 but I’ve had mine at wht I would guess is about 125 at 5500 rpm revs out at 6000 But after about 115 the climb is very slow I predict I could get up in 130s at rev limit

 

I haven't taken mine passed 132. no need to be riding that fast on the street anyway

 

Had the same situation where I had an open stretch of highway and no one else around, pegged the speedo and suddenly I caught up with someone else around. And let off the throttle. Did it once and that was enough for me.

 

Just curious. Has anyone confirmed these numbers with gps or radar. The faster you go the higher the ratio a stock speedometer is off. Usually going slower than what is shown. And I know they bounce a lot over anything 90+. I've seen 115 indicated on my old Super Glide but gps was showing 104. Just saying.

 

Another consideration is that our bikes are over-geared in top, to help them comply with EPA etc, so they may be faster in fourth gear, or with lowered overall gearing. It would certainly be interesting to conduct the 'tests' above again with a gps!

Last time we were in Germany on tour on our old Glide, with Mrs B on board plus stacks of luggage, we discovered at our overnight stop that according to our gps we had almost done a ton! We had left Germany by that time and it's unlimited autobahns. If only I'd known at the time.....

 

your bike!!!!!

 

I know what I mean, thanks.