Any Tips?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 592
From: Philly PA
I run two GPS units because I compete in rallies which are scavenger hunts. It allows me to search for food, fuel, hotel, etc. without disrupting my route. It also allows me to do what if scenarios to add or drop bonus locations. One is a Zumo 665 which has XM radio and Weather info. I plan to add a cell phone for traffic info using Google or Waze if I can find room
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 27
Likes: 4
From: Great Lakes
Hey Teddy, the guys above have you some good answers but Id like to throw in my 2 cents also & this is also coming from someone who just started riding.
My first bike was a Ninja 250, just bought it about 2 weeks ago to see if riding is really for me, it was cheap! Here I am 2 weeks later with a HD Sportster XL1200L in my Garage. Remind you that Im still a beginner and I love everything about the bike. I know its not the most comfortable bike of your planning on taking long trips but guarantee you it will get the job done, and on top of that the HD Sportster is one of the most customizable bikes out there. You can get online and find parts to customize this bike to your comfort, liking all day. That was a big plus for me as I plan to mod mine alot, visual wize not so much engine. Im 25 years old and was just giving you my opinion on the Sportster 1200s there a blast. Owned it a few days now, I have hit a highway or two 😆 so I know its well interstate worthy!
My first bike was a Ninja 250, just bought it about 2 weeks ago to see if riding is really for me, it was cheap! Here I am 2 weeks later with a HD Sportster XL1200L in my Garage. Remind you that Im still a beginner and I love everything about the bike. I know its not the most comfortable bike of your planning on taking long trips but guarantee you it will get the job done, and on top of that the HD Sportster is one of the most customizable bikes out there. You can get online and find parts to customize this bike to your comfort, liking all day. That was a big plus for me as I plan to mod mine alot, visual wize not so much engine. Im 25 years old and was just giving you my opinion on the Sportster 1200s there a blast. Owned it a few days now, I have hit a highway or two 😆 so I know its well interstate worthy!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 395
From: Squamish, B.C.
Yep a sporty is a nice bike and it's hard to beat on short trips!! My son and I just rode 3000km. with him on his "97" xl1200c and he didn't complain at all!! One thing I always look for when buying a used bike/car is rounded nuts/bolts etc. It just indicates a hack worked on the bike and I steer clear of them. Good luck on your search!!!!
Buying from a dealer or private party is your choice. I will say that if you're buying from a private party it would be nice if you bring along someone familiar with buying motorcycles. If not than I believe you can have the buyer meet you at the HD dealer where they will look over the bike. I believe they charge an hour labor for that, maybe more.
Anyway I agree the Sportster is a great bike. I'm 27 and have been on a Sportster for 6 years now. I'm not a big guy so these bikes fit me perfect. Of course comfort is subjective. It's not the best at anything but I feel it's a well rounded motorcycle that when set up right can do just about anything you want. I've done 400 mile days even with the stock seat & suspension and had nothing to really complain about. It does highways and backroads no problem. I've even taken mine in dirt roads and back the pine barrens here in NJ a handful of times. The EVO is reliable and easy to work on. The Sportster also has more aftermarket support than any other bike I know of.
Anyway good luck on your search. Wether it's a Sporty or not I hope you find something that fits you well.
Anyway I agree the Sportster is a great bike. I'm 27 and have been on a Sportster for 6 years now. I'm not a big guy so these bikes fit me perfect. Of course comfort is subjective. It's not the best at anything but I feel it's a well rounded motorcycle that when set up right can do just about anything you want. I've done 400 mile days even with the stock seat & suspension and had nothing to really complain about. It does highways and backroads no problem. I've even taken mine in dirt roads and back the pine barrens here in NJ a handful of times. The EVO is reliable and easy to work on. The Sportster also has more aftermarket support than any other bike I know of.
Anyway good luck on your search. Wether it's a Sporty or not I hope you find something that fits you well.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 592
From: Philly PA
Now that I have dedicated riding clothes the tourpak is about 2/3 full. But I like the side opening design. My left saddlebag is also mostly empty, with just 2 quarts of oil and a rag. I probably could do away with the saddlebags but that would mean moving my tools to the tourpak making the bike more top heavy than it is.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Thanks!
Now that I have dedicated riding clothes the tourpak is about 2/3 full. But I like the side opening design. My left saddlebag is also mostly empty, with just 2 quarts of oil and a rag. I probably could do away with the saddlebags but that would mean moving my tools to the tourpak making the bike more top heavy than it is.
Now that I have dedicated riding clothes the tourpak is about 2/3 full. But I like the side opening design. My left saddlebag is also mostly empty, with just 2 quarts of oil and a rag. I probably could do away with the saddlebags but that would mean moving my tools to the tourpak making the bike more top heavy than it is.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bouncer88
Welcome Area Only
42
Feb 18, 2010 08:27 PM