i have an '05 1200r that i bought with 15 miles on the clock, brand new off the floor. i've had it almost 2 years next month, it now has almost 8700 miles on it; obviously, u aint gonna get this kinda mileage just doing local bar hoppin in ohio.
i've turned this into a bike that will easily do an all-day ride, a literal 'sun up to sun down'. the most critical thing needed is a sundowner seat, then a detachable windsheild, and i put a pair of highway pegs on the engine guard. stock seats are totally worthless. they'll make u go 'numb' after 80 miles.
those that say that it cant handle 2 up obviously hasnt ridden 1. i've rode 2-up with no problem as long as she doesnt have a spare tire that would fit a semi. i've ridden 2-up as far as a 150 mile round trip. solo riding, i usually have the shock set at the 2nd setting, and i've takin corners aggressive enough to scrape pegs.
no, this isnt a big bike, and it wont have a ride like an ultra classic, but properly set up, it can and it will become a very economical mini-touring bike.
i know a canadian girl who's ridden her 883 sportster from the vicinity of toronto canada, to canton ohio, and she had her 883 loaded with gear.
Sportsters offer a good power to handling match, they are a great ride. Note, if you have long legs you may find forward controls helpful. I'd recommend shopping used, there are a lot of low mileage machines loaded w/expensive extras available & if they have less than 50k on the odometer you can buy the factory extended warranty, w/$50. deductible.
But, you're better off to buy an 883 because insurance rates are determined by VIN, so you insure an 883; then install 1200 jugs w/Weisco pistons, you'll have 5HP more than a stock 1200.
I've been riding for over 33yrs and worked at H-D/Metric shops for 6yrs, I've ridden a lot of brands and found Harleys and Harley riders to be among the best.
First off...don't put down other bikers for liking harleys. I've owned 3 different bikes-ducati, suzuki, and harley and of all the fans the harley "brotherhood" was the friendliest and most helpful. Most sports riders haven't yet "stopped to smell the roses". I don't own a sportster but have a sportster engine in a custom rigid frame. Not the 1200 is not the fastest, quietest, or cutting edge. But of all the bike harleys included the sportster line is the closest you will get to a time machine. I get something that I almost got with the ducati-a smile from just starting the bike. One you buy a harley you are riding something that fellow americans built with their bare hands on an assembly line...not something put together by robots in some far away land. Even though it spits oil and has left me stranded I never regret riding one opposed to a jap bike. Yes the sportster is worth it. Whenever I was stranded-harley guys always pull over and share their tools, experience, and parts....when I rode my gsxr-no sportrider EVER stopped to help. You sportsriders can learn a thing or two about "the brotherhood of motorcycles". Don't forget to pick a best answer
Hi Charlie, I've been riding for 40 years, yep I'm old, and I've owned everything under the sun. Right now I own a 99 Buell ST3 , 99 Fat Boy (kind of inhierted it) an 87 883 Sportster and a 2003 Suzuki 1000 V-Strom. I've owned a total of approximately 41 bikes over the years. The V-Strom is great. It's fast, comfortable and handy as heck with the bags and racks. In fact just yesterday I picked up a set of wheels for my Yamaha XS650 bobber. I just strapped them to the side bag racks and off I went. Had them on there all day until I got home at 10 at night.
Anyway. The Buell is awesome. It runs takes curves like it's running rails. I wish I had that motor on my Sportster.
The Fat Boy well, it's cool and all but it's mainly a bar hopper. It wouldn't have been my first choice in a Big Twin. Although it wouldn't be the smoothest bike on the road it can be turned into a half decent touring bar hopper.
But out of all the bikes I have owned I keep going back to the Sportster. I love those bikes. I've done everything on a Sportster. I've gone touring, dirt riding and adventure touring. Sure there are better bikes especially for the kind of riding I've done with a Sportster but they are just an all around go anywhere do anything kind of bike. It's a genuine "Old School" motorcycle (in as much as I hate to use that term because people are wearing it out) and you can still go cruising when you get back. When I get done with the XS650 I'm going to look for an XCH Sportster. I love the kickers. I really don't like electric start.
So my advice is go out and look at everything that looks interesting to you. Find some way to get a ride on as many as you can. More and more dealers are giving demo rides. If you can't find a demo ride talk to friends or go try out some used bikes that are for sale by private owners.
But if you really like the Sportster don't let anyone talk you out of it. And that goes for any bike you decide to get . Todays modern bikes are fantastic and I wouldn't be afraid to buy
anything I was interested in. If I had the money that is..Good Luck
P.S. Hey Charlie, I rode a 1200 Custom Sportster last night. Although the custom would not be my choice of Sportster (I'd go 1200r too) I love that motor. Things are just different on a Harley. As soon as you twist that throttle you feel the torque of the motor pull you back into the seat. You don't have to rev it to 9 grand to feel it. (it doesn't rev to 9 grand but you know what I mean)You might have to spend some money to get a Sportster to fit you and the motor is kind of noisy but no other bike I have ever ridden puts a smile on my face like the Sportster except maybe my Buell. Similar but much more powerful motor. I think I'm going to put a 1200 kit on my 883. Let us know what bike you decide on and what other bikes you are looking at. Happy Riding!
