Why Is It?
Harley Evo SportsterDiscuss Why Is It? in the Harley Sportster & Buell forums; Why do riders on the bigger bikes always seem to think a Sportster to be an improper bike. I've noticed talkin to my friends and some others that a lot ...
Why do riders on the bigger bikes always seem to think a Sportster to be an improper bike. I've noticed talkin to my friends and some others that a lot of em keep tellin me I need a bigger bike. Why does settin on a sportster seem to make some think we are second class? I'm just confused, I bought a Sporty cause I couldn't afford a bigger bike and because it was a Harley, now it just feels at times like I'm a second class citizen in several's eyes. I know it doesn't matter as long as I'm happy with the bike, but I am just curious as to why the sporty gets a bum wrap amongst the bigger bikes, they have a lot of great attributes ya just can't get off a big twin like agility and ease of handling. Can anyone lend some insight.
Yea, I take some razzing from some of the guys I work with who have Fat Boys and springers, but these guys can't seem to ride any farther than the local bike night to show off their paint sets!! I bought my 1200XL partially because I like the styling and it was going to be my first bike in 20yrs, I didn't want to make a $20,000 mistake. Now after 3yrs with the bike I just plain like the way it handles and am very comfortable on it. I'm 6ft and 180lbs and don't feel cramped on it, even our recent trip of 1300 miles in 6 days ,the only thing that hurt was my butt!
I am ready for a dyna though. When the sporty is paid for I probably will get a super glide and put bags and a windshield on it for the longer trips I plan on taking. I will also do everything possible to keep the sporty!!
Ride safe!!
My Sportster was easily faster and more agile than my Dyna and 90% of most other big-twins. And DANG was she fun! Guys who treat Sporties as 2nd class bikes don't know what the hell they are talking about and think that bikes live and die by displacement.
Challenge 'em to a 1/4 mile. Then we'll see who's 2nd class.
__________________ ===================== Rob 2007 FXDB San Diego, CA
John 1:14
It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the LORD. ----Abraham Lincoln
Personally, I see nothing wrong with a Sporty. I'm sorry to hear that some guys with bigger bikes look down at you. I'd be proud of my Sporty if that's what I rode. All I can say is don't take it personally, and screw 'em if they don't like it!
__________________ Chip
Nice guys may finish last, but at least they finish
I dig Sportsters! The name says it all. They are the sporting Harleys and until the SE's came out they were the fastest air cooled bikes in the Harley line up. Still might be. I'm not sure.
I hear the same crap about how Sportsters are womens bike, etc. I bought a 1200 Sportster for my wife but I know I've put more miles on it than my Shovel. I was impressed with how quick and easy to handle they are. Lots of fun to ride on short distance (needs a better seat for the long trips). It doesn't matter what you ride as long as you're having fun.
I was thinking the same thing, I love my sporty, and will probably keep it even after I get the Panhead chopper I've always dreamed about, you guys are right, they are a real blast to ride, I was just looking for some insight on why we seem to get the short end of the conversation, are there just that many guys out there who've never rode a sporty or are they just standin there with their head up their ass cause they ride a bigger scoot now... I think I'm gonna start another thread so people can show off their sportsters, I'd love to see everyone elses.
Kevin
Why do riders on the bigger bikes always seem to think a Sportster to be an improper bike. I've noticed talkin to my friends and some others that a lot of em keep tellin me I need a bigger bike. Why does settin on a sportster seem to make some think we are second class? I'm just confused, I bought a Sporty cause I couldn't afford a bigger bike and because it was a Harley, now it just feels at times like I'm a second class citizen in several's eyes. I know it doesn't matter as long as I'm happy with the bike, but I am just curious as to why the sporty gets a bum wrap amongst the bigger bikes, they have a lot of great attributes ya just can't get off a big twin like agility and ease of handling. Can anyone lend some insight.
The biking brotherhood is full of people who think that their bike is the best one on the planet and that goes for make and model. Sportster's are looked down on by many as half Harley's and chick bikes, even Willie G. calls them the paper boy bike. If you think you've got it bad try riding a V-rod. The same people who diss your Sporty tell V-rodders that our bikes aren't REAL Harleys, and from some points of view they're right. V-rods are the most unreal motorcycle the moco has ever made. But it all comes down to brand and make loyalty. Illigitimi non carborundum, it means "don't let the bastards wear you down". I had an Iron Head 1973 model Sportster that I rode on and off for 30 years. It was a great bike, now I have a Fatboy and a Night Rod Special. If it ever got down to all I could afford was a Sportster I'd buy another and ride it, proudly!
The biking brotherhood is full of people who think that their bike is the best one on the planet and that goes for make and model. Sportster's are looked down on by many as half Harley's and chick bikes, even Willie G. calls them the paper boy bike. If you think you've got it bad try riding a V-rod. The same people who diss your Sporty tell V-rodders that our bikes aren't REAL Harleys, and from some points of view they're right. V-rods are the most unreal motorcycle the moco has ever made. But it all comes down to brand and make loyalty. Illigitimi non carborundum, it means "don't let the bastards wear you down". I had an Iron Head 1973 model Sportster that I rode on and off for 30 years. It was a great bike, now I have a Fatboy and a Night Rod Special. If it ever got down to all I could afford was a Sportster I'd buy another and ride it, proudly!
The 04 and later Sportsters are nothing like your Iron Head, as far as comfort goes. The rubber-mount Sportsters are very smooth at high speeds now.
I have no plans on getting rid of my 04. I will ride it as long as I can. If I cant no more I plan on handing it down to one of my boys.
I still would like to get that URAL with two wheel drive for the winter snow and haul both my kids around.
Other then that I have not looked at getting another bike. Call me Faithful. If I was to ride "Two Up" for more then 35 percent of my rides I would look at getting a larger framed bike.
I guess I just plain like what I have. Never trade in a good horse.
Why Is It? 
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