New Guy with Questions ...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
New Guy with Questions ...
So both my wife and I decided that I should look into getting a bike next spring, it will be my first motorcycle (of any kind actually), but I'm pretty much set on the 1200 Custom so far.
Both of us prefer using bicycles over cars (well I drive a truck) to get around, and a motorcycle seems like a natural progression so we can take farther and longer trips.
I was wondering, other then getting the "Sissy Bar" and pad for the wife in the back as most of our trips will be at least 150mi/250km (at least that is the current plan, longer distance rides, very little city riding), any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Dimitri
Both of us prefer using bicycles over cars (well I drive a truck) to get around, and a motorcycle seems like a natural progression so we can take farther and longer trips.
I was wondering, other then getting the "Sissy Bar" and pad for the wife in the back as most of our trips will be at least 150mi/250km (at least that is the current plan, longer distance rides, very little city riding), any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Dimitri
So both my wife and I decided that I should look into getting a bike next spring, it will be my first motorcycle (of any kind actually), but I'm pretty much set on the 1200 Custom so far.
Both of us prefer using bicycles over cars (well I drive a truck) to get around, and a motorcycle seems like a natural progression so we can take farther and longer trips.
I was wondering, other then getting the "Sissy Bar" and pad for the wife in the back as most of our trips will be at least 150mi/250km (at least that is the current plan, longer distance rides, very little city riding), any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Dimitri
Both of us prefer using bicycles over cars (well I drive a truck) to get around, and a motorcycle seems like a natural progression so we can take farther and longer trips.
I was wondering, other then getting the "Sissy Bar" and pad for the wife in the back as most of our trips will be at least 150mi/250km (at least that is the current plan, longer distance rides, very little city riding), any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Dimitri
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 944
Likes: 2
From: Ct
Well a sporty is a nice bike and you can tour on it, although if you are saying that is what you plan to do with it mostly I might suggest you loo at a touring bike.
A touring bike will give you a better more comfortable ride and is made for hauling two people around.
A sporty although it can do it wont be nearly as comfy, has a smaller motor so it has to work a lot harder and isnt as big.
Anyway I would at least look at a road king, or a soft tail if you are intimidated by the larger touring bikes like the road glide, street glide or ultra classic.
a sporty isnt the best choice for two people to ride on on 250 mile trips.
Just my opinion.
The year I got my Road King in 2004 my wife and i had more fun that ever with all the trips we took.
if it is a matter of budget then maybe look at a used touring bike.
It is just that if you get the sporty you might find you need a bigger bike after only a few rides.
Just my 2 cents
a sporty is meant to take solo trips, shorter blasts, etc.. not really suited for those long day trips
Lump
A touring bike will give you a better more comfortable ride and is made for hauling two people around.
A sporty although it can do it wont be nearly as comfy, has a smaller motor so it has to work a lot harder and isnt as big.
Anyway I would at least look at a road king, or a soft tail if you are intimidated by the larger touring bikes like the road glide, street glide or ultra classic.
a sporty isnt the best choice for two people to ride on on 250 mile trips.
Just my opinion.
The year I got my Road King in 2004 my wife and i had more fun that ever with all the trips we took.
if it is a matter of budget then maybe look at a used touring bike.
It is just that if you get the sporty you might find you need a bigger bike after only a few rides.
Just my 2 cents
a sporty is meant to take solo trips, shorter blasts, etc.. not really suited for those long day trips
Lump
Last edited by lumper; Oct 2, 2012 at 11:09 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Most of my buddies who ride, all have sports bikes, and most of them have half the displacement of the 1200 (I've ridden a buddies Suzuki GSX with its 600cc engine, it felt like it had plenty of power to push me along any ways).
Dimitri
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
The Sportster 1200 has plenty of power but it's a hot rod and not the right tool for the job you are describing, a touring bike is designed for longer two up trips and will suit your purposes better.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
Wonderful :-) just make sure you don't get something too bulky since you said it's gonna be your first motorcycle!
Apples and oranges. A CBR600 for example, will smoke a 1200cc sportster any day anywhere. I used to own one.
That said, we rode my sportster 400+ miles 2-up on the last labor day weekend, with 2 stretches of about 140 miles, stopping for gas only. She said the ride was comfortable and stable. It was her first long ride and she enjoyed it. My bike has a 30T transmission pulley, a sundowner seat and 13.5" shocks that give plenty of suspension travel. Everything else is stock.
HTH.
That said, we rode my sportster 400+ miles 2-up on the last labor day weekend, with 2 stretches of about 140 miles, stopping for gas only. She said the ride was comfortable and stable. It was her first long ride and she enjoyed it. My bike has a 30T transmission pulley, a sundowner seat and 13.5" shocks that give plenty of suspension travel. Everything else is stock.
HTH.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 29
From: England
I know people who have been all over Europe on a Sportster, just get one and ride it if thats what you want, you can always change it to suite you and your other half more, to be honest if you both big people then it may not be for you, but if you buy one and find it isnt, you not really going to lose money if you sell it to get something bigger.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 568
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From: New Jersey Somerset
100% agreed, Honda gold wing is a good crusier
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 235
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
I think the sporty will suit you if you take some of the advice you are getting here. I agree that the bike has plenty of power and is also very easy to ride, two things I think will serve you well.
I agree that if you are going two up frequently, and even if you are not, sissy bar/pad, maybe upgrade the seat. AND, upgrade your suspension. I would also suggest upgrading foot pegs and grips and consider a windscreeen. Some or all of these upgrades will make your sporty a competent and comfortable cruiser.
I agree that if you are going two up frequently, and even if you are not, sissy bar/pad, maybe upgrade the seat. AND, upgrade your suspension. I would also suggest upgrading foot pegs and grips and consider a windscreeen. Some or all of these upgrades will make your sporty a competent and comfortable cruiser.