Prior to HD going public, Sportsters were among the most respected motorcycles made. Once HD had to concentrate on their stock market price, Sportsters were branded as “ beginners and girl’s bikes”. I believe the Sportster 1200 is the best value for one’s dollars. Reliable, oil tight and easy to maintain. Plus dealers every 50 miles, what’s not to love?
Rode an 883 Sportster all OVER the US for a few years after the Army. 8 HDs later...ever bigger...I did 2500 miles recently in 4 days on my M8 Limited....alone nowadays. Decided I wanted 'simple' back and traded for a 2008 Anniversary edition Sportster. A Saddleman Step up seat and some 12" bars for my 6'4" height and I'm SO happy. Light, agile, totally capable of anything I want to do on Long trips or bike camping and way more fun for all my normal riding. I also have much love for the EVO engines. They are just bulletproof and simple. I think now at 55... this may be my last bike. I spent a few years searching for my original 883 paint and model... but I like this 2008 as much as I remember I like that 1986 883. Should be good for my next 50 years of riding! 🙏🏍😜
I bought a 1999 XL1200C new in October 1998. That was the first year of forward controls on the Custom. I figured I would ride that until I could afford a Big Twin. I rode it for 24 years but not because I couldn't afford a big twin. I finally bought a 2013 Ultra Classic in 2021 but kept my Sportster for "around town". I didn't bond with the bagger so I traded it in on a 2020 Stage 2 Heritage Softail. After that it didn't make sense to keep the Sportster so I sold it. I've been kicking myself ever since. It may not have been as fast as the Softail but it was a part of me. It had almost 60,000 miles on it but it still looked new. The guy who bought it didn't even ride it. He looked at it and handed me the money. I like the Softail but I really miss my Sportster. It just fit.
I gave my son my 2007 Sportster when I got my 2011 Road King.......... I'm glad he got it so I can still ride it😁 Sometimes bigger ain't always better🙄
My 2005 standard Sporty 883 is perfect for my short arms and legs. The mid-controls put me into a perfect riding position very similar to that when I snow ski with my feet underneath my knees and my back upright with an arch in it. I can ride for hours in no pain at all from my herniated disc. With forward controls, I can only last about 30 minutes max. The 883 has shorter gears which is perfect for my mountain twisties. I know I'm in a minority here but I love the stock pipes and have no plans on changing them. The few things I've changed are not even visible: replaced the clutch spring plate (aka grenade plate) with stock plates, the vacuum petock with a Golan manual petcock and changed the crankcase vent to an external vent so the fumes don't go back into the engine. It runs perfectly, has plenty of power and handles great! I don't know why people want to compare it to a Big Twin. It was never meant to be one. H-D created it in 1957 to fight the Brit bikes that the veterans were bringing back from Europe. It was even styled after them with the shifter and brake positions, not to mention the fact that the engine displacement was measure in cc's and not inches. The Sportster save Harley-Davidson from bankrupty. The Sportster is an apple and the Big Twin is an orange. Both are good but they are not the same. And another thing, the Sporty (can't say the Big Twin has a sporty personality) has had the Evo engine since 1985. The Big Twin had another version of the Evo engine and dropped, much to the chagrin of many Big Twin owners who still say it was the best engine made for reliability: Evo 80 with 1340 cc's. Love my Sporty! Starts first time, every time, burns no oil and has no drips. What's not to like?
Stephen Burgess I also have a 2005 883, however mine has a k&n air cleaner, forward controls, and is straight piped. I honestly love it so much, everyone complains about it not having power but it has more than plenty. It’s got great torque too! It’s a great bike, I’ve loved every minute of riding it!
Sounds like a motorcycle should, feels like a motorcycle should, small enough to toss around a bit, but big enough to ride coast to coast. And it's carbureted, with brakes that are actually controlled by the rider. What more could anybody possibly want?
I bought a 05 Sportster 1200 custom new, I still own it. Screaming Eagle exhaust, and Screaming Eagle carb re-jetting kit and a Arlen Ness big sucker air cleaner. A solo seat with bee-hive springs. No plans to sell it, it's a keeper. 🇺🇲🇺🇲😎
Just got a 09 883L with 7400miles for 2900$ bike is sweet I've had it 2 weeks now has exhaust intake forward controls a tune and it's a blast man don't need anything bigger and thats coming from a guy who rode 200+hp sport bikes for the last 10 years. Sportster is perfect easy to stay in the legal limits and still have fun.
