Why the Sportster endures - Harley Forum

AdamWilliams · #1 11-21-2008, 12:44 PM

There's been a lot of cycles that have come and gone in the last 50+ years, but those Sportsters keep on rolling. How about some thoughts from Sporty owners on why they think the model has thrived for so long.

Hammerhead Pat · #2 11-21-2008, 03:41 PM

First of all, they are fun to ride. Very manuverable and they are easy to handle. I don't feel they are top-heavy like some folks say, I just accept that it's part of the way the bike is. The fact that you can get one out the door for about 10 grand has to be taken into consideration also. There may not be as many options available for Sportsters as their fellow family members, but there are plenty to make it your own

street bob · #3 11-21-2008, 09:09 PM

For a lot of riders, sportsters were their first Harley. Such was the case for me. I had such a great time with that bike that the sporty will always have a special place in my love for riding. My wife now rides a 1200 custom and I will take it out every now and then and I honestly enjoy using the throddle on that bike. Its very nimble and so easy to manuver. Its just a great bike and I'm not at all surprised it has lasted 50 years.

milindh · #4 11-22-2008, 01:03 PM

I've always thought the Sportster gas tank was the coolest tank that was ever made. Still is in my opinion. They had a real short comfortable range (60-90 miles) so that was a drag but it kinda fit in with the tuff as nuts image of that bad little bike. Just think of all the old school choppers that had Sportster tanks and rigid tails. Bad to the bone and proud of it. You know.... a-t-i-t-u-d-e !

JCourneyaP · #5 11-25-2008, 01:30 AM

Good Genetics........

osun061 · #6 02-07-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamWilliams

There's been a lot of cycles that have come and gone in the last 50+ years, but those Sportsters keep on rolling. How about some thoughts from Sporty owners on why they think the model has thrived for so long.

I think its because they are so easy to ride and get along with. I have an uncle that has one , I believe its an 01model ,, that he keeps in the garage and rides occasionally,, he is 81 years old. My Aunt complains when he rides it on the road so, to keep the peace he rides it mainly on his pasture roads and to the Barns.
He has two hobbies, riding that bike and building Fiddles and he isn't giving up either without a fight .

Catmechanic · #7 02-07-2009, 06:56 PM

Get a pic of him riding it and post it up! That's cool he's still riding at 81.

Jim S

Majicbringer · #8 02-09-2009, 01:29 AM

They're the iconic Harley! They've got the best power to weight ratio. They're the least finicky bike Harley makes as far as I'm concerned. I know people that have gone back to them, or keep them around, after having a bigger bike because they're more fun, more nimble, and you don't end up with calves liek Popeye trying to back them into a spot or herniate yourself trying to get it up off the ground if you should lay it down (God forbid!).

Javier · #9 05-18-2009, 04:26 PM

Just like a lot of others, my first Harley was an 01 XL. A great commuter and around town bike. I rewarded myself with an 07 FXST (Softail Standard) before retiring from the Army. My wife suggested me to sell the XL but "Honey, I just can't find anyone to buy it" yeah right; I just wanted to keep both. Eventually she will ride it or any of my three sons (19, 18 & 15). A GREAT BIKE I REFUSE TO LET GO!

steve r · #10 06-03-2009, 07:27 PM

I got my license 2 years ago at age 46. Always wanted to ride and things just worked out for me that year. A buddy of mine found my bike for me. A 1998 95th aniversary 1200c. Under 5k miles when I bought it, about 10k now. I'm the 3rd owner. I love this bike. Its quick, easy to maneuver and just a blast to ride. I don't get how some people put the sportster down and I have gotten attitudes from people that ride big twin Harleys. Some won't even acknowledge me when I ride up near them. You know what I think, screw them!!! Long live the sportster. I can see myself keeping mine when I hopefully move up to the bike I like right now, the street glide, Keep safe and enjoy the ride, Steve R.