Hey Forktail I live in Akron! I'd like to meet that girl from Canada.
Motorcycles are as personnal as taste in food, in women or whatever.... I , personnaly would not buy a Sportster or any Harley for that matter, because it does not suit my riding style.
But I have a couple of friends, with whom I ride every now and then who have sportsters, and they love them, one of them pulls wheelies regularly (very bad for the belt) . So it's a matter of taste. But it is as good as any harley
define "worth it". Is it a good bike, yes. It's not a long distance bike, it's not comfy for two people, it great for shorter or smaller people, or as a first street bike. I know people who do ride them long distance, and who ride double on them too. With $99.00 down financing from Harley, with a really small monthly payment, it is appealing to buy. If it fits you and you like it, go for it. I've owned 26 bikes in the last 41 years. Probably every make and most models out there. My last 5 have been Harley's, including the '07 Ultra classic peace officers model I bought 3 weeks ago. Harley isn't always the best choice for some people, for others, it's the only one they would own. I like a lot of brands and models and wouldn't blink an eye over riding one. If somebody jumps to put down your ride, they are probably just a poser with a big mouth. The big Honda street bikes are great. I've never broken one, and I have taken a bunch of rides from 1500-2400 miles on em. Same for my Harleys. BMW makes a nice bike too. In short, go for what YOU want, not what some poser tells you you want. Lastly, Honda makes a model called "shadow" with motors from small to huge in em. My brother just bought one new, for a great price and I really like it. It's stylish ( I tease him about his metric Harley) it's water cooled, which is fantastic, smooth to ride, lots of HP and dependable.
A Harley is worth more than any other motorcycle if you are a Harley type!!! if not there are a vast selections of pot metal clones out there waiting tight wad
I have a 1200 custom. I like it. I just got it in March and already have 3000 miles on it. Not the best for taking a lady with. If you can afford it move up to a Dyna such as a Streetbob.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Sann got it right
pick up a 50cc scooter you'll be more respected
i have an '05 1200r that i bought with 15 miles on the clock, brand new off the floor. i've had it almost 2 years next month, it now has almost 8700 miles on it; obviously, u aint gonna get this kinda mileage just doing local bar hoppin in ohio.
i've turned this into a bike that will easily do an all-day ride, a literal 'sun up to sun down'. the most critical thing needed is a sundowner seat, then a detachable windsheild, and i put a pair of highway pegs on the engine guard. stock seats are totally worthless. they'll make u go 'numb' after 80 miles.
those that say that it cant handle 2 up obviously hasnt ridden 1. i've rode 2-up with no problem as long as she doesnt have a spare tire that would fit a semi. i've ridden 2-up as far as a 150 mile round trip. solo riding, i usually have the shock set at the 2nd setting, and i've takin corners aggressive enough to scrape pegs.
no, this isnt a big bike, and it wont have a ride like an ultra classic, but properly set up, it can and it will become a very economical mini-touring bike.
i know a canadian girl who's ridden her 883 sportster from the vicinity of toronto canada, to canton ohio, and she had her 883 loaded with gear.
Sportsters offer a good power to handling match, they are a great ride. Note, if you have long legs you may find forward controls helpful. I'd recommend shopping used, there are a lot of low mileage machines loaded w/expensive extras available & if they have less than 50k on the odometer you can buy the factory extended warranty, w/$50. deductible.
But, you're better off to buy an 883 because insurance rates are determined by VIN, so you insure an 883; then install 1200 jugs w/Weisco pistons, you'll have 5HP more than a stock 1200.
I've been riding for over 33yrs and worked at H-D/Metric shops for 6yrs, I've ridden a lot of brands and found Harleys and Harley riders to be among the best.
Handy sites below.
First off...don't put down other bikers for liking harleys. I've owned 3 different bikes-ducati, suzuki, and harley and of all the fans the harley "brotherhood" was the friendliest and most helpful. Most sports riders haven't yet "stopped to smell the roses". I don't own a sportster but have a sportster engine in a custom rigid frame. Not the 1200 is not the fastest, quietest, or cutting edge. But of all the bike harleys included the sportster line is the closest you will get to a time machine. I get something that I almost got with the ducati-a smile from just starting the bike. One you buy a harley you are riding something that fellow americans built with their bare hands on an assembly line...not something put together by robots in some far away land. Even though it spits oil and has left me stranded I never regret riding one opposed to a jap bike. Yes the sportster is worth it. Whenever I was stranded-harley guys always pull over and share their tools, experience, and parts....when I rode my gsxr-no sportrider EVER stopped to help. You sportsriders can learn a thing or two about "the brotherhood of motorcycles". Don't forget to pick a best answer
Hi Charlie, I've been riding for 40 years, yep I'm old, and I've owned everything under the sun. Right now I own a 99 Buell ST3 , 99 Fat Boy (kind of inhierted it) an 87 883 Sportster and a 2003 Suzuki 1000 V-Strom. I've owned a total of approximately 41 bikes over the years. The V-Strom is great. It's fast, comfortable and handy as heck with the bags and racks. In fact just yesterday I picked up a set of wheels for my Yamaha XS650 bobber. I just strapped them to the side bag racks and off I went. Had them on there all day until I got home at 10 at night.