I've had three Sportys and a Dyna. Absolutely loved all my bikes, but my heart has a special place for Sportsters. Not sure where this whole "girls bike" thing came from. Growing up in the 60's and 70's, if you wanted a Harley, you either got a big full dresser or Road King to cruise long distance, or you got a Sportster for more local riding and wanted to look cool.
@@mrsimpleesarcastik3494 Yeah. Cruiser bikes aren't built for speed. But power is good enough, so the bike isn't working hard on the highway. V-twin adds to this.
@@mrsimpleesarcastik3494 modded ones yes. 120mph on a bike is fast. But what I was comparing it to is sport bikes. Rice rockets. Crotch rockets. Liter bikes. Kenny Roberts was a favorite of mine.
The only people who hate on sportsters are just mad their woman is too fat to ride on the back of one. REAL men dont judge another man by his ride. Ive seen plenty of sporty riders dragging knee with the best of the inline 4 riders!
Years 2004, 05, 06 were carb'd. Those were some good years for customizing (for a home garage mech.), since you don't have fuel injection and they have the rubber mounted motor. Nice years. I have owned 6 Sportsters, always reliable and simple to work on. They are a gear driven 4 cam motor. Find that in any other motorcycle!!! Best Harley motor ever.
A Babbit got at 1200 roadster on 05 for the reasons you stated. love it so Much I haven't changed anything but the exhaust and intake and rear shocks. 55k later still loving it. great bike.
how much you pay thats alil bit much i can find those for 2500 all day long i got a 2006 eg with 1500 on it i paid 3500 for it then i also got 2001 fatboy with 4000 and i paid 4 grand for that i don t know if you been riding for long time but remember its harleys cheapest bike he even said it nicer its a simple bike basic bike brand new it went for 6 grand im not knocking anyones bike just you could have gotten a bigger bike for that i had my first sporty when i was 16 and i was bored with it by the end of that summer but i been on a bike since i was 5
My first HD 76 xlch changed it back to right side shift and back to 18in back wheel. Biggest front sprocket offer. Didn't have a tack or speedometer. Had a Wink Eller carb rode it hard mostly all the time. Very solid bike no problems just keeping it tuned up.
I just finished restoring my old 73 sportster. I put a pair of trial tires on it for cruising the dirt roads. It's like riding a cool little two wheeled tractor that will go anywhere but can do 100mph.
Screw the haters. Love my Sportster. Lol. Got my 09 xl883c back in Dec 08. Intake, pipes, tuned. The 5spd has been great, tho at highway speeds, it utterly screams. 70mph @ almost 4500rpm. And i agree on wrists. Bar placement on the Custom is great, besides wrist angle. This is my first and only bike, and the 883 was a great choice. Plenty quick enough that you won't get into too much trouble.
Most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I also switch up my foot position to the passenger pegs and it feels as natural as a sports bike. Not sure why so many haters. Definitely a solid bike.
People want to bag on sportsters for being a girl’s bike, but I will tell you, you can make these things rip! A sportster with hot cams, exhaust, a good air cleaner, and a fuel manager will be faster than an equally equipped 1340 evo. They handle pretty well, too!
have to say I love my sport, mines just like yours, arctic white, disk rear wheel, 21in front wheel, forward controls, bigger tank, mine was an 883 but I just had it punched up to 1200 S-S kit, love it! I just put a new Corbin hollywood solo seat, love it, I'll admit mine is just my around town ride as I like to say it's very gentlemanly, very well mannered handles like a dream, it's just a hoot to ride, just to let you know it's not my only ride, for cross country rides I have an 2002 FLHT 95 ci thats cammed up and all custom with over 165,000 miles on it and when I really feel like being a badass I've got 2 shovelhads, that are both chopped, ones a raked and stretched ridged 80ci and the other is swinger friscoed tank open belt jockey shift 74ci but right now I find my sport to be my ride of choice, so much so that I think I'll go for a ride right now, later, keep it light!
