Thanks for such an enthusiastic endorsement of my new bike, bro! Just bought a 2013 Sportster 1200 Custom and looking forward to riding it for the first time tomorrow morning. Traded in my 1996 Honda Magna to buy it, and that was the best bike I've ever owned. At least so far! I have a feeling this 1200 C is going to be very special and just my style of bike.
I’ve got an 06 Custom and id ride it cross country no problem. Without any windshield or faring at highway speeds you can feel the wind more, but your body adapts. Gas mileage is great too.
My second bike and first HD is the 06 Harley Sportster XL-1200C… Does the highway just fine.. Loves 75… even at 80 if you twist the throttle it’s first response is to just take off.. Love the bike.
I bought a larger drive gear and a speedo corrector from Cruise Your Sportster. It drops the highway rpm about 600 rpm. But you will lose some of your quick acceleration though. I moto camp with mine all over western Canada , Yukon, Alaska and the north west territories. Its a 2006 roadster. I have even done the iron butt on this thing. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Love my 2011 1200 custom. I can poke around or throw it down curvy roads, interstate is fine below 100 mph but she catches alot of air above that. 2 or 3 hour rides are great but anything longer I notice I fatigue and I'm only pushing 50. Best all around bike I've ever owned, 37,000 miles and still a brute.
Rode a 250 for the first time and then bought a 06 a week later. Rode it from where I bought it for about an hour. It gave me a lot of confidence, and it definitely can creep on you as far as speed. Didn’t realize hour much power the custom was about. Love it tho.
Yes, a 1200 Sportster is ready for the highway. I toured on one for 10years, all over the western U.S. Not as comfortable as a touring bike, but it can & will. You WILL be tired & sore after 500 miles.
I have a 2013 1200 custom...I upgraded to progressive shocks and a HD sundowner seat the bike is super comfortable...I ride it on short rides and long with no problem...the only thing you give up is six speed for a five speed...I also staged the bike up with exhaust a bigger intake and a performance chip it added eleven horse power and a bunch more torque...the bike has plenty of power and is a blast for short adrenaline rides and long cruises too...great all around bike that cruises really well and is very nimble as well...✌
Not sure what is wrong with the 5 speed? Gears seem happily spaced and 5th gear feels appropriate to me.. 75ish is happy and will easily cruise 80-85 if ya like…. Not sure a 6th gear would be added up top as they generally gear it for engine power and RPM available … 6th would actually be more likely squished in with 234 between 1 and 5(which would become 6).. My custom has the 4.5 gallon tank
Last summer I bought my 2008 1200 Roadster and rode it the 4 hours back to my house only stopping for gas. It did well in all conditions (wind, heat, rain, and even some hail!) and at all speeds (some may have been in excess of the 80 mph speed limit but I admit to nothing).
I have a 1200 and an 883. I've ridden the 883 over 700 miles in one day for 13 hours averaging 80 mph. So I'd say, yeah, a Sportster can handle the highway.
@@gibsonhd3950 When I did that ride I had a 4.5 gal tank installed so I was getting around 140 miles when the gas light would come on. Although on that ride I was stopping around every 100 miles for gas and to stretch my legs. My 3.3 gal tank light usually comes on around 110 miles.
Only thing not ideal on my 2015 1200c is the short rear suspension travel. It sits low and can be a touch rough. Haveing said that, I rode it 500 mile home from purchase in nearest city. (it runs all day smooth and happy @ 80-85mph) Couple months down the road and it's still the only issue i have with it. @60yrs im not chasing tyre shredding torque or arm stretching top end, ( it'll still smoke out of corners in second and roll over the 200kph mark) but id not hesitate to ride it across Aussie. Might change the rear shocks for a bit more travel but thats about it.
Third party shocks can make a big difference. I went with Progressive 444s on my 2007 Sportster Custom and it's much better, especially two-up. Like you, at over 60 I'm not looking for a crotch rocket and the Sporty has been a great bike over 110,000kms
@@sinkandrelax Yeah my sons 2011 nightster has about 2 inches more travel than mine. Dunno if theyre stock item but that would be much easyer on the back. Even with his 115kg to my 80 he rides a lot easyer and softer. Roads here in Country Aus aint real smooth. (Lotta trucks.) Definitely need to look around for a bit of extra.
