Hey,

I am about to by my first HD, and at the dealership, they said that in 2004 they became rubber mounted. My question is, is there much of a difference? If I have never rode a rubber mounted engine, would I be disappointed, or would the ride be comfortable? I am planning on riding for 100+ mile trips possibly with a passenger, should I invest in a newer HD Sportster with a rubber mounted engine, or is that just a creature comfort that I cold live without if I didn't know the difference?

Thanks

 

Riding "00+ mile trips" shouldnt be a problem....when you sober up...:>)

 

There is a difference in ride between the rubber-mount and solid-mount bikes. Will you be dissipointed in getting the rubber over the solid? Who knows- some guys like watching the front wheel boincing off the ground at stop lights. Some guys like chrome, stock exhausts. Some like rusty home-made jobs.
Try one and see for yourself.

 

If you like the feel of your fillings rattling loose, get the solid mount.

 

Actually, there's not much of a difference in the vibes from a non-rubber mount vs a rubber mount. It is actually independant of how each bike is set up. This has been debated/argued numerous times all over the net & this forum. If you've never rode a sporty, more than likely you would not be able to tell the difference. And if you're going to be riding on several ?00+ mile trips 2-up, I'd actually recommend something more like a Street Glide or Softail Custom, etc, but that's more for the extra room & storage options, etc. Plus all of this depends on the $$$ available for a bike, the sizes of you and your passenger, etc.

 

I liked my rubber mounted Sporty better than my 2 solid mount ones.

 

Don't know witch would be better, but you should think about witch one looks better to you, personally i like the look of the 04 and ups.

 

I didn't like to ride my rigid mount 2000 for more than 75 miles and had tingly hand and arms afterwards. I can't speak for the rubber mount though.

 

The gas tank gets the rubber mount around 100

 

I have no problems with my solid mount. it is comfortable to me and I dont feel alot of vibes. a good pair of gloves and foot pegs do wonders!!