Harleys are lower maintenance, belt drive so no chain lubrication, and you don't have to periodically check the valve clearance. Everything is easy to get to, changing oil is simple.
I got a 2006 sportster 883 custom right before winter last year. Its my first bike and I think it looks and runs great. Got for $2700 off a guy a half mile from my house lol Im keeping it for ride around town bike if I ever step up, cant really beat it.
I had 04 white 883, because of blue speckels in the paint it had a blue hue about it The comfort you are feeling is the sundowner seat........ I don't remember the year of 1200, there is 2 sundowner seats, the 883 is the same seat and it fits the newer 1200's which if you get the second seat it is bad bad bad, so before you buy check it out........ Harley started getting the sundowner made by different company and they suck, so instead of dumping these they decided to sell them to newer 1200 Sportster riders Order seat for 2005 883 or 1200 and you'll get the great seat.........when you get the seat look at the bottom, they are stamped the manufacture date, the bad ones were made in 2009 Before I traded my 04 883, I gave my brother the sundowner seat that fit his 13 1200 perfectly, the sundowner made for his bike was crap, and we checked many of them I liked the 02 883 solid mount better
I don’t think the sportster is a good starter bike, but who cares what I or anyone thinks. If that’s what you start on so be it. But once you learn its nuances, a rigid mounted sportster feels like you are sitting on a live rabid animal and it has tons of character. The torque is brilliant and the sound is pure motorcycling joy. As a beginner be careful with the throttle as the sportster has a lot of get up and go; which eventually you will value!
I've owned Sportsters and I've owned the big bikes. I've had Road Kings and Super Glides and I always come back to the Sportster. There is something about them that just draws you to them. I have one now.
Well, back in my day, the HD Sportster XLCH was the world's fastest/quickest stock street bike...now, a Sportster is called a wimpy machine...I don't get it...
Sportster are good bikes for what they are. I personally never been a fan of the suspension on a sportster, BUT, I will admit I’m spoiled with touring bikes lol. But sportsters are fun to hop around town on.
I’ve got the 2006 1200 custom wouldn’t trade it for the world. I got plenty of cash and A1 credit but this Sportster is the bike I choose Every time! My heavy hauler buddies like to switch on long rides so, what’s that tell ya!
Had a 2004 1200 mirrors weren’t useful, couldn’t carve flat Florida corners like my KLR, couldn’t navigate speed bumps, anytime it went to the shop it was 3 months (crash, and warranty work) but it was fun for daily riding
I agree. This bike definitely has some character if it's not tuned well. Not a great starter bike. I'd imagine an 883 is better geared for learning or around town rides. Anyone have experience on both?
Had a Sportster. Hated it. Spent more time in shop than the road. Will never have another. Rather ride a yammy 250. Not to mention it being German owned now. Indian sure looking better and better
I love the Sportster for what it is. I love my M8 softail for what it is. Very different and each great at its strong points. A light & heavy cruiser in my stable
how things change, In the early 70's there was nothing bigger than 1200cc, and guess what, people were Happy, might have been the weed, but guys were happy riding
I don't care for them. Not a fan of the way they look, nor how little power they make for their size. I'd be happier with an older Shadow 1100, that makes 4 more hp, 10lb-ft tq more, weighs less, and can be bought with basically no mile's and mint condition for $3,000.
They do not have a little power. I just bought a 1200 custom. And I go on rides with my girlfriend's Dad he has a road King. I can easily catch up with him and pass him. With a 1200 cc motor in such a small frame you fly.
Owned a HD XLCH Sportster. Sold it after 9 months of ownership. Was in the shop trying to find an issue with dieing and not being able to start until it cooled down. None of the dealership mechanics could find anything wrong. I sold it to a friend of my father's. He had the same problem. 6 years later he found a female mechanic who found the problem with the wiring harness. Started riding Kawasaki's and have never looked back. Better bikes for the price. Never on the side of the road looking stupid. Now looking at Indian motorcycles. Never again Harley Davidson!
I used to work at a Kawasaki shop, we sold a lot of people Vulcans that were looking for a Harely. The single pin crank on the Vulcan sounds almost just like a Harley.
I like my sportster so much, I had my legs shortened just so it'd fit me better. I can't wait to ride the lil' some-bitch. The casts come off about the end of April, then 16 weeks of rehab. I should be on the road by the ass-end of August 2019, bet!