@@colb9916 if you replace the shocks, don’t go shorter than the stock ones - just better. Also, get an AirHawk seat cushion, it’s amazing how much more comfortable it can make even a stock seat.
@@sinkandrelax oh def not going shorter, Its only got about 2 inches travel as is. Needs a couple more. As for seat. The one on it is plenty comfy. Only after a couple hrs non stop does it get a lil off. Then I just drop my heels over the pegs for a while and changes the way my weight sits on it.
A very interesting review, MM! Cruising at twice the Max speed of my, (and yours), Honda Rebel 250! A real "Old School" bike, the Harley Sportster! I would think twice about travelling 1500 miles to Sturgis on a custom Sportster, more suited to a big touring Road King bagger! But for sheer fun, you can't beat a Sporty!. Take care MM!
Enjoy the adventure. I’m 64 and 100 lbs heavier than you. No problem on the interstate. Always had a bike. ‘76 Yamaha RD400 from Sonoma Ca to San Antonio TX where they chopped off all of my hair at Lackland AFB. Any 1200 from 04 onwards is fine for solo. 03 and earlier might make you hands numb but chug along just fine.
ive owned a lot of bikes and my sportster was the most comfortable. It was the only Harley ive owned but it was comfy. My bonneville was not - i would get a sore back after 1 hour
Don’t know what problem you US guys have… A 883 has a topspeed of 100mph and a 1200 of 115mph (190km/h) all speeds where I would lose my license in your country in a heartbeat! I cruise my 1200 on the German Autobahn between 160km/h and 180km/h with a big windshield and have absolutely no problem…
Spot on have a 883 C model in Australia done few 1ooo mile trips no problem,stock seat was rubbish ,yanks all are strange ,bang on about horsepower n ride like 7o mph is fast LoL
Top @190? whats holding it back? Mine'll roll over the 210 and still wanna run. (Havnt pushed it up past there since I dropped the limiter to 6500 from 7250) OFC the open road speed limit here in Aussie is 110 kms, so thats a lil quick for the sheriff.
Bro... why you no premium? Harley recommends at least 91 or above octane for it's high compression engines ( 10-1 comp ratio) I have an 05 carbed xl1200c and have always wondered if I should just run 87
I've owned mine as my 2nd bike for a few months now, I recommend just "sending it" onto the highway. 30 minutes on the highway with some headphones under the helmet, you figure it out
@@brickvision8858 thanks. I've been doing that now daily for last week. 25-30 miles everyday on the highway and the engine seems to be flexing it's muscles as my own confidence grows. Hate the wind buffeting though. Terrifying for new rider
is this motorcycle sell like "Sportster" in the USA? I ask this because in Mexico it is selling like "H-D 1200 Custom" without the "Sportster" tag.. or is this another one? look pretty the same both
Have an 04 Custom 1200 and ride it all day long with 100mph (160km/h) on German Autobahn… it tops out at 190km/h (gps) - so why all you US bikers with your speed limits feel a Sportster can’t do the highway? Get a windshield and keep the throttle wiiiiiide open and a Sportster will run all day with 5-6000rpm!
@@joogullae3456 Im 6.2, Mids are a bit close for my likeing. Even the 4wards are a touch short for Realy comfy, long rides, but I can drop my heels over the pegs to get that extra couple inches.
I've got an 06 1200 custom. It's completely stock, I ride with my wife passenger quite often. We are probably around 360-370 pounds together and on the highway it does real well. Feels really steady and all the power you need is there. I can pass going 70 no problem. Don't even need to drop to 4th gear either it'll do it in 5th no problem. One thing I will say is the shocks could definitely be better at times, but me and my wife with everything we carry are closing in on the bikes weight limit.
@@samsmith8870 if that's a big concern for you you're better off looking at other bikes. The sportster can do it, the sportster custom or T models definitely do 2 up better than other sportsters but don't expect to take super long or cross state/country trips on it without serious fatigue.
Thanks for such an enthusiastic endorsement of my new bike, bro! Just bought a 2013 Sportster 1200 Custom and looking forward to riding it for the first time tomorrow morning. Traded in my 1996 Honda Magna to buy it, and that was the best bike I've ever owned. At least so far! I have a feeling this 1200 C is going to be very special and just my style of bike.
