1200cc too small???
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: 1200cc too small???
I like my 883 with the 1200 conversion. Done 400 days trips 2-up with no problems.
No justification of my sportster is need. People who say they aren't big enough need to compensate for other small things.
No justification of my sportster is need. People who say they aren't big enough need to compensate for other small things.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
RE: 1200cc too small???
It doesn't really have anything to do with engine power. It's a matter of the size of the bike, the luggage capacity, and the suspension.
For me, it's the size more than anything. More seat room--even a couple of inches, would make a big difference.
For me, it's the size more than anything. More seat room--even a couple of inches, would make a big difference.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 1
From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
RE: 1200cc too small???
Dude, it's not power, the Sporty has the best power/weight of any 45degree harley. If I've learned anything on this site, it's that allot of Harley guys have size issues, and will go bigger just for the sake of bigger. A sporty will walk away from even the 110SEs...
Now there is no denying that baggers are comfier for long trips and two-up, but that's not a power issue.
Now there is no denying that baggers are comfier for long trips and two-up, but that's not a power issue.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: 1200cc too small???
ORIGINAL: Old Texas Gringo
I do not mean to knock a Sportster I love to ride my son's bike. After 200 miles or so I would hurtall over. Thats why old guys seem to ride a turing bike. My back forced me off the Sportster and the Springer unless its a short trip.
I do not mean to knock a Sportster I love to ride my son's bike. After 200 miles or so I would hurtall over. Thats why old guys seem to ride a turing bike. My back forced me off the Sportster and the Springer unless its a short trip.
That being said, the Sportster has more than enough power for riding two up. The disadvantage is that compared to "all" the other Harley models, the Sportster is the most crowded and the least comfortable for two up riding. I ride strictly solo now but when my wife rode behind me I had a softail Heritage Classic.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
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
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis, IN
RE: 1200cc too small???
Yep, 1200cc is WAY TOO SMALL of an engine.
j/k
My bike has more than plenty of power for what it is designed to do. However, I would not feel comfortable pushing this bike to it's edge (it's not made for that). I come from a history of sport bikes (acceleration similar to a roller coaster ride) so I know the 1200cc has more than enough power.
j/k
My bike has more than plenty of power for what it is designed to do. However, I would not feel comfortable pushing this bike to it's edge (it's not made for that). I come from a history of sport bikes (acceleration similar to a roller coaster ride) so I know the 1200cc has more than enough power.