Prior to HD going public, Sportsters were among the most respected motorcycles made. Once HD had to concentrate on their stock market price, Sportsters were branded as “ beginners and girl’s bikes”. I believe the Sportster 1200 is the best value for one’s dollars. Reliable, oil tight and easy to maintain. Plus dealers every 50 miles, what’s not to love?
Tell that to semi I seen eat a big one they all go down the same way 🤣
@@chadfortman8098 stay in school and learn to spell and write
Rode an 883 Sportster all OVER the US for a few years after the Army. 8 HDs later...ever bigger...I did 2500 miles recently in 4 days on my M8 Limited....alone nowadays. Decided I wanted 'simple' back and traded for a 2008 Anniversary edition Sportster. A Saddleman Step up seat and some 12" bars for my 6'4" height and I'm SO happy.
Light, agile, totally capable of anything I want to do on Long trips or bike camping and way more fun for all my normal riding.
I also have much love for the EVO engines. They are just bulletproof and simple.
I think now at 55... this may be my last bike. I spent a few years searching for my original 883 paint and model... but I like this 2008 as much as I remember I like that 1986 883. Should be good for my next 50 years of riding! 🙏🏍😜
I bought a 1999 XL1200C new in October 1998. That was the first year of forward controls on the Custom. I figured I would ride that until I could afford a Big Twin. I rode it for 24 years but not because I couldn't afford a big twin. I finally bought a 2013 Ultra Classic in 2021 but kept my Sportster for "around town". I didn't bond with the bagger so I traded it in on a 2020 Stage 2 Heritage Softail. After that it didn't make sense to keep the Sportster so I sold it. I've been kicking myself ever since. It may not have been as fast as the Softail but it was a part of me. It had almost 60,000 miles on it but it still looked new. The guy who bought it didn't even ride it. He looked at it and handed me the money. I like the Softail but I really miss my Sportster. It just fit.
I gave my son my 2007 Sportster when I got my 2011 Road King.......... I'm glad he got it so I can still ride it😁 Sometimes bigger ain't always better🙄
Owned my 2006 - 1200 custom for over 3 years now. Puts a smile on my face every time I ride it 😁
Sportsters always have that 50s rebel look to me. Raw and unrefined.
My 2005 standard Sporty 883 is perfect for my short arms and legs. The mid-controls put me into a perfect riding position very similar to that when I snow ski with my feet underneath my knees and my back upright with an arch in it. I can ride for hours in no pain at all from my herniated disc. With forward controls, I can only last about 30 minutes max. The 883 has shorter gears which is perfect for my mountain twisties. I know I'm in a minority here but I love the stock pipes and have no plans on changing them. The few things I've changed are not even visible: replaced the clutch spring plate (aka grenade plate) with stock plates, the vacuum petock with a Golan manual petcock and changed the crankcase vent to an external vent so the fumes don't go back into the engine. It runs perfectly, has plenty of power and handles great!
I don't know why people want to compare it to a Big Twin. It was never meant to be one. H-D created it in 1957 to fight the Brit bikes that the veterans were bringing back from Europe. It was even styled after them with the shifter and brake positions, not to mention the fact that the engine displacement was measure in cc's and not inches. The Sportster save Harley-Davidson from bankrupty. The Sportster is an apple and the Big Twin is an orange. Both are good but they are not the same.
And another thing, the Sporty (can't say the Big Twin has a sporty personality) has had the Evo engine since 1985. The Big Twin had another version of the Evo engine and dropped, much to the chagrin of many Big Twin owners who still say it was the best engine made for reliability: Evo 80 with 1340 cc's.
Love my Sporty! Starts first time, every time, burns no oil and has no drips. What's not to like?
Stephen Burgess I also have a 2005 883, however mine has a k&n air cleaner, forward controls, and is straight piped. I honestly love it so much, everyone complains about it not having power but it has more than plenty. It’s got great torque too! It’s a great bike, I’ve loved every minute of riding it!
‘14, 1200, vance & hines, crankcase gas diverter. Aftermarket seat. Fantastic bike
Sounds like a motorcycle should, feels like a motorcycle should, small enough to toss around a bit, but big enough to ride coast to coast. And it's carbureted, with brakes that are actually controlled by the rider. What more could anybody possibly want?
