Need some input please..
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Marion, Indiana
I just took out a new (one mile) 2012 Sportster 1200 Classic, for a test ride, in the hopes I'd like it and buy it. I've had a 2007 Dyna Super Glide (rode one year) and a 2008 Street Glide(rode three years) so I knew what to expect (well, a little). I loved the way the bike handled and rode. I hated the seat (but that would be changed, anyway).
What surprised me was the vibration (all gears, different RPM) and the bad front brake. I think the bike may have not been cleaned well (front rotor may have had shipping oil on it?). I wouldn't have been able to stop if someone had pulled out in front of me so I took the bike back to the dealer. Does the dealer remove some shipping bolts from the engine? The reason I ask, it felt like the engine was bolted to the frame the way they use to be. I know they have been rubber mounted since 2004, but this didn't feel like it. I mean the handlebars really shook at certain RPM. Have they cut back on quality in the bad economy or do you think this was just one bike? I would have bought it if not for the vibration and front brake. I mentioned my concerns to the salesman and he shrugged his shoulders.
What surprised me was the vibration (all gears, different RPM) and the bad front brake. I think the bike may have not been cleaned well (front rotor may have had shipping oil on it?). I wouldn't have been able to stop if someone had pulled out in front of me so I took the bike back to the dealer. Does the dealer remove some shipping bolts from the engine? The reason I ask, it felt like the engine was bolted to the frame the way they use to be. I know they have been rubber mounted since 2004, but this didn't feel like it. I mean the handlebars really shook at certain RPM. Have they cut back on quality in the bad economy or do you think this was just one bike? I would have bought it if not for the vibration and front brake. I mentioned my concerns to the salesman and he shrugged his shoulders.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 362
From: Mansfield Texas
Mine had the buzz/vibration around 65-70mph, I just did the HD Stage1 download two weeks ago and it smoothed things out ( I have pipes and High Flow A/C also) now I can see out of my mirrors at highway speeds.
Taller gearing will help like the 1200 front sprocket change, but yes it is the nature of the 883, it is geared lower to compensate for the HP.
Taller gearing will help like the 1200 front sprocket change, but yes it is the nature of the 883, it is geared lower to compensate for the HP.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Marana, Arizona
I converted my Iron to 1200 and I get that buzz like crazy throughout all speeds within certain RPMs. You have to pick the right speed to gear. It's all from gearing. It gets on my nerves a bit, and I thought of gearing to the 1200 specs, but I love the grunt of the tighter gearing.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 622
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Canada
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Mar 14, 2005 04:55 PM