I’ve got an 06 Custom and id ride it cross country no problem. Without any windshield or faring at highway speeds you can feel the wind more, but your body adapts. Gas mileage is great too.
i can't ride with fearing at highway speeds, so I have to drink.
@@johnhess351 lol, I fixed it. It says faring now.
You made, "...you can feel it" sound like a bad thing. This is why we ride Harleys brother.
My second bike and first HD is the 06 Harley Sportster XL-1200C… Does the highway just fine.. Loves 75… even at 80 if you twist the throttle it’s first response is to just take off.. Love the bike.
My 1200 Evo. Is a ripride, love it. 2011 black n grey
absolutely, the 1200 sportster can do hiway allll day
I bought a larger drive gear and a speedo corrector from Cruise Your Sportster. It drops the highway rpm about 600 rpm. But you will lose some of your quick acceleration though. I moto camp with mine all over western Canada , Yukon, Alaska and the north west territories. Its a 2006 roadster. I have even done the iron butt on this thing. I wouldn't
trade it for anything!
Love my 2011 1200 custom. I can poke around or throw it down curvy roads, interstate is fine below 100 mph but she catches alot of air above that. 2 or 3 hour rides are great but anything longer I notice I fatigue and I'm only pushing 50. Best all around bike I've ever owned, 37,000 miles and still a brute.
Thankyou
How shaky is it and how's the vibration at 75+?
Rode a 250 for the first time and then bought a 06 a week later. Rode it from where I bought it for about an hour. It gave me a lot of confidence, and it definitely can creep on you as far as speed. Didn’t realize hour much power the custom was about. Love it tho.
Yes, a 1200 Sportster is ready for the highway. I toured on one for 10years, all over the western U.S. Not as comfortable as a touring bike, but it can & will. You WILL be tired & sore after 500 miles.
I have a 2013 1200 custom...I upgraded to progressive shocks and a HD sundowner seat the bike is super comfortable...I ride it on short rides and long with no problem...the only thing you give up is six speed for a five speed...I also staged the bike up with exhaust a bigger intake and a performance chip it added eleven horse power and a bunch more torque...the bike has plenty of power and is a blast for short adrenaline rides and long cruises too...great all around bike that cruises really well and is very nimble as well...✌
Custom should come with 6 speeds and. 45 gallon tank...
Not sure what is wrong with the 5 speed? Gears seem happily spaced and 5th gear feels appropriate to me.. 75ish is happy and will easily cruise 80-85 if ya like…. Not sure a 6th gear would be added up top as they generally gear it for engine power and RPM available … 6th would actually be more likely squished in with 234 between 1 and 5(which would become 6)..
My custom has the 4.5 gallon tank
Love my XL 1200 Sporty!
Last summer I bought my 2008 1200 Roadster and rode it the 4 hours back to my house only stopping for gas. It did well in all conditions (wind, heat, rain, and even some hail!) and at all speeds (some may have been in excess of the 80 mph speed limit but I admit to nothing).
I have a 1200 and an 883. I've ridden the 883 over 700 miles in one day for 13 hours averaging 80 mph. So I'd say, yeah, a Sportster can handle the highway.
How many miles does your Harley Sportster fill up the tank?
@@gibsonhd3950 When I did that ride I had a 4.5 gal tank installed so I was getting around 140 miles when the gas light would come on. Although on that ride I was stopping around every 100 miles for gas and to stretch my legs. My 3.3 gal tank light usually comes on around 110 miles.
I knew the answer was yes before i started watching, i see way less handle the hwy! Nice bars dude 👌
Only thing not ideal on my 2015 1200c is the short rear suspension travel. It sits low and can be a touch rough.
Haveing said that, I rode it 500 mile home from purchase in nearest city. (it runs all day smooth and happy @ 80-85mph)
Couple months down the road and it's still the only issue i have with it.
@60yrs im not chasing tyre shredding torque or arm stretching top end, ( it'll still smoke out of corners in second and roll over the 200kph mark) but id not hesitate to ride it across Aussie.
