250 miles on Harley Sportster XR1200 - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 06-30-2009, 12:10 AM

Just back for a 250+ mile ride to the heart of Iowa from Milwaukee on a new XR1200 Harley Sportster and another 250+ mile ride back today.

I love this bike it is one of my favorite new Harleys as it is light and nimble, fast and fun.

Mine was set up with a small clear windshield, tank bag and small saddlebags all from Harley. Great setup although not much room in the saddlebags due to the large and high exhaust.

The only real complaint I have with the XR1200 Sportster is the seat gets uncomfortable after about an hour on the road. Good thing the rider needs to stop every 100 or so miles to fill up the gas tank and stretch his legs!

unclepsycho · #2 06-30-2009, 12:16 AM

Wow, thats kool.....

did ya log it onto the million mile monday????

I think ya gotta be a hog member.... right?

100 miles is about right for most bikes, (for me anyways).... on my Laughlin trip, we did one stretch of 140 miles, and that was almost too far between stops.

Buzz Kanter · #3 06-30-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclepsycho

Wow, thats kool.....

did ya log it onto the million mile monday????

I think ya gotta be a hog member.... right?

100 miles is about right for most bikes, (for me anyways).... on my Laughlin trip, we did one stretch of 140 miles, and that was almost too far between stops.

I am a HOG member and forgot yesterday was million mile Monday until Bill Davidson mentioned in at dinner last night. I guess it Willie G's son suggested it I really should log in my miles. I really do love that new Harley and am seriously considering how to make room in the over-crowded garage for one. Guess I'll have to sell more than the one Shovelhead you are buying Unclepsycho!

I know a lot of people put down the Sportster for reasons unknown to me, but I have ridden just about everything made by Harley-Davidson and I can tell everyone on this or any other Harley forum that this new XR1200 is one cool ride.

09 Classicman · #4 06-30-2009, 09:41 AM

We put 350 miles in one day on our XL 1200 C and I agree with you Buzz about the gas stops....We had the 4.5 gallon tank but still stopped about every 100 miles. That was also the last day the wife rode with me on that bike..LOL. We soon after got an 09 EG Classic and love it. It's much better for putting on the bigger miles. We put 700 miles on it Memorial Day weekend and could still walk, it was great!
I do miss the Sporty though, especially running around town. I don't know why there is such an anti Sporty bias either, my 1200 would outrun the EG easily any day of the week, that's probably what I miss the most, 0-80 in 4 seconds or so...So I've heard...LOL

Was that XR able to really carve the corners? I would drag the Thunder Header or the wife's footpeg on my XL in the tight stuff.

Gas Man · #5 06-30-2009, 01:43 PM

I know a few that are on either jap sportbikes or buells that want to get a XR.

I'm really thinking of seeing if my local dealer will let me take one out for a ride.

83XLX · #6 06-30-2009, 06:45 PM

I get about 90 miles to the tank on my Ironhead, and that's enough mileage at one sitting....

I've looked at the XR in the showroom, but have never ridden one. Might as well not, 'cause I sure don't need another bike.

hotrodsporty · #7 06-30-2009, 10:46 PM

I have an 04 XLC and even though I can go about 130 miles on a tank, I still stop at 100 to stretch. The Road king I can go about 200 before a stretch, and was pleasantly suprised how it corners. The new frame is fluid and nimble. Try a new bagger Buzz and you may fall in love all over again.

Gas Man · #8 07-01-2009, 12:32 AM

I know I have a trip to Tenn in less than 2 weeks. The 09 Ultra can do 240miles per tank but my riding buds Honda Shadow only abt 140 tops. So that will dictate the stretching rounds...

JCourneyaP · #9 07-01-2009, 12:42 AM

I get 40+ mpg on my 04 sporty. 4.5 gallon tank puts it at 180+ miles before it needs a drink.

You all must have one hopped up sporty or you like to ride real fast or you are in need of some serious tuning??

I make it a habit to ride 5 to 10 miles above the speed limit and sometimes a heck of a lot more. Hmmmm

Hammerhead Pat · #10 07-01-2009, 08:39 AM

On my 05 sporty I'm good for 150 miles at a time, about 2 hrs on the bike and no sign of the reserve, then I'm ready for a stretch!