Going the distance
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
Going the distance
I have a friend that is looking to purchase a motorcycle and he really likes the sportster models. He wants to ride with me and my friends who all have either Ultras or Softails and we put a lot of miles on the bikes. Nothing for us to go out on a Saturday and ride for 400 or 500 miles. Also, we are planning a trip to Sturgus this year. We will be riding from Fl so the trip is approx 2100 miles. My big question is how does a sportster do on long trips? We usually travel 75 - 80 mph when out on the highways. I want to make sure he gets a bike that he will be comfortable with and likes riding it long distances.
Thanks...
Thanks...
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 109
Likes: 1
From: Queensland Australia
I've done 800 miles in a day on my 883c a couple times. Wouldn't do it every week, and need a better seat, but its possible. 100mph+ no worries either, 1200s do it even easier. 200 miles+ to a tank. It is nice to stop every hour or so for a break though.
Its hard to say what someone else would like to ride long distances, but if the road and weather is good, most bikes are bearable.
Its hard to say what someone else would like to ride long distances, but if the road and weather is good, most bikes are bearable.
Last edited by r0880; Jan 27, 2011 at 07:23 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
he needs to rent a sportster and go on one of those 500 mile saturday rides with you guys. gas mileage and seat comfort might be issues...the bike can certainly keep up with you guys. my 63 year old neighbor can ride all day with me on his sportster. he does have a windshield and has changed seats and handlebars.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 606
Likes: 2
Much depends on his size and the model he gets, and how well he puts up with the riding position.
I think all sportsters need shocks and seats to go the distance without pain, but the riding position is something else and is not easy to fix.
Since I am getting older and have some issues left over from crashes, the sportster does not cut it.
The big problem is the pegs are too high and forward for me, the seat to low.
2 inches to the seat foam, and the pegs 2 inches back might do the trick, but its not easy.
He should rent a bike and ride it for 8 hours and see how it feels.
I think all sportsters need shocks and seats to go the distance without pain, but the riding position is something else and is not easy to fix.
Since I am getting older and have some issues left over from crashes, the sportster does not cut it.
The big problem is the pegs are too high and forward for me, the seat to low.
2 inches to the seat foam, and the pegs 2 inches back might do the trick, but its not easy.
He should rent a bike and ride it for 8 hours and see how it feels.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Sporties will hang with the Big boys on the Highway all day, the 1200 engine is a rock. The comfort will a lot to be desired. He should expect to spend another $1k to get it comfortable for long trips.
Comfort puchases:
1. Windshield (optional but it helps)
2. New Seat (Mustang Vintage..., not optional)
3. New Suspension
With those three mods the sportie is transformed and ridable all day.
Comfort puchases:
1. Windshield (optional but it helps)
2. New Seat (Mustang Vintage..., not optional)
3. New Suspension
With those three mods the sportie is transformed and ridable all day.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
Thank you for all your responses. I was just a little concerned with the size of the engine because on mine I am running around 2800RPM most of the time and figured the sporties would be over 3K. Just wanted to make sure they would be ok. I guess I got my answer and will certainly not try to talk him out of one and will pass on your suggestions to making him more comfortable.
Thanks again...
Thanks again...
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 371
Likes: 16
From: Durham, north east England
If you check out the specs and think about the power to weight ratio there probably won't be much in it, similar top speeds given here:
1200 Sportster
Dyna
I know which I'd rather be on if you travel curvy scenic routes rather than just the interstate, just like a 600cc sportsbike is far more fun on the twisties than a 1000cc sportsbike.
It might come down to the individual model though, tank range is an issue on many of the Dark Customs especially.
The rent a bike to give it a proper try out with the rest of you guys has got to be a great suggestion, and far cheaper than buying the 'wrong' bike.
Just my
1200 Sportster
Dyna
I know which I'd rather be on if you travel curvy scenic routes rather than just the interstate, just like a 600cc sportsbike is far more fun on the twisties than a 1000cc sportsbike.
It might come down to the individual model though, tank range is an issue on many of the Dark Customs especially.
The rent a bike to give it a proper try out with the rest of you guys has got to be a great suggestion, and far cheaper than buying the 'wrong' bike.
Just my