Thats an interesting point a view i.e. that comments on sportsters appear to come mainly from Europe. Yes, there are lots of sportsters on the road over here, but also lots of bigger Harley twins. Although based in the UK I spend lots of my time in Europe (Holland mainly) and see lots of bikes from many nationalities. On my last visit to Holland & Belgium, my friend based in Brugge told me that the largest Goldwing Owners club in the world was based in Belgium? I found that amazing because you just dont see that many around. And yet, Harleys - Sportsters, fatboys, road kings etc, you see zillions of em. Here in Europe there are very few countries that can really compete with state-side for sheer open roads and distance. Traditionally, Europe has always had a love of motorcycles that are sporting or simply utilitarian. I worked for BMW many many years ago, and found the two valve R series to be just superb. The tool kit enabled you to perform just about every job on the bike including replacing rings, cylinders etc, whilst standing at the side of the road (or in other words, without the need for special facilities). BMW has moved away from its utilitarian base and gone more 'celebrity'. The bikes can no longer be worked on by the ordinary bloke in the street. Harley Sportsters on the other hand???? Not much changes. Maybe the introduction of fuel injection into the sportster range will change the face of the buying public. But, sportsters are and remain a very utilitarian bike on either side of the Atlantic, and hence popular.
Posted by: chrisfenton_38 on Feb 15, 07 2:38:50 pm  | 
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