Might change the rear shocks for a bit more travel but thats about it.
Third party shocks can make a big difference. I went with Progressive 444s on my 2007 Sportster Custom and it's much better, especially two-up. Like you, at over 60 I'm not looking for a crotch rocket and the Sporty has been a great bike over 110,000kms
@@sinkandrelax Yeah my sons 2011 nightster has about 2 inches more travel than mine. Dunno if theyre stock item but that would be much easyer on the back. Even with his 115kg to my 80 he rides a lot easyer and softer.
Roads here in Country Aus aint real smooth. (Lotta trucks.)
Definitely need to look around for a bit of extra.
@@colb9916 if you replace the shocks, don’t go shorter than the stock ones - just better. Also, get an AirHawk seat cushion, it’s amazing how much more comfortable it can make even a stock seat.
@@sinkandrelax oh def not going shorter, Its only got about 2 inches travel as is. Needs a couple more.
As for seat. The one on it is plenty comfy. Only after a couple hrs non stop does it get a lil off. Then I just drop my heels over the pegs for a while and changes the way my weight sits on it.
I got the sportster 1200t for touring and it does just that .
It was made for the highway Einstein!
A very interesting review, MM! Cruising at twice the Max speed of my, (and yours), Honda Rebel 250! A real "Old School" bike, the Harley Sportster! I would think twice about travelling 1500 miles to Sturgis on a custom Sportster, more suited to a big touring Road King bagger! But for sheer fun, you can't beat a Sporty!. Take care MM!
I cruise at 90mph on i95 problem on my 2004 sportster 1200 with no problems. I get about 140 miles out of a 4.2g tank. 125 miles round trip to work
How many miles does your Harley Sportster fill up the tank?
175miles out of a tank running the reserve, I probably could go further if I rebuilt the carb
Enjoy the adventure. I’m 64 and 100 lbs heavier than you. No problem on the interstate. Always had a bike. ‘76 Yamaha RD400 from Sonoma Ca to San Antonio TX where they chopped off all of my hair at Lackland AFB. Any 1200 from 04 onwards is fine for solo. 03 and earlier might make you hands numb but chug along just fine.
After long trips change the oil. I use hood oil
Ethanol eats aluminum so yes always choose non ethanol. Also look at engine cleaners from vp and use on each oil change.
77 ironhead i had only had 4 gears. It was screaming on highway.
Cruised 80-90mph speeds for an hour and 20 minutes back home after I got mine
How many miles does your Harley Sportster fill up the tank?
The Sporster can handle the highway. Whether or not the rider can is questionable.
ive owned a lot of bikes and my sportster was the most comfortable. It was the only Harley ive owned but it was comfy. My bonneville was not - i would get a sore back after 1 hour
Don’t know what problem you US guys have…
A 883 has a topspeed of 100mph and a 1200 of 115mph (190km/h) all speeds where I would lose my license in your country in a heartbeat!
I cruise my 1200 on the German Autobahn between 160km/h and 180km/h with a big windshield and have absolutely no problem…
Spot on have a 883 C model in Australia done few 1ooo mile trips no problem,stock seat was rubbish ,yanks all are strange ,bang on about horsepower n ride like 7o mph is fast LoL
Top @190? whats holding it back?
Mine'll roll over the 210 and still wanna run. (Havnt pushed it up past there since I dropped the limiter to 6500 from 7250)
OFC the open road speed limit here in Aussie is 110 kms, so thats a lil quick for the sheriff.
I’m 320lbs and rode my buddies sportster 1200 nightster on the highway did 95mph just fine 😅
What handlebars and size you got on the bike? Great vid..
12 inch narrow apes from tc bros
@@MahaffeyMoto stock cables?
Easily. I've got a 883c, used it for commuting for years, easily holds 65-80+ all day. 40,000miles and counting.
Bro... why you no premium? Harley recommends at least 91 or above octane for it's high compression engines ( 10-1 comp ratio) I have an 05 carbed xl1200c and have always wondered if I should just run 87
I’ve ran 87 for 2 years and had no issues
@@MahaffeyMoto interesting.... thanks for the reply!
@@richhozzy480 91+ is what you should be running. 93 if you got it.
