2009 1200 custom
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 1
From: manhattan beach
i went from a rebel (same bike basically as the one you have been riding) to my sporty. will never forget the day that i picked up my bike. if you can, take it around a parking lot or some easy streets first. i think that the main diff was the throttle- with the honda you gotta roll on it all the way just to get ahead of traffic a bit. no way do you want to do that on the sporty in the beginning. roll that sporty throttle slowly and you will be fine. trust us, its a great ride !!
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, TX
The friction zone is a little different on a Sportster, you'll have to practice with it for a little bit. Personally, I got used to mine on residential streets as I was used to dirt bikes. The weight difference will be apparent and you'll realize that you can't muscle the bike like a 250. A day of riding in a safe area should make you comfortable on the bike. Congrats on your purchase and stay safe.
You will be fine as long as you ride within your abilities. The sportie will have more power than you need (for now) so don't go and try to use all of it. Just what you need to ride safely. You will love the feel of stepping up. Congrats on the new bike. Oh, and we will need PIXXXXXXX!
Account Retired
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, CA.
You should have no problem. I was totally used to my old hondas and still nervous when I picked up my sport. I hadn't ever ridden a harley at that point and wasn't sure what to expect. Everything was different as far as feel. I actually had to cross the street into a residential area and get the feel of it before riding home. But I felt it out and off I went.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Sportster is a blast to ride .. just take your time learning it .. Be careful on the front brake without the forks straight or will wonder while you are laying down .. Sportster are the most unforgiving bike if do that .. Believe me I know..
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 5
From: Rockford Illinois
if you are feeling a lil nervous on it, take back roads and even cruise it though neiborhoods to get aquatinted before heading into heavy traffic...remember that these bikes ar a lil top heave and they have gobs of torque..just take your time and you'll be fine !
CONRATS !
CONRATS !
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
As everyone mentioned, you're gonna be in a different class of bikes. I wouldn't worry about being blown away since the bike will only go as fast as your control of the primaries allow. Hell, the biggest bike I rode before taking my course was a 100cc dirt bike, then the 250 Rebel during the course, right on to my first Harley, a 1584cc Super Glide. The feel is different, but the fundamentals are the same and I never feel out of control on it.
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Enjoy the ride
You will love it. It's diff. from H.-250. Wait, don't rev it up the first 500 miles or so... You will get used to the bike. I had 1000 miles on mine and it's a different, much much better ride altogether...