XL 1200R Roadster Questions
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XL 1200R Roadster Questions
I'm thinking about getting my first Harley after owning 6 metric bikes over the last twenty years. For my size, 5'7 and 165 lbs, and preference for speed, the Sportster 1200 Roadster looks like the bike for me. Unfortunately, the local dealer will not let anyone test drive one, so for the first time in my life, I may buy a bike that I have not test ridden
Thanks to this forum, I feel more confident in taking the leap to a Sportster -- w/o the test drive. However, I have a few questions that I'm wondering about, so here goes:
I read somewhere that the Roadster model has a slightly "tuned" version of the EVO engine -- something brought over from Buell. Is that true? Does it put out more power than the standard 1200 EVO engine?
What is the length of the rear shocks on the Roadster? I'd like to upgrade them to Progressive shocks like I did with my other bikes. Has anyone upgraded their front fork springs to Progressive?
Are "forward" footpegs (not controls) possible to install on a Roadster? I like the mid-controls, but would also like the option to stretch out my legs a bit on the highway.
Does the Roadster's 19" front wheel size offer better handling than the 1200 Custom's 21" wheel?
Is it true that Harley-Davidson was just secretly bought out by the Chinese automaker, Geely?
Thanks,
Rich
Thanks to this forum, I feel more confident in taking the leap to a Sportster -- w/o the test drive. However, I have a few questions that I'm wondering about, so here goes:
I read somewhere that the Roadster model has a slightly "tuned" version of the EVO engine -- something brought over from Buell. Is that true? Does it put out more power than the standard 1200 EVO engine?
What is the length of the rear shocks on the Roadster? I'd like to upgrade them to Progressive shocks like I did with my other bikes. Has anyone upgraded their front fork springs to Progressive?
Are "forward" footpegs (not controls) possible to install on a Roadster? I like the mid-controls, but would also like the option to stretch out my legs a bit on the highway.
Does the Roadster's 19" front wheel size offer better handling than the 1200 Custom's 21" wheel?
Is it true that Harley-Davidson was just secretly bought out by the Chinese automaker, Geely?
Thanks,
Rich
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
The "R" has Buell heads and slightly more torque at a limit of 6000 RPM instead of 5500.
13.5 Inches. Progressive springs in the forks make a very nice ride. I have Dyna shocks on the rear.
Yes, forward controls go right on, but at a terrible expense. Try adding some "highway" pegs at first.
IMHO, yes the 19 incher handles better. The tires are very close to being the same diameter because of a difference in crosssection.
Wouldn't have a clue....................... BC ps; you will love the "R". I bought mine without a test ride also.
13.5 Inches. Progressive springs in the forks make a very nice ride. I have Dyna shocks on the rear.
Yes, forward controls go right on, but at a terrible expense. Try adding some "highway" pegs at first.
IMHO, yes the 19 incher handles better. The tires are very close to being the same diameter because of a difference in crosssection.
Wouldn't have a clue....................... BC ps; you will love the "R". I bought mine without a test ride also.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Burbank, CA
RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
Suggestion, can you find a place that will rent you one for the day?
I have one and love it. Coming from a little Ninja, the mid-controls are nice and comfy. I also put on some Iron City Adj. Highway Pegs, for longer trips. Don't know how fast you like to go, but crusing around 80mph is fine, anything over that IMHO she can get a little squirly.
Could be the shocks, which are soon to be replaced with either Progressive 418's or if my bonus is better some Custom Works shocks. The fronts will be switched out too!
I have one and love it. Coming from a little Ninja, the mid-controls are nice and comfy. I also put on some Iron City Adj. Highway Pegs, for longer trips. Don't know how fast you like to go, but crusing around 80mph is fine, anything over that IMHO she can get a little squirly.
Could be the shocks, which are soon to be replaced with either Progressive 418's or if my bonus is better some Custom Works shocks. The fronts will be switched out too!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283
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From: Quebec Canada
RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
i have a 2005 1200R,i change for Progressive 440 shocks 13.5 inches and progressive front springs,make a lot of difference,ride really good.Also i put a dyno jet thunder slide kit,change the pilot jet for no 48, ( no more spitting and caughing from the air box when cold)screaming eagle air box and air filter, screaming eagle 11 slip on.The bike run great and was a lot of fun...
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RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
Hey everybody, thanks for the input -- very helpful.
Alex, where do the Iron City Adj. Highway Pegs mount on your bike?
Also, what model Progressive rear shocks are best? I've heard of 412's, 418's, 420's and 440's for the Sportster. I would like more of a smooth ride on the blue highways while doing long distance "sport touring." Thanks.
Alex, where do the Iron City Adj. Highway Pegs mount on your bike?
Also, what model Progressive rear shocks are best? I've heard of 412's, 418's, 420's and 440's for the Sportster. I would like more of a smooth ride on the blue highways while doing long distance "sport touring." Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,183
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From: Burbank, CA
RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
ORIGINAL: Photon
Alex, where do the Iron City Adj. Highway Pegs mount on your bike?
Also, what model Progressive rear shocks are best? I've heard of 412's, 418's, 420's and 440's for the Sportster. I would like more of a smooth ride on the blue highways while doing long distance "sport touring." Thanks.
Alex, where do the Iron City Adj. Highway Pegs mount on your bike?
Also, what model Progressive rear shocks are best? I've heard of 412's, 418's, 420's and 440's for the Sportster. I would like more of a smooth ride on the blue highways while doing long distance "sport touring." Thanks.
I'm leaning towards the 418 'cause I'm a big boy and would like some adjustability along with rebound dampening/adjustment.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2005
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RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
Find another dealer. All the dealers in my area let you test ride one.
Chris
Chris
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
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RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
Is it true that Harley-Davidson was just secretly bought out by the Chinese automaker, Geely?
Thanks,
Rich
[/quote]
Harley Davidson is a publicly traded company on the NYSE........if Geely or anybody else maed a peep about buying 51% of HD's stock it would be on every TV set on the Planet in 4 seconds. Even the guys hiding in caves in Afghanistan would find out about it. That would be like selling the Statue of Liberty back to the French KB[sm=americanasmiley.gif]
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Joined: Aug 2005
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RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
I'm the same size as you....a little heavier. I bought my 1200 R without a test ride. I didn't think I needed one!
As for the shocks....I went with Works Performance Billet shocks and Works fork springs. Made things much better.
The shocks are 13-1/2".
As for the shocks....I went with Works Performance Billet shocks and Works fork springs. Made things much better.
The shocks are 13-1/2".
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
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RE: XL 1200R Roadster Questions
ive got a 1200c on order still got to wait 8 weeks to get it
but the dealer got a demo one down so i could test ride.
so yesterday i got to ride a harley for the first time [2 weeks alfter i ordered one]
i was rapped with the bike massive amounts of torque nice to ride and realy runs smooth on highway crusing
ive just got to get use to the forward controls alfter riding metrics.
all that said i still would have bought it without a test ride
p.s with all that go more brakes would be nice
but the dealer got a demo one down so i could test ride.
so yesterday i got to ride a harley for the first time [2 weeks alfter i ordered one]
i was rapped with the bike massive amounts of torque nice to ride and realy runs smooth on highway crusing
ive just got to get use to the forward controls alfter riding metrics.
all that said i still would have bought it without a test ride
p.s with all that go more brakes would be nice