I bought a 05 Sportster 1200 custom new, I still own it. Screaming Eagle exhaust, and Screaming Eagle carb re-jetting kit and a Arlen Ness big sucker air cleaner. A solo seat with bee-hive springs. No plans to sell it, it's a keeper. 🇺🇲🇺🇲😎
Just got a 09 883L with 7400miles for 2900$ bike is sweet I've had it 2 weeks now has exhaust intake forward controls a tune and it's a blast man don't need anything bigger and thats coming from a guy who rode 200+hp sport bikes for the last 10 years. Sportster is perfect easy to stay in the legal limits and still have fun.
I've had three Sportys and a Dyna. Absolutely loved all my bikes, but my heart has a special place for Sportsters. Not sure where this whole "girls bike" thing came from. Growing up in the 60's and 70's, if you wanted a Harley, you either got a big full dresser or Road King to cruise long distance, or you got a Sportster for more local riding and wanted to look cool.
The only bad thing about a Sportster is running out of excuses to keep riding it.
if you need an excuse to ride any bike, you need to find another hobby
@@mrsimpleesarcastik3494 Yeah. Cruiser bikes aren't built for speed. But power is good enough, so the bike isn't working hard on the highway. V-twin adds to this.
@@unionrdr not built for speed?? geeezz you must be new to riding, the earliest bikes built were cruzers and they broke all kinds of speed records!
@@mrsimpleesarcastik3494 modded ones yes. 120mph on a bike is fast. But what I was comparing it to is sport bikes. Rice rockets. Crotch rockets. Liter bikes. Kenny Roberts was a favorite of mine.
@@unionrdr speed limit works for me,,,ride like you want stay away from me!
The only people who hate on sportsters are just mad their woman is too fat to ride on the back of one. REAL men dont judge another man by his ride. Ive seen plenty of sporty riders dragging knee with the best of the inline 4 riders!
Tyler Fabish
Lmao
Lol! You nailed it man.
Years 2004, 05, 06 were carb'd. Those were some good years for customizing (for a home garage mech.), since you don't have fuel injection and they have the rubber mounted motor. Nice years. I have owned 6 Sportsters, always reliable and simple to work on. They are a gear driven 4 cam motor. Find that in any other motorcycle!!! Best Harley motor ever.
A Babbit got at 1200 roadster on 05 for the reasons you stated. love it so Much I haven't changed anything but the exhaust and intake and rear shocks. 55k later still loving it. great bike.
i prefer the 03 even easier to deal with if you wanna chop it into a hardtail etc.
@@GrandmasterHobbyist Yep, nice and lighter than the 04 and above.
@@ababbit7461 exactly
Looking to buy an 04 sportster 883 what should I look for when buying
Just got a 2009 with 4200 miles for $4k and after I put Vance & Hines exhaust it is sweet! Fits me great I'm 5'8" 180 lots of power
how much you pay thats alil bit much i can find those for 2500 all day long i got a 2006 eg with 1500 on it i paid 3500 for it then i also got 2001 fatboy with 4000 and i paid 4 grand for that i don t know if you been riding for long time but remember its harleys cheapest bike he even said it nicer its a simple bike basic bike brand new it went for 6 grand im not knocking anyones bike just you could have gotten a bigger bike for that i had my first sporty when i was 16 and i was bored with it by the end of that summer but i been on a bike since i was 5
I love my 2013 sportster custom and have toured it. Glad to hear good things from you about it!
I have an 2003 1200xl custom sportster love it lots of fun I am 6 ft 245 pounds perfect for me
My first HD 76 xlch changed it back to right side shift and back to 18in back wheel. Biggest front sprocket offer. Didn't have a tack or speedometer. Had a Wink Eller carb rode it hard mostly all the time. Very solid bike no problems just keeping it tuned up.
I am a fellow Sportster freak. I still think they are one of the best riding and best looking bikes out there.
I just finished restoring my old 73 sportster. I put a pair of trial tires on it for cruising the dirt roads. It's like riding a cool little two wheeled tractor that will go anywhere but can do 100mph.
