I currentjy have a 2009 1200C Sportster but am going to either give it to the wife and buy a Nightster or another 1200C. Is there a difference in ride quality between them?
Thanks

 

Yes. The Nightsters have a lower suspension and a 2x6 for a seat. Comparably the Nightster will have a much harsher ride. I personally have a 1200C with a Nightster front end and lowered Progressives on the rear.

From what I understand from the majority of Nightster/Iron owners here, changing the seat and rear suspension makes a huge difference.

The other thing you will notice is that the smaller, wider, front tire improves the cornering of the Nightster over the "C".

 

Nightster rear shock travel 1.6"
Custom is 2.12"
IMO Want a smooth ride ya need 3 or more

 

IMO if you want a smooth ride, buy a couch, or a Gold Wing. lol.

 

A good suspension helps you go faster.
Besides ground clearance, a suspension that works allows you to go around bumpy turns much faster.

Its not just about comfort.

Brett

 

"Good" does not always translate to "smooth". Anyone who's ridden a sportbike or driven a hardcore sports car knows that.

 

I think the fit will depend a lot on your build. I test rode both today when I traded in my '02 883R.

The nightster was pretty much like my lowered 883 from factory but with a bigger motor.

For "me" and my build the 1200C was more comfortable, even just sitting on it. The nightster is more a bar hopper for that I would have kept my old bike.

I'm very happy with the 1200C and the forward controls and 21 inch front tire. Rides a lot smoother than my lowered 883R and the power difference is noticeable. I did like my '02 but my rides have change so it was time for a different bike. I hooked up with a crew that takes long rides and the Mrs. wants to ride more often than before.

The custom accommodates this more without getting into a 20K loan for a touring bike. I'm sure this will change as I get older, but for now it works. What I've learned VERY quickly is that everyone's needs are different and which bike to ride is a VERY personal thing, and what works for me might not for you, and vice versa.

I'd say test ride the N before making your decision. The 2 local dealers here let you before you buy.

Good luck.

 

I test rode a Nightster and went and bought a Custom. I liked the seat position and forward controls more. It's also more comfortable, but that is a relative position to take as the Custom is a rock compared to my Heritage. Oh well. Just remember, in the end, it's a Sportster and the envelope for them goes so far in the spectrum of things.

 

Also remember, you can change things to remove the things you might not like about the model range Harley offers.

While looking in the showroom, I came across the 1200 low, which really grabbed me with its looks, red paint, black and chrome motor, mag wheels.
Its what I was looking for, BUT it was a low, which is wrong for a 6 foot person!

The custom had spokes and forward controls, and I dont think it came in red, the roadster seems to not be made anymore.

The price of the low was low (for a new Harley) at $8500.00, so I got one and started turning it into a roadster sort of.
Longer rear shocks, pushing the forks all the way down and reducing the sag got a better ride and some ground clearance, sportier handlebars, a comfortable seat and some hiway pegs for long ride comfort.
It still needs something, a custom seat I think, and even with the suspension changes I still drag stuff in turns, so I need to go even longer with the shocks, up to 13 inch, or 13.5 if the belt does not rub on something (from 11.6 stock).

I think you would be a very rare person who could get a stock Harley Sportster and like it the way it is from the factory.
Maybe for a bar hopper, but not for longer rides.


Brett

 

Funny, if you look at the specs for both the 1200 Low and the 1200 Custom you will see that they both have the same seat height and ground clearance. The 883 Low has the same seat height and ground clearance and the Nightster/Iron. So, the 1200 "Low" isn't that low.