Speed
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 911
Likes: 10
From: Wisconsin
Speed
As a new rider I have a dumb question for you guys. Do any of you guys have a max speed you will take your sporty up to?
I have a grand total of 590 miles on my bike now and yesterday I decided to take her a few miles up the interstate. Got up to 70mph and that was all I could give it (didnt even like it up there) No windshield (on backorder) 50-55 I am comfortable on the bike but 70 just scared the crap out of me!
Buddy of mine who has Electra Glide says he typically rides 70-80mph and says theres a HUGE difference between 70 on sporty and 70 on the glide.
Is this just one of those things that come with time?
I have a grand total of 590 miles on my bike now and yesterday I decided to take her a few miles up the interstate. Got up to 70mph and that was all I could give it (didnt even like it up there) No windshield (on backorder) 50-55 I am comfortable on the bike but 70 just scared the crap out of me!
Buddy of mine who has Electra Glide says he typically rides 70-80mph and says theres a HUGE difference between 70 on sporty and 70 on the glide.
Is this just one of those things that come with time?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 445
Likes: 19
From: Lynden, Washington, USA
I average between 70 & 80 when I know there are gas stations around. Fastest I've taken it was 123 completely stripped no cowl or windshield. If you really want to go fast just find a good stretch of road no windshield or anything and just tuck in and lay down. Don't worry about it though you'll get more comfortable the more you ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Kansouri
70-75 daily on the way to work. The roads around here are not good enough to push it into the 80's often. The bike will handle that with ease and I have been there and more. Windshield helps but the seat was actually more of a factor for me as I didn't feel like I was slipping off the back end and holding on for life. The windshield will help you overcome the issues from the wind blast. The more you ride it the more comfortable you will be at the higher end so get out and put some miles on it.
Last edited by elkhunter719; May 9, 2011 at 06:15 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 765
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
I like to cruise around 70, any faster and I get beat up by the wind. I have a windshield I used once! it now hangs on the wall. My bagger buddies like to cruise at 80+, thats too fast for me. It's all about where the bike is happy, I'm happy at any speed!
John
John
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 7
Given time you will find your current max/comfy speed moving north - if you so desire that sort of thing. When I took my bike home on its first ride just after getting my license, I was pretty terrified that I'd get blown off the bike on the highway. 10,000 miles later, my average cruise speed is 70-80 on the sporty. I regularly see 100 but not much past that. With my tall apes the bike gets a bit squirrely up front over 100. I never have the fear of being blown off the back - that disappeared within 1000 miles.
That said - 140mph on the Vrod is like 60mph on my Sporty.
That said - 140mph on the Vrod is like 60mph on my Sporty.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 454
Likes: 1
From: Micawber, Manitoba
First 2 bikes were sportsters and I can honestly say that I did the "ton" more often back then. Yes the big bikes are more stable with their extra weight but I was alot more couragous back then or maybe it was just plain stupidity.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 7
From: Chicago Area
Been over 80 once. Bike was solid, I was the weak link. Decided not to go there again for a while. Used to race cars and for some strange feeling, I feel more protected with doors and fenders when knocking on 100s door.
All in all, the sportster can do it and she will be happy too.
All in all, the sportster can do it and she will be happy too.
I've raced my whole life. Pushed my wide glide to 115. Not scared of speed but don't need blue lights behind me. It all comes down to experience. Nowadays, it's a foolish thing. Factory mechanics don't know what they are doing. I turn my own wrenches so I trust my bike more than most people. I saw a street glide blow a front tire at 70mph just a few weeks ago. Not pretty. Having said that... If you don't do your own work, don't put your life in the dealers hands.