To Sportster or not to Sportster...that is the question!
Harley Sportster & BuellDiscuss To Sportster or not to Sportster...that is the question! in the Motorcycles forums; I am a newbie in everyway. I have always thought HD bikes were just for yuppies, those that could afford to show off. But within that last year a friend ...
To Sportster or not to Sportster...that is the question!
I am a newbie in everyway. I have always thought HD bikes were just for yuppies, those that could afford to show off. But within that last year a friend without really trying talked me into purchasing a HD bike. I guess there is just something about American made that makes me grin. I have read much history about HD and am proud to wear their colors since they have supported so much in war times. Being a Vet from the mid 90's and the 101st moto "Screaming Eagles" just seemed like destiny to me.
Anyways, my point is I am thinking of purchasing a 2004 or 2005 XL1200C next year. Reason is my wife rides too and wants her own bike. Unfortunately, I cannot talk her into a HD. She likes the Suzuki Boulevards. So, I would be riding the sportster solo and wouldn't be doing any cross the nation touring at the moment.
I am 6'2" at 225lbs. I have sat on them and compared them to other HD bikes, like the Street Bob and the one difference just by sitting on them I notice is the Sportster is top heavy. I really like the look of the Street Bob but I cannot find any used. I guess HD just started making them back in 2005. So, my plan is to purchase a 1200C along with my wife's bike pay them off and keep the 1200C for my project bike of more or less an American crouch rocket. Then purchase a Street Bob or a Fat Boy for longer rides.
I guess I am just asking others opinions. What do you think of this plan?
Also, how hard is it to change a carb for a fuel injection system on a Sportster? Remember, I am a newbie to the bike world. But I have the HD bug for life now and I don't even own one ...YET.
I forgot to mention one other thing. My experience...I have rode off and on for a couple of years with a Suzuki 94' GS500E. It is a great starter bike, but I am looking for something a bit more comfortable to ride for more than an hour. Also, I just took and passed the Safety Course a year and a half ago. Thanks again for all your suggestions.
Unless ypu just have the money,and time to waste, dont mess with a sportster.In a few weeks,or your first trip to a biker hangout,youll wish u had gotten a full size Harley.I looked at every model for week before settling on my 07 Dyna Lowrider.Its sportier than a softail and a lot more exclusive.Ive heard a lot of negative comments at the hangouts concernins sportsters, and at your size,it would look even smaller than usual.Get what you want just make sure that wont change after its too late.
You will find out with your hieght that you'll always be trying to slide back on a sporty. This is uncomfortable for long rides. I believe that money wise go up to the big twin for the only way to change the frame demensions of a sporty is a new frame.
rsnellman-absolutley be glad your wife will not give into the Harley! If she is a beginner, a Suzuki/Boulevard are much better choices. I have a Sportster and in certain situations the weight as well as the distribution (top heaviness) is intimidating. She is wise for trusting her instincts.
Do more research on the Street Bob...my fiance has one, and while it is difficult to find a used one, I have seen them on Ebay and in the cycle papers. They can easily be converted into touring bikes for a trip, and then converted back to that sexy sleek style for riding local. All things considered, they are priced reasonably, and think about all the money you will save by not buying your wife a Harley! Seriously, I cannot imagine anyone of your stature being comfortable on a Sportster.
Hi RSN. Welcome to the gang. A few years ago, when I first got the "HD bug", I was looking for a sporty also. My buddies told me the same story as above, that I would find it too small, and quickly wish I had bought a bigger HD. Well, I tried out some sporty's, and ended up buying a full size HD, an FXR, and am so happy that I did. It fits really well, hauls really well, is comfortable on a long trip (with the windshield on), and, well, for medicinal purposes, it works, although it sometimes takes half a tank of gas after work before my head clears and my problems all go away!!!
I would suggest you go for the bigger bike. The 1200 sporty is fast, but you will soon wish you had the Street Bob.
rsnellman,
I am 6'7" 190lbs. I definately do not fit on a sportster. One cannot reasonably modify a sporty to comfortably fit a person near 6'.
You would definately be money ahead to buy a Big Twin.
IMO a Dyna is choice. Streetbobs are good but not as nimble for carving the curves.
Softails look appealing to most riders but are a compromise due to their rear suspension design.
Try to test ride all of your choices.
Bars and seat changes are easy to do after purchase.
Bars, seat and foward control changes on a sporty will not be able to make one fit your stature. Not in any configuration.
For a big guy, I agree you may want something a little bigger than the Sporty. I am 6 1 200# and have a sporty and I am comfortable on it. I like the bike around town and no one has given me any chit about the sporty. So what's all this negativism about the sporty? Obviously you don't know too much about the Sportster. I also happen to have a glide with the 103 Jims crate motor and upgraded 5 to 6 speed for hiway haulin. Sporty rules in town.
sleepneagle,
I just offer my experience and observations.
I wish I could fit on a sporty! Thay are much quicker and far more nimble than a Big Twin!
They have a far superior engine design too.
I have never met anyone in person who stood over 6' and found a sporty comfortable for extended riding time.
IMO Sportsters are a damm good bike! Please don't think I am bashing them....
To Sportster or not to Sportster...that is the question! 
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