Screw the haters. Love my Sportster. Lol. Got my 09 xl883c back in Dec 08. Intake, pipes, tuned. The 5spd has been great, tho at highway speeds, it utterly screams. 70mph @ almost 4500rpm. And i agree on wrists. Bar placement on the Custom is great, besides wrist angle. This is my first and only bike, and the 883 was a great choice. Plenty quick enough that you won't get into too much trouble.
I love my 2001 1200xl sportster. Enjoyed the video!
Most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I also switch up my foot position to the passenger pegs and it feels as natural as a sports bike. Not sure why so many haters. Definitely a solid bike.
People want to bag on sportsters for being a girl’s bike, but I will tell you, you can make these things rip! A sportster with hot cams, exhaust, a good air cleaner, and a fuel manager will be faster than an equally equipped 1340 evo. They handle pretty well, too!
have to say I love my sport, mines just like yours, arctic white, disk rear wheel, 21in front wheel, forward controls, bigger tank, mine was an 883 but I just had it punched up to 1200 S-S kit, love it! I just put a new Corbin hollywood solo seat, love it, I'll admit mine is just my around town ride as I like to say it's very gentlemanly, very well mannered handles like a dream, it's just a hoot to ride, just to let you know it's not my only ride, for cross country rides I have an 2002 FLHT 95 ci thats cammed up and all custom with over 165,000 miles on it and when I really feel like being a badass I've got 2 shovelhads, that are both chopped, ones a raked and stretched ridged 80ci and the other is swinger friscoed tank open belt jockey shift 74ci but right now I find my sport to be my ride of choice, so much so that I think I'll go for a ride right now, later, keep it light!
I have same favor for
the H-D Sportster 1200
Awesome bike!!
I have an 07 Sportster 1200 custom it's stage 3 21 inch up front adjustables in the back it's my first Harley I think it makes enough power
Harleys are lower maintenance, belt drive so no chain lubrication, and you don't have to periodically check the valve clearance. Everything is easy to get to, changing oil is simple.
Is that the stock or aftermarket seat? Looks like mine all the way down to the sissy bar
I got a 2006 sportster 883 custom right before winter last year. Its my first bike and I think it looks and runs great. Got for $2700 off a guy a half mile from my house lol Im keeping it for ride around town bike if I ever step up, cant really beat it.
I like.wish they would build more. 👍
I had 04 white 883, because of blue speckels in the paint it had a blue hue about it
The comfort you are feeling is the sundowner seat........ I don't remember the year of 1200, there is 2 sundowner seats, the 883 is the same seat and it fits the newer 1200's which if you get the second seat it is bad bad bad, so before you buy check it out........ Harley started getting the sundowner made by different company and they suck, so instead of dumping these they decided to sell them to newer 1200 Sportster riders
Order seat for 2005 883 or 1200 and you'll get the great seat.........when you get the seat look at the bottom, they are stamped the manufacture date, the bad ones were made in 2009
Before I traded my 04 883, I gave my brother the sundowner seat that fit his 13 1200 perfectly, the sundowner made for his bike was crap, and we checked many of them
I liked the 02 883 solid mount better
I have seen sportbikes with a plastic or fiberglass saddle, nope not for me. I'm telling ya SRK, it is a fun bike to ride, I have 65,000 on mine.
I don’t think the sportster is a good starter bike, but who cares what I or anyone thinks. If that’s what you start on so be it. But once you learn its nuances, a rigid mounted sportster feels like you are sitting on a live rabid animal and it has tons of character. The torque is brilliant and the sound is pure motorcycling joy. As a beginner be careful with the throttle as the sportster has a lot of get up and go; which eventually you will value!
I've owned Sportsters and I've owned the big bikes. I've had Road Kings and Super Glides and I always come back to the Sportster. There is something about them that just draws you to them. I have one now.
Who would use "uncomfortable" forward controls? 99% of them are located for comfort, though if you are shorter that may not be in your comfort range.
Well, back in my day, the HD Sportster XLCH was the world's fastest/quickest stock street bike...now, a Sportster is called a wimpy machine...I don't get it...
Got a 2000 sporty 883 as my first real from my aunt who bought it new, absolutely love it so far
Sportster are good bikes for what they are. I personally never been a fan of the suspension on a sportster, BUT, I will admit I’m spoiled with touring bikes lol. But sportsters are fun to hop around town on.
