Sportster's 50th Birthday. What Happened?
Harley Sportster & BuellDiscuss Sportster's 50th Birthday. What Happened? in the Motorcycles forums; I don't get it. When did the Sporty go from all-American muscle bike to a "half-a-Harley" in today's world? I think the Sporty is a wonderful machine. Fast and nimble ...
I don't get it. When did the Sporty go from all-American muscle bike to a "half-a-Harley" in today's world? I think the Sporty is a wonderful machine. Fast and nimble - it's probably the best deal Harley offers but it doesn't get any respect.
So we at American Iron Magazine are going to buy an '06 as a project bike and build a modern version of what we think the '57 could have evolved into today. What would you do if given the choice? No choppers please. Thanks - Buzz Kanter
rsion of the original
Ya know, I've wondered the same re- the Sporty's rep. Am looking to buy my father-in-law, a man of small stature but enormous character (two tours in 'Nam and raising seven kids will do that to a guy), a Patriot edition 1200 Low Sporty and have been told by many, my dealer no less, that said father-in-law will soon tire of said bike, and his lust will turn to a big twin for the performance and the escape from the "girl-bike" image of the 1200. Plus, too, and also, his ability to "keep up" to my FLSTN and my buddy's '02 Chief on said bike have been questioned.
Dunno....to me, looks like a nice bike, but the counterarguments just keep coming....
sorry for the thread hijack, B. To answer your q, I'd simply go for the latest iteration recently rolled out in Europe......
Rich-- I ran into similar criticism. My first Harley was a '90 Sportster. Loved that bike! Didn't much care for the ribbing about riding "half a Harley" or "when will your real Harley be delivered." Now, I'm 6' tall and ~200 pounds, so I only ran the Sporty a couple of years before I moved onto my current ride ('01 Fatboy bagger). But I still miss boppin' around on the Sporty! Quick, nimble, lotsa personality!
When a short-statured friend of mine here at work finally caved into his desire to ride, I steered him right at the 1200 Sportster. He sat on a number of bikes (Dyna Low-rider, Deluxe, etc), but eventually bought the Sportster. It's a gorgeous bike; he loves it and has been rackin' up the miles. He even let me ride it a bit--brought back those old fond memories! He says it's a keeper, and I'm thinking of picking up another (once the Fatboy's paid off!).
Buzz--As for your project bike, try bridging the apparent gap between the Sportster and the bigger models (a few, well-chosen amenities that will appease the bagger crowd while not weighing down the bike with too many doo-dads). Some modest performance enhancements would work as well (improved Hp and torque to allow the Sportster to "keep up" with [or blow away!] the bigger models).
With all, my overall suggestion is to work within a working man's budget and ability. With the featured choppers we all get a taste of "Wish I could do that"; with this project bike, you have a chance to share with other Sporty owners a taste of "Hey, I CAN do that!"
My personal preference has always been a big twin but for someone to call it a half Harley or a wannabe Harley have alot to learn. It is as much a Harley as any big twin. Don't listen to them, go for it! What has always surprised me is that Harley never offered a softail style sporty. I personally would like to see a sporty with an fxr style frame, a sport bob style tank {for longer range and style} with lets say a 2-under front end. Talk about feeling like you're on rails!
I have owned Sportsters and big twins (plenty of both) and still admire the Sporty. It's faster, easier to throw around the tight stuff and simply more fun to ride than a big twin.
Buzz, I'd like to see the AIM project bike have close to the same HP/Torque numbers as a Buell XB12, but with the "classic" Sportster image. Something akin to the 1958 XLCH, but with belt drive. Peanut tank, laced wheels, a bare-bones hot rod. That should be pretty easily doable. I think with the right paint and mods, you'll have it. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with!
RevJim, stock-to-stock, a modern 883 will already "keep up" with a big twin, a 1200 will smoke it.
Torx, I like your thinking. I was thinking perhaps somethign that looked like a '57 XLCH paint job, light wheels, perhaps Buell inverted forks and perimeter brakes and plenty of go. We'll see what we can cobble together. Buzz Kanter
I have owned my sporty since 93, and have really had a good experience despite all the derogatory and belittleing remarks. I am still a diehard sporty enthusiast and ride with pride. I think you are right in your thinking of improving suspension with a buell front end and sport rear end. I would go one further and put wider low profile tires to give it that racey look. Go with the classic flattrack bars and make it look lean and mean with the motor and suspension to punctuate it. One last request, put a peanut tank on it to maintain the nostalgic look. With these changes the impact would have the same significance as the day the first sporty rolled off the assembly line. I too am a member of the xlforum and know that know big twin comes off the show room floor and beats a 1200, that is about as ridiculous as the notion that a sporty is only half a Harley.
Old look, new tech. If you could throw in some Ironhead attitude and snarl, you would have a winner. Flattrack bars or drags, but not apes please. ( Well mini apes maybe!) Half a Harley? The fast half, fun half, cool half, pick two! xl-forum!
Well things are moving along fast (what would you expect from a Sportster project?) We are in discussions with a lot of smart and experienced people on this one. Most agree the Sportster deserves a better 50th birthday party and we'll see what we can do for this underappreciated machine.
We are waiting to hear what my pal Craig Vetter (google him if the name is new to you) comes up with on the overall design. He's a genius and LOVES motorcycles. Some mild chassis mods, better wheels, suspension and brakes plus more power!
Now we're having some fun.
Sportster's 50th Birthday. What Happened? 
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