1200 Roadster
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
RE: 1200 Roadster
I have an 08......I like it cuz I prefer the more "european" riding style of sitting up higher with more body wieght on the pegs instead of your ***.......they were about a grand cheaper than the 1200c at the dealership.....everyone wants that custom...It is so cooly chopperish with the 21" front wheel...I ride with about ten guys and I am the only 1200R in the bunch.....we ride alot through the GA mountains, and I don't know if it the riders or the bike, but this thing outhandles them all.....DR. DR.
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1200 Roadster
I also bought an 06 R brand new. when looking for my bike i liked some of the options mentioned already
blacked out motor
dual front brakes
tach
but another selling point for me was rims instead of laced wheels. i like the look of rims on my bike and also if on a trip and you happen to get a flat u can put a plug in to get somewhere rather then take the tire off and put a patch on the tube.
originally i opted for the black 1200r and the littlest bit of chrome, but that went out the window when i had it repainted. now it has a nice mix of both black and not to much chrome. these are older pics since this i have also had the oil/battery covers painted matching hok red, laydown kuryakyn led taillight, removed front relfectors, added the vented forward controls in chrome,the engine block chrome cover, tappet chrome cover and chrome derby cover and timer cover, and a mustang solo seat.
now when i get the time i wanna do drag bars and chrome rims, chrome upper and lower belt covers and maybe even a chrome sprocketand possibly different pipes and maybe even a carb uprgrade.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12093/25B943DAEB0A41CBBC1D5B3E03CA9C5C.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12093/1F0D4C902C7A4E68BD7F3769C4BBCE88.jpg[/IMG]
blacked out motor
dual front brakes
tach
but another selling point for me was rims instead of laced wheels. i like the look of rims on my bike and also if on a trip and you happen to get a flat u can put a plug in to get somewhere rather then take the tire off and put a patch on the tube.
originally i opted for the black 1200r and the littlest bit of chrome, but that went out the window when i had it repainted. now it has a nice mix of both black and not to much chrome. these are older pics since this i have also had the oil/battery covers painted matching hok red, laydown kuryakyn led taillight, removed front relfectors, added the vented forward controls in chrome,the engine block chrome cover, tappet chrome cover and chrome derby cover and timer cover, and a mustang solo seat.
now when i get the time i wanna do drag bars and chrome rims, chrome upper and lower belt covers and maybe even a chrome sprocketand possibly different pipes and maybe even a carb uprgrade.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12093/25B943DAEB0A41CBBC1D5B3E03CA9C5C.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12093/1F0D4C902C7A4E68BD7F3769C4BBCE88.jpg[/IMG]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
RE: 1200 Roadster
The sales numbers for Roadsters have always been way below the Customs, most Sportster buyers are looking for the forward control/pull back bars kind of look.
I wanted to start with a Roadster because it was the closest to the look that I wanted which was a stripped down dirt track racer look, I knew I wanted drag bars so mid mount controls were a must and I like the "sportieness" of the dual discs and tach.
I'm glad I got mine when I did as 2007 was the only year with fuel injection and a peanut tank, both of which I prefer.
I wanted to start with a Roadster because it was the closest to the look that I wanted which was a stripped down dirt track racer look, I knew I wanted drag bars so mid mount controls were a must and I like the "sportieness" of the dual discs and tach.
I'm glad I got mine when I did as 2007 was the only year with fuel injection and a peanut tank, both of which I prefer.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 11
From:
RE: 1200 Roadster
I have a 05 roadster that I use for long distances and around town...It will really use up the 3.3 gallons fast. I know some dont like the look of the larger tank, but I would like to have the extra gallon. I like the forward controls much better so I changed them out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: 1200 Roadster
Barring the ability to buy a new 1962 XLCHat the time of my purchase, only the 2005 Roadster's stylingscreamed SPORTSTER to me when I bought my bike new. The Sportster line, IMHO, has now gotten too far from its heritage.They all pretty much look like a poor man's DYNA now...
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
RE: 1200 Roadster
I think the bigger tank looks ok, but not as good as the peanut. The peanut gives it that classic look. I am not a big fan of the Roadster, but I also have never ridden one. I have a 1200 Custom. A buddy of mine out in Seattle has a Roadster and is bringing it back to Minnesota in a couple months when the snow melts! Maybe my opinion will change!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Fl
RE: 1200 Roadster
ORIGINAL: PimptraGlide
I think the bigger tank looks ok, but not as good as the peanut. The peanut gives it that classic look. I am not a big fan of the Roadster, but I also have never ridden one. I have a 1200 Custom. A buddy of mine out in Seattle has a Roadster and is bringing it back to Minnesota in a couple months when the snow melts! Maybe my opinion will change!
I think the bigger tank looks ok, but not as good as the peanut. The peanut gives it that classic look. I am not a big fan of the Roadster, but I also have never ridden one. I have a 1200 Custom. A buddy of mine out in Seattle has a Roadster and is bringing it back to Minnesota in a couple months when the snow melts! Maybe my opinion will change!
-Andy
[IMG]local://upfiles/22316/59249ADF0C7547F5A482C6B460EFC3CF.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 6
RE: 1200 Roadster
I'm buying an '08 Roadster because of the larger tank. I like riding, not standing in a gas station.
I'm going Roadster for three main reasons:
1) Dual disk front brakes
2) Suspension travel
3) Cornering clearance
I tend to be a tad aggressive with my bikes, so I like to be able to scrub off speed when I get too excited. The 32 degrees of cornering clearance go a long way when I go flying into corners without using the beforementioned brakes *grin*
And, BTW... the original Roadsters (XLS1000) had "guppy" tanks and not peanuts. Like the new versions, their tanks got bigger each year, too *grin* By the time the '85 model came around, it was a 4.5 Gallon version. (I think that's what it was, someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
I'm going Roadster for three main reasons:
1) Dual disk front brakes
2) Suspension travel
3) Cornering clearance
I tend to be a tad aggressive with my bikes, so I like to be able to scrub off speed when I get too excited. The 32 degrees of cornering clearance go a long way when I go flying into corners without using the beforementioned brakes *grin*
And, BTW... the original Roadsters (XLS1000) had "guppy" tanks and not peanuts. Like the new versions, their tanks got bigger each year, too *grin* By the time the '85 model came around, it was a 4.5 Gallon version. (I think that's what it was, someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1200 Roadster
ORIGINAL: Bacon_Grease
And, BTW... the original Roadsters (XLS1000) had "guppy" tanks and not peanuts. Like the new versions, their tanks got bigger each year, too *grin* By the time the '85 model came around, it was a 4.5 Gallon version. (I think that's what it was, someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
And, BTW... the original Roadsters (XLS1000) had "guppy" tanks and not peanuts. Like the new versions, their tanks got bigger each year, too *grin* By the time the '85 model came around, it was a 4.5 Gallon version. (I think that's what it was, someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
That doesn't mean that the peanut tank doesn't look sweet! My a$$ needs a break from riding before I get to the 120 mile mark and need gas anyways. No matter what year, the Roadsters are the best sportsters.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: rhode island
RE: 1200 Roadster
i also have a 1200r. just the black engine and wide bars was enough for me...perfect match of black and chrome.,,,,the only other sporty i rode was the 1200s and the r is the next best thing.....the rear shocks blow pretty bad though....brian