Anyway. The Buell is awesome. It runs takes curves like it's running rails. I wish I had that motor on my Sportster.
The Fat Boy well, it's cool and all but it's mainly a bar hopper. It wouldn't have been my first choice in a Big Twin. Although it wouldn't be the smoothest bike on the road it can be turned into a half decent touring bar hopper.
But out of all the bikes I have owned I keep going back to the Sportster. I love those bikes. I've done everything on a Sportster. I've gone touring, dirt riding and adventure touring. Sure there are better bikes especially for the kind of riding I've done with a Sportster but they are just an all around go anywhere do anything kind of bike. It's a genuine "Old School" motorcycle (in as much as I hate to use that term because people are wearing it out) and you can still go cruising when you get back. When I get done with the XS650 I'm going to look for an XCH Sportster. I love the kickers. I really don't like electric start.
So my advice is go out and look at everything that looks interesting to you. Find some way to get a ride on as many as you can. More and more dealers are giving demo rides. If you can't find a demo ride talk to friends or go try out some used bikes that are for sale by private owners.
But if you really like the Sportster don't let anyone talk you out of it. And that goes for any bike you decide to get . Todays modern bikes are fantastic and I wouldn't be afraid to buy
anything I was interested in. If I had the money that is..Good Luck
P.S. Hey Charlie, I rode a 1200 Custom Sportster last night. Although the custom would not be my choice of Sportster (I'd go 1200r too) I love that motor. Things are just different on a Harley. As soon as you twist that throttle you feel the torque of the motor pull you back into the seat. You don't have to rev it to 9 grand to feel it. (it doesn't rev to 9 grand but you know what I mean)You might have to spend some money to get a Sportster to fit you and the motor is kind of noisy but no other bike I have ever ridden puts a smile on my face like the Sportster except maybe my Buell. Similar but much more powerful motor. I think I'm going to put a 1200 kit on my 883. Let us know what bike you decide on and what other bikes you are looking at. Happy Riding!
Hey Forktail I live in Akron! I'd like to meet that girl from Canada.
There's nothing wrong with a sportster but most people who start with a sporty usually want to go bigger after a year or so.
check out some of the bigger models and see what you think.
I ride a heritage softail and love it.
Motorcycles are as personnal as taste in food, in women or whatever.... I , personnaly would not buy a Sportster or any Harley for that matter, because it does not suit my riding style.
But I have a couple of friends, with whom I ride every now and then who have sportsters, and they love them, one of them pulls wheelies regularly (very bad for the belt) . So it's a matter of taste. But it is as good as any harley
define "worth it". Is it a good bike, yes. It's not a long distance bike, it's not comfy for two people, it great for shorter or smaller people, or as a first street bike. I know people who do ride them long distance, and who ride double on them too. With $99.00 down financing from Harley, with a really small monthly payment, it is appealing to buy. If it fits you and you like it, go for it. I've owned 26 bikes in the last 41 years. Probably every make and most models out there. My last 5 have been Harley's, including the '07 Ultra classic peace officers model I bought 3 weeks ago. Harley isn't always the best choice for some people, for others, it's the only one they would own. I like a lot of brands and models and wouldn't blink an eye over riding one. If somebody jumps to put down your ride, they are probably just a poser with a big mouth. The big Honda street bikes are great. I've never broken one, and I have taken a bunch of rides from 1500-2400 miles on em. Same for my Harleys. BMW makes a nice bike too. In short, go for what YOU want, not what some poser tells you you want. Lastly, Honda makes a model called "shadow" with motors from small to huge in em. My brother just bought one new, for a great price and I really like it. It's stylish ( I tease him about his metric Harley) it's water cooled, which is fantastic, smooth to ride, lots of HP and dependable.
Good luck
1200 N Nightster is better looking. The 2007 883R I don't see in the 2008 lineup and probably sold out, or a 07 50th anniversary??
A Harley is worth more than any other motorcycle if you are a Harley type!!! if not there are a vast selections of pot metal clones out there waiting tight wad
I have a 1200 custom. I like it. I just got it in March and already have 3000 miles on it. Not the best for taking a lady with. If you can afford it move up to a Dyna such as a Streetbob.