I'm its answered somewhere on the board... but i couldnt find it.
What is the difference between the 1200R and the rest of the 1200 sportsters? Other than the tach, peanut tank, and blackened engine components?
I've heard they never really caught on either... is there something wrong with them or is it because they dont fit that 'classic looking cruiser' harley niche.
Hows the gas mileage with that peanut tank on a 1200?

 

they also have twin front disk brakes .I get between 120-130 miles to I hit reserve on the 3.3 gallon tank .I think it is a great bike .

 

The R model also has more ground clearance (stands taller) via 13" shocks.

 

the difference between the R sportster and other
sportys are :height,length seat height
and price

 

I think the handle bars were slightly wider too. It looks like it's not even offered in '09. Now they have the XR1200 with racetrack styling.

 

Roadster: twin front disks, black engine, sits higher, 3.3 tank, has tach, mid controls.
Custom: single front disk, chrome engine, sits lower, 4.5 tank, no tach, forward controls.

I think they were never that popular cause they were more "sporty" than the Custom but not enough of a sports bike to satisfy someone looking for a true sports bike.
I love mine and wouldn't trade it for a custom, when I want that kind of laid back cruiser I will add a BT to the stable but I'm keeping the Roadster for hot doggin around.

 

From 2004 through 2007 the R model had double discs in the front, 13 spoke alloy wheels, dirt bike bars, tach, mid controls, 32/32 v. 31/29 on the lean angle, a steering rake of 29.6 v. 30.1 on the C model and a seat that while roughly 2 inches shorter in length was higher at 29.9 v. 28.0 unladen. In 2008 all would hold true with the addition of the long awaited 4.5 gallon tank which increased the relative range to roughly 170 miles v. 130 for the 3.3 gallon tank.

I have owned my 2004 R model since June of 2004 and it has been a real gem even after 30,000 wonderful miles. I have put over $4,000 into the bike for relative upgrades to the suspension, brakes, 4.5 gallon tank, seat and so on that don't really include a lot of chrome. The bike does quite well solo or 2-up and open road duty is no problem at all for the Roadster.

I can't speak for why the bike never sold well but this is my 3rd Sporster and it is by far the best of the three, which would include my 2002 S model. Cruising backroads I can hit 55mpg 2-up and 59mpg solo with a stage one and -1 on the counter. This bike is a keeper for me.

 

My favorite Sportster next to the 1200S and to me a 1200R with 1200S suspension would be perfect.

 

What upgrades did you do the suspension? I got mine where it is handleing pretty good just have to tweak it a little more(rear).Than I think I will play with the front brakes .What did you do to your brakes? I agree I think I will keep this one!

 

I took the S model suspension from my 02, upgraded the front and rear pads to the Lyndall carbon Kevlar and increased the size of the front tire to the 110/90/19 57H, which fits on the same stock front wheel. I bought a Screamin Eagle race brace for the fork legs too. The bike now handles sweet and the suspension is very active even while riding 2-up.