Call me crazy...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukee, WI
Call me crazy...
Call me crazy, but I am debating joining the dark side again. I traded in my Sporty last year for a Softail Slim. While the Slim is a great bike, I just miss riding the Sportster.
I had a 2009 1200C and logged just over 25,000 miles before I made the trade. The fat front end and improved brakes are two things I wish my 2009 Sporty had that the newer models now have.
Also, the 103 engine and 6 speed tranny have yet to impress me.
Has anyone else made the switch back to a Sportster after owning a big twin?
I had a 2009 1200C and logged just over 25,000 miles before I made the trade. The fat front end and improved brakes are two things I wish my 2009 Sporty had that the newer models now have.
Also, the 103 engine and 6 speed tranny have yet to impress me.
Has anyone else made the switch back to a Sportster after owning a big twin?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 725
Likes: 3
From: Hagerstown, MD
you must be crazy, the 103 has tons more power than the 1200 and I think the softtail only weighs maybe 50 pounds more than sportster. Plus the 103 has a deeper exhaust tone. Plus the 6 speed will do 130mph+ Don't do it!
Last edited by 06Sporty75; Jun 11, 2014 at 09:17 PM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Ft Lauderdale
After 11 sport bikes, I finally bought a Sportster 48...love the low seat, low bars (compared to most Harleys), and really love the forward pegs, and the Harley sound with V&H slipons is sweet...not to mention the looks; it always draws a crowd when it's parked.....I'm having a lot of fun running around with Harley friends...
But here's what I don't like: it's too heavy, it vibrates, you can't lean it at all or the pegs scrape (I put shorter pegs without the downward bend; a big help), the brakes are marginal (once you're used to dual 6-piston brakes on the front, anything else won't do), and the power....uh, what power? This this runs out of breath before 6000rpm....the Yamaha is just starting to take off at that rpm and will rip all the way to 12,000....fast? no, ****-in-your-pants scary fast.
But here's what I don't like: it's too heavy, it vibrates, you can't lean it at all or the pegs scrape (I put shorter pegs without the downward bend; a big help), the brakes are marginal (once you're used to dual 6-piston brakes on the front, anything else won't do), and the power....uh, what power? This this runs out of breath before 6000rpm....the Yamaha is just starting to take off at that rpm and will rip all the way to 12,000....fast? no, ****-in-your-pants scary fast.
Call me crazy, but I am debating joining the dark side again. I traded in my Sporty last year for a Softail Slim. While the Slim is a great bike, I just miss riding the Sportster.
I had a 2009 1200C and logged just over 25,000 miles before I made the trade. The fat front end and improved brakes are two things I wish my 2009 Sporty had that the newer models now have.
Also, the 103 engine and 6 speed tranny have yet to impress me.
Has anyone else made the switch back to a Sportster after owning a big twin?
I had a 2009 1200C and logged just over 25,000 miles before I made the trade. The fat front end and improved brakes are two things I wish my 2009 Sporty had that the newer models now have.
Also, the 103 engine and 6 speed tranny have yet to impress me.
Has anyone else made the switch back to a Sportster after owning a big twin?
For fun, adrenaline, and just a good time, the Sporty is the one I'll pick to ride.
Can't count how many guys have "upgraded" to a Twin Cam and wish they had never gotten rid of their Sporty.
Regarding acceleration and speed (in comparison to Twin Cams, not Sport Bikes)....a couple of weeks ago I was racing a 2014 Stage 1 Street Glide. We made 8 or 9 passes, from a rolling start, up to 95 mph, at no time was the Street Glide next to me or in front of me. Was still pulling away at 95 mph when we let up.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Impossible, theres even a BTr whos bike looks like everyone elses, that started a poll on here to prove it doesnt happen. Keep the BT and enjoy your mind numbing interstate rides.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
It actually comes down to personal choice, I have went up and down in models throughout the years, all models have good points and not so good points it really just depends on what You are looking for.
The Slim is a good bike and the 103 is nice, I had a Patriot 98ci which was basically a frame from another company and everything else Harley Davidson but I sold it to buy the Forty Eight, there are moments I miss the Patriot but there are far more moments I'm glad I made the switch, some friends don't really understand selling a more expensive bike for a less pricier one or for that matter stepping up only to step back down but there are a lot of factors I consider when buying a bike and the Forty Eight fit the tie and I am by far happier with it overall than the last one.
The Slim is a good bike and the 103 is nice, I had a Patriot 98ci which was basically a frame from another company and everything else Harley Davidson but I sold it to buy the Forty Eight, there are moments I miss the Patriot but there are far more moments I'm glad I made the switch, some friends don't really understand selling a more expensive bike for a less pricier one or for that matter stepping up only to step back down but there are a lot of factors I consider when buying a bike and the Forty Eight fit the tie and I am by far happier with it overall than the last one.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
Maybe not crazy.
Noting the difference in wheelbase and center of gravity;
just perhaps changing the softtail's footpeg placement and handlebar shape will bring you the riding enjoyment you are missing.
Noting the difference in wheelbase and center of gravity;
just perhaps changing the softtail's footpeg placement and handlebar shape will bring you the riding enjoyment you are missing.
