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Apr 22, 2012 | 03:51 PM

#11

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Harley used to sell a version of the Sporty called Hugger, aimed unashamedly at lady riders. Then the neurotic equality lot got up in arms about that so eventually we get to the Low and SuperLow. My SuperLow is now a Super-not-so-Low, because I raised it to improve the ride quality.

That is a long-winded way of getting around to saying that I couldn't commute on mine every day, that would be too much, especially as I have options in the same garage. If 'your' 1200 is a tall version, rather than a custom model it may be better. But we all have our threshold of comfort and on my SL that is around 50 miles. Not 250+ each week!

Apr 22, 2012 | 05:29 PM

#12

SportyPig

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 6,478

Likes: 12

From: Nashville, TN

Oh the other hand.....I'm sitting at a local bar. I decided to ride the Ultra Classic today. About 30 minutes ago, a guy said, or you're on the big bike today. Where is the fun bike???

Go figure.

Apr 23, 2012 | 07:58 PM

#13

Imold

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 27,097

Likes: 4,676

From: Frozelandia, Minnysota

I have an 883, probably one of my better commuter capable bikes, but until the late 70's, that's not saying much. I would expect it to be more comfortable than your Suzuki, but less long distance comfort than the Honda. Mine is an '00 883, meaning carb and solid mount engine; the '07 will be fuel injection and isolation mounted engine - that's a biggie, my '00 vibrates bad enough a little over 60 that I'm resigned to 60 mph max cruise so my hands don't tingle. Slow traffic means a lot of clutch slipping on mine, using only throttle produces a lot of lurching, geared pretty tall. Both your other bikes are probably faster than the sportster will be. I think sportster stock seats are from terrible to mildly uncomfortable at best; that's not a big issue, so many comfortable after market seats available; I have a very comfortable one. Good thing about getting a used sportster, it's the lowest cost Harley; if it doesn't work out for you, should be able to sell it without losing much, if any. I don't intend to get rid of mine unless I get one I like better.

Apr 24, 2012 | 04:14 PM

#14

fkehoe

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: ny

thats what i love, all of the aftermarket things i can add.

and by the way....can i swap the skinny front wheel with a new wide wheel?

Last edited by fkehoe; Apr 24, 2012 at 04:16 PM.

Apr 24, 2012 | 04:14 PM

#15

fkehoe

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: ny

thanx all for the replies. and yes, thats what im looking for a fun bike.

Apr 24, 2012 | 05:43 PM

#16

SportyPig

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 6,478

Likes: 12

From: Nashville, TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkehoe

thats what i love, all of the aftermarket things i can add.

and by the way....can i swap the skinny front wheel with a new wide wheel?

Yes you can, and that's a very good idea. If you go with the 19 inch wheel, the front tire will last twice as long.

Apr 24, 2012 | 07:01 PM

#17

fkehoe

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: ny

thats good, cause i want a fatter tire and an alloy rim. not a big fan of spokes.

Apr 24, 2012 | 07:19 PM

#18

Imold

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 27,097

Likes: 4,676

From: Frozelandia, Minnysota

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkehoe

thats what i love, all of the aftermarket things i can add.

and by the way....can i swap the skinny front wheel with a new wide wheel?

Sure, but when you see wheel prices, might change your mind.

This may sound intimidating, but there's plenty of info here in the forum, and a lot more if you google, and you can probably get info from the dealer that has the wheel you'd want. Sportsters don't have real wide forks, so there's limit's (you can, and a lot of guys have, use wider forks from a larger Harley, not too expensive on ebay), including fender clearance and mounting the brake caliper. There are different size axles and a variety of washers to center the wheel. You'd want to do your research and have all that figured out before buying any parts.

You might find these two threads interesting, sportster modified rebuilds, both with wide front tires, and the second one does a wide glide front end conversion too.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...e-for-now.html

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-makeover.html

You might get some ideas from them, too. Have fun.