Spend a few bucks for a real pair of rear shocks at it impoves them immensely.
Do they let you know what gear you’re in
Best bike ever! Owned an 07 for 7 years. 1200c
I’ve got the 2006 1200 custom wouldn’t trade it for the world. I got plenty of cash and A1 credit but this Sportster is the bike I choose Every time! My heavy hauler buddies like to switch on long rides so, what’s that tell ya!
Wow what a life! Oneday i b back to wa and do the same! Safe ride always!
I have a 97 1200 sportster and I love my bike plenty of power for myself and very comfortable
Had a 2004 1200 mirrors weren’t useful, couldn’t carve flat Florida corners like my KLR, couldn’t navigate speed bumps, anytime it went to the shop it was 3 months (crash, and warranty work) but it was fun for daily riding
What year is this??? Just bought an 08 , inexperienced rider
how much
I don't understood why so many people consider this to a good starter bike.
I agree. This bike definitely has some character if it's not tuned well. Not a great starter bike.
I'd imagine an 883 is better geared for learning or around town rides. Anyone have experience on both?
Super Glide best for taller riders. Love my '02 Sporty.
Had a Sportster. Hated it. Spent more time in shop than the road. Will never have another. Rather ride a yammy 250. Not to mention it being German owned now. Indian sure looking better and better
Continue with the scriptures. Made a new fan.
What happened to Asher? Haven't heard from him in a while.
I agree! Stop the Sportster hate! They are great.
When you read some Scripture before yer ride you gained a fellow Christian to yer camp,God bless!
I nearly tuned out!
I couldn't tell that was your 2nd ride on a Harley 😂
I love the Sportster for what it is. I love my M8 softail for what it is. Very different and each great at its strong points. A light & heavy cruiser in my stable
As soon as I can I'm buying another sportster!
Love my 2005 1200 Roadster. Will never part with it.
The name says it all.
Has to be aftermarket seat.
You need some new Equipment everything you say sounds so loud you can’t even hear the bike room
how things change, In the early 70's there was nothing bigger than 1200cc, and guess what, people were Happy, might have been the weed, but guys were happy riding
No need for excuses ... you're doing great. And your shifting is quite good.
I can lift the rear end and I can pick the bike up with out someone helping me. 500 pounds freaking heavy
This is definitely not a 1200. Listed on the website as an 883 just FYI.
you can transform it to a 1200
Hi Lindsey :)
I don't care for them. Not a fan of the way they look, nor how little power they make for their size. I'd be happier with an older Shadow 1100, that makes 4 more hp, 10lb-ft tq more, weighs less, and can be bought with basically no mile's and mint condition for $3,000.
Jake Judson geez Jake lol
LOL
They do not have a little power. I just bought a 1200 custom. And I go on rides with my girlfriend's Dad he has a road King. I can easily catch up with him and pass him. With a 1200 cc motor in such a small frame you fly.
I love my 2000 shadow 1100!!! And I agree with you morte parla not a fan of them either. They look nice but that's it.
Nah nah nah, where’s the other guy?
Owned a HD XLCH Sportster. Sold it after 9 months of ownership. Was in the shop trying to find an issue with dieing and not being able to start until it cooled down. None of the dealership mechanics could find anything wrong. I sold it to a friend of my father's. He had the same problem. 6 years later he found a female mechanic who found the problem with the wiring harness. Started riding Kawasaki's and have never looked back. Better bikes for the price. Never on the side of the road looking stupid. Now looking at Indian motorcycles. Never again Harley Davidson!
I used to work at a Kawasaki shop, we sold a lot of people Vulcans that were looking for a Harely. The single pin crank on the Vulcan sounds almost just like a Harley.
If you don't know gear you are in ride a bicycle. Crap they have 21 gears .
I like my sportster so much, I had my legs shortened just so it'd fit me better. I can't wait to ride the lil' some-bitch. The casts come off about the end of April, then 16 weeks of rehab. I should be on the road by the ass-end of August 2019, bet!
I will NOT repeat NOT buy the new water cooled Sportsters ….. they look stupid !!!!
First!
I love my sportster 1200