Sportsters take nearly anything that burns ….
There must be something wrong with my 2002 1200c because at 70 it feels like it's straining it.
All sportsters scream on the highway and you can ride them long long distances. I do it all the time and I have the SNS 1250 hooligan kit
70 ain't sh!t. I cruised from Ocean city 2.5 hrs at 80 and 85mph.
I struggle to take mine beyond 55 mph but that might be due to my own new rider limitations
I've owned mine as my 2nd bike for a few months now, I recommend just "sending it" onto the highway. 30 minutes on the highway with some headphones under the helmet, you figure it out
@@brickvision8858 thanks. I've been doing that now daily for last week. 25-30 miles everyday on the highway and the engine seems to be flexing it's muscles as my own confidence grows. Hate the wind buffeting though. Terrifying for new rider
is this motorcycle sell like "Sportster" in the USA? I ask this because in Mexico it is selling like "H-D 1200 Custom" without the "Sportster" tag.. or is this another one? look pretty the same both
Its the same motorcycle a 1200 custom is a type of sportster
Sweet bike bro what's the acceleration like
I’ve never actually figured any number but it’s quick for a cruiser
@@MahaffeyMoto what height does a person have to be to reach those handle bars
@@uuelhempkin8640 I’m 5’7 and I have 10 inch bars. I wish they were a little shorter but the bike definitely works for me.
@@MahaffeyMoto anymore videos of the harley sporster coming out soon
How many miles does your Harley Sportster fill up the tank?
Mine gets constantly 45mpg average.
Have an 04 Custom 1200 and ride it all day long with 100mph (160km/h) on German Autobahn… it tops out at 190km/h (gps) - so why all you US bikers with your speed limits feel a Sportster can’t do the highway?
Get a windshield and keep the throttle wiiiiiide open and a Sportster will run all day with 5-6000rpm!
I’m 5’7 Will the forward controls bother me reach wise
No you will be fine. I'm 5'9 and my knees are bent with my feet on the forward controls.
I had forward controls on my custom and I'm the same height. No problem. Mid controks are much more comfortable though.
@@joogullae3456 Im 6.2, Mids are a bit close for my likeing.
Even the 4wards are a touch short for Realy comfy, long rides, but I can drop my heels over the pegs to get that extra couple inches.
People have this stupid misconception of the HD Sporster that it can't handle highway speeds when it has no (0) problem cruising 72mph.
How well does it do with a passenger?
I haven't rode with a passenger on it yet
I've got an 06 1200 custom. It's completely stock, I ride with my wife passenger quite often. We are probably around 360-370 pounds together and on the highway it does real well. Feels really steady and all the power you need is there. I can pass going 70 no problem. Don't even need to drop to 4th gear either it'll do it in 5th no problem. One thing I will say is the shocks could definitely be better at times, but me and my wife with everything we carry are closing in on the bikes weight limit.
I’m 185 my girl is 140 + 25 lb pack on the sissy bar. My 02 1200C stage 1 handles it no problem. Still gets 45 mpg
@@Presence_of_Mind_ I've heard from a bunch of people that Sportsters suck with passengers. I just want a smooth ride for my lady friends lol
@@samsmith8870 if that's a big concern for you you're better off looking at other bikes. The sportster can do it, the sportster custom or T models definitely do 2 up better than other sportsters but don't expect to take super long or cross state/country trips on it without serious fatigue.
i got a 95'' i had it up 2 120 mph no problem
Non ethanol is 1000% better than premium unleaded. The best thing to do is get non ethanol and add an octane booster!
Where i live 91 doesn't have ethanol only 87 and 89 do.
The biggest disadvantage is two people, can be very uncomfortable, particularly for the passengers, so I’ve read.
Non ethanol is the best to run
I only like to cruise 100 mph is to fast to enjoy the ride
1:06 dude just turn left on a wrong hand??
A 125cc will run on a highway. Of course a 1.2 litre motorcycle can run on a highway lol
of course this bike can handle the highway, shit my vespa 250cc could, also my sportster 883
Keep it under thirty five hundred rpm.
Umm, Why?
Its just sitting up on the cam there. Let it run.
ya i dont agree with alot of what your saying,and the way you shift is really annoying.