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2008 1200 custom questions

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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 12:48 PM
  #1  
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Default 2008 1200 custom questions

I am a new rider and I have a few questions about my bike. I just purchased a 2008 1200 custom with 428 miles on it. The previous owner had back surgery and couldn't ride it. He bought it new and took good care of it. He also had the dealership put a sundowner seat with a backrest and a luggage rack when he bought it.
The Harley Dealership here in Baltimore did the inspection on the bike and changed the oil. All is fine and it is basically new.

Yesterday I went on a long road trip about 200 miles, with a couple of guys I met at the Rider's Edge course I took and a coupe of experienced riders as well.

Today, my hands are sore and stiff and numb. ( the ride was actually too long for me given my very limited experience) but it was a great time.

My questions are 1. How long will it take to break the bike in? 2. I really want to put the original seat back on it because the sundowner seat with the backpad and luggage rack looks so bulky and I'm in no position to ride two up. Will I loose a significant amount of comfort if I put the stock seat back on? ( today my *** is sore anyway)
3. The owners manual says to shift from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph, 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph, 3rd to 4th at 35 mph, and 4th to 5th at 45 mph. At those speeds the engine feels like it is bogged down in every gear. It seem totally off to me, can you please advise.

Thank you to anyone who is kind enough to reply. ( I realize that was a lot)
 
Old Aug 13, 2012 | 01:59 PM
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:07 AM
  #3  
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Originally Posted by RGalla2340
I am a new rider and I have a few questions about my bike. I just purchased a 2008 1200 custom with 428 miles on it. The previous owner had back surgery and couldn't ride it. He bought it new and took good care of it. He also had the dealership put a sundowner seat with a backrest and a luggage rack when he bought it.
The Harley Dealership here in Baltimore did the inspection on the bike and changed the oil. All is fine and it is basically new.

Yesterday I went on a long road trip about 200 miles, with a couple of guys I met at the Rider's Edge course I took and a coupe of experienced riders as well.

Today, my hands are sore and stiff and numb. ( the ride was actually too long for me given my very limited experience) but it was a great time.

My questions are 1. How long will it take to break the bike in? 2. I really want to put the original seat back on it because the sundowner seat with the backpad and luggage rack looks so bulky and I'm in no position to ride two up. Will I loose a significant amount of comfort if I put the stock seat back on? ( today my *** is sore anyway)
3. The owners manual says to shift from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph, 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph, 3rd to 4th at 35 mph, and 4th to 5th at 45 mph. At those speeds the engine feels like it is bogged down in every gear. It seem totally off to me, can you please advise.

Thank you to anyone who is kind enough to reply. ( I realize that was a lot)
1. Not too familar with break in period of your bike. You can always call the dealer. 2. Usually a quality aftermarket seat will be more comfortable than stock especially if designed for touring. If it is for looks then maybe less comfortable. It may be bulky but as a rule of thumb the thinner the seat the less padding. Although if it is designed correctly the aftermarket seats can be as comfortable or more and thinner. For example C&C seats. Super comfort and great looks.
3. Engine should not seemed bogged down. Just shift when it feels right. Bogging down an engine can be just as bad as over reving an engine. Just get the happy medium and you will be fine.
 
Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:09 AM
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Welcome to the HD Forum from the sunny shores of SoCal.
 
Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:23 AM
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Welcome from sunny SoCal
 
Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:24 AM
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:52 AM
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Welcome to the forum.
 
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