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I have an '05 XL1200R; it's the closest thing H-D makes to a performance-oriented naked standard. It runs like a scalded cat and can corner like it's on rails. I put some spacers under the risers to bring the bars closer and am seriously considering a Sundowner seat and a set of Dyna Low bars that I have but not installed yet. Can't stop riding long enough.
I bought a 06 1200R off of Craigslist as my first road bike - lots of dirt riding experience. I bought it to commute and just have fun and live a little. Granted I do not have a lot to compare it to, but man this thing is fun and it will move. Mine is stock except for the Rush slipons. For me, it is the closest thing to the orignial 50's style/look Sportster....but I am not necessarilly a historian either. Great for around town/commuting. Stock seat and the bars ( I think mine are tilted a little too much towards the rider as the owner before me was a little shorter than I was) make longer rides a tad less fun than what I would like but those are addressable.
When I think James Dean and Marlon Brando on a bike - I see my ride.
I love mine, it was the best fit for me as I had always wanted a Harley but wasn't really keen on long touring rides I just wanted something fun to bomb around on and I got exactly what I wanted out of it.
Are you folks still running the stock 100/90/19 57H front tire or did you move up to the 110/90/19 57H?
Have you kept the 3.3 gallon tank or did you make the switch to 4.5?
To my shame, I have no idea what tire sizes are on my '08. But, they're the stock replacement tires (I'm on my second set)
As for the quality of the bike, it's a fine machine. In my humble opinion, I found it to be the very best that Harley offered in '08. I am a little more inclined to corner hard and ride long distances, though.
Had the XR1200 been on the market when I bought my '08, I am fairly certain I would have bought one instead (and promptly trashed it's resale value with the same LD modifications I've made to the R )
Stock size tires here and the original 3.3 gal tank (the 07 was the last year of the 3.3 on the Roadster, 2008 had the 4.5) 3.3 gal is fine for me, I'm about ready for a smoke and stretch by the time I need gas, again I'm not riding across the country either but there is no way I would give up the look of the peanut for the extra capacity.
I had an '05 Roadster in black. Added the S&S teardrop a/c and slash cut slipons and man, was that a sweet bike. Looked great, sounded great and ran great.
I wanted more comfort for touring and bought a RG but I really miss that Roadster sometimes.
Are you folks still running the stock 100/90/19 57H front tire or did you move up to the 110/90/19 57H?
Have you kept the 3.3 gallon tank or did you make the switch to 4.5?
I'm still running 100/90/19 front tire switched to the metzler 880 .Still have the 3.3 tank running whittlebeast rear shocks (1200r shock length with the custom model shock springs and spacers)I have a steering damper and fork brace just installed works dual rate fork springs and the ricor intiminator's still waiting for the snow to melt to check out the set-up!
I have a teal 04 Roadster too. you might be the lucky guy to get this thread going. I chime in on all thats been said about the roadster. It is a fine roadbike,
and I,ve owned about everything but a Ducati. Every bike has a different soul,and I like the updated the Rubbermounts have.
You will be assimilated
Are you folks still running the stock 100/90/19 57H front tire or did you move up to the 110/90/19 57H?
Have you kept the 3.3 gallon tank or did you make the switch to 4.5?
Mine is still the stock tread and 3.3 peanut. Though it is an '06 it was not titled from the delaer until 08 so I have awhile on my rubber. 3.3 gals is all I can ride on a big wheel suspension and seat.
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