Looking towards the future here. I currently have an '07 sportster 1200, with sort of a stage 1. I think in the next year or so, I would like a touring model, an ultra I am pretty sure, for the storage and conveniences for 2 up riding. Problem is, currently have no idea of budget, but will guess 10K or less. Hopefully more, but realistically prob not.

Question is touring models in that range, how will they compare to the sporty? I am assuming the comfort will be vastly improved, but I wonder about a bike 200lbs heavier and only 200cc or so bigger. So what would I expect?

Would be nice if someone has a 1200 to cross compare with. Appreciate any info.

 

96” or 103” with cams will have plenty of power for loaded down two up riding.

I’m currently on an 09 RK with a Tour Pak. It’s a Stage 1 with 48 cams and a 2:1 Exhaust. I can pack it and add the wife and have no issues climbing hills. The big twins are Torque monsters and respond very well to upgrades.

 

Not sure how much cash I would end up being able to upgrade with. Is there any way to know for sure what has been done to one?

 

I started on an ‘04 1200 custom that was very similar to what you have. In my opinion the touring bike is better in every way except when you have to push it into the garage. For your budget you most likely will end up with a 96”. With a stage one but stock engine my Streetglide pulls as hard on the bottom end as my Sportster did but has more top end. I don’t know if it handles better but it feels more secure in the corners so I prefer it. When leaned over in a fast corner the Streetglide ignores bumps and rocks that would make the Sportster skip. But the first long ride with a fairing, six speed, cruise control, wide seat and floor boards and you won’t want anything else. Oh, and if you get one new enough to have Brembo brakes it will be a huge improvement.

 

Hopefully the seller would have receipts of internal mods... Exhaust and Stage 1 air are visible.

 

Cncmike

Thanks for the info, when did the 96" come into play? A relative held out for the 103", is it a better engine or just more power? What year is your glide?
23seven
Good points thanks.

 

There is glut of used touring bikes on the market. You shouldn't have any problems finding one with a 96 and probably a 103 in the $10K range. The new models come out in about a month. That makes the bikes on the market now a model year older. Keep your eyes open and you can definitely find one.

 

96" and 6spd started in 07. In that era, you should have no trouble with right around 10k. Just keep your eyes open. 09+ opens up many more options for customization.

The factory 103 brings only a larger bore and ACR's. If you get into a Rushmore bike (pretty certainly out of budget, 2014+) they have a more aggressive cam profile.

A guy I work with swears that the 1200 Sporty's are 'rocketships', but he also rides a dead stock 88" Road King. I dunno.

 

Well I doubt compared to many of the jap bikes but my 1200 that is pretty stock sure pulls. It is plenty quick enough for me. I just don't want to end up with a touring model that has to go up big grades in 3rd or 4th gear when loaded. On curvy roads its understood, you (me) can only go so fast around curves so a gear change becomes inevitable.

On sportys everyone says don't lug the motor, and also say no worries on big twins, true or not? Will probably be a whole different style of riding.

The wife surprised me the other day when she said I know you want a bigger bike for us to ride on but I think when you do, you ought to keep the sportster , since you always wanted one.

 

Lol compared to the Beetle, the Kharman Ghia was a sports car too.