thinking about buying a Sportster - helpful info?

[froldt]

I've been wanting a motorcycle for some time now, and think that I might finally be able to actually afford it. Of course, if I buy a bike, it's going to be a Harley, which currently limits me to a Sportster.
I am wondering what the pros and cons of a Sportster are. For example, I read somewhere that they had a bit of problem with vibration once you got up around 65 or so, up till '02 (or '04, I don't remember which).

This will be a starting bike, I've never ridden before. For that reason, I figure that a smaller bike will be to my advantage. I'm 6', 175lbs. I have been told that I will want the forward controls. I just want to get out and cruise. If I wanted to kill myself fast, and race around, then I'd go for a c-rocket. I plan to throw some saddlebags on there and go for overnight/weekend trips on her. Hopefully this info will help you know better what I'm looking for.

I'm looking for any suggestions/hints about what I should be aware of. Thanks!

[bibber]

For example, I read somewhere that they had a bit of problem with vibration once you got up around 65 or so, up till '02 (or '04, I don't remember which).

There are no vibe issues with the '04 as the evo is now rubber mounted and will NOT shake you off your ride... all in all a great ride... my '04 custom now has about 30,000kms on her in two riding seasons...

da bibber

[D.R.P.]

Most of the Sporty owners that I have met are looking to upgrade to a big Harley reletively quickly - mostly comfort issues. You might want to consider one of the many metric cruisers as they are more reasonably priced, have TONS of aftermarket support, and are quite powerfull. Just my 0.02.;)

Dave P.:)

[loki03xlh]

I'm currently on my 2nd sporty and I have no desire to "upgrade" to anything slower and/or bigger. My first bike was an '03 sporty 883. It was a nice bike but was a little underpowered and felt like riding a paintshaker. My '05 1200 Custom rides much smoother, even better after a couple of mods like a mustang seat, detatchable windshield and apes. I'm sure a bigger bike would be a bit more comfortable on long trips, but mine will do fine for 300 mile days and 500-600 mile weekends of riding.

[gammaqueen]

Most of the Sporty owners that I have met are looking to upgrade to a big Harley reletively quickly - mostly comfort issues.

I get kinda tired of hearing this one. I have a 2007 1200 Low. I do not wish to upgrade to anything. If I wanted a different bike, I would have got a different bike! I love my Sportster. My husband tells me that I spend too much on my bike because I keep adding things (Vance and Hines pipes, Custom memory foam seat with flames and skull inlays, lots of chrome, skulls everywhere, Chrome Mags, Diomond cut heads, Blue LED's, Custom paint.) So, maybe I have alot invested in a Sportster. So? It's my money and my bike and what I like! Don't listen to people that say these things, I know plenty of people who ride Sportsters because that is what they like. Since I replaced the seat with a touring seat and I can ride as long and as far as anyone. I personally do not like the look of the big touring bikes, for me, if I wanted all the comforts of a car, I would take our convertable Trans Am. My husband has a Dyna Wide Glide and he loves it. I don't like riding it because it is too wide for me. I have a friend with a Softtail, same problem, too wide for me. My Sportster fits me perfectly. I am totally comfortable on it and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You also hear about them being top heavy. I have never had a problem riding it. I can ride the he** out of it and do every chance I get! I have never had a vibration issue. I do alot of Freeway riding over 70 MPH and it runs fine. I don't have forward controls, but I have riding pegs, so I can stretch my legs out if I want. I like my saddle bags because we like to go on weekend trips. I wish I would have gotton the quick release ones though. I have buckles that are a pain to get in and out of. We live 3 hours from the Mountains and 4 hours from the beach, so we travel quite a bit. I ride mine Summer and Winter, rain or shine. Don't bother me at all, I just dress for it. You will never see mine on a trailer as long as it is running! For me getting there is most of the fun!

[Capt.]

I think what you'll find is that it's a matter of personal preference. Opinions are like belly buttons....everybody's got one. Here's just a suggestion, go on down to your local Harley dealer with your motorcycle endorsment and helmet in hand and ask to take different models of the sportster out for a test ride.It will give you a better idea of whats best for you in comfort ( fwd. controls vs. center controls), dispell any vibe issues, and shouldn't cost you a thing cept some time a big s**t eatin grin on yer face. Oops...slipped an opinion in there...sorry.;)

[NanaB]

I am ready to buy my first bike and have my eyes on the Sportster. I have heard some of the same things said on this thread. I guess it would be a good idea to test drive, this may sound silly, but I didn't realize that you could do that. Sounds a little risky for the Dealer. I have looked at Honda, Trimuph and then HD, the Honda felt pretty comfortable but the HD Sportster 883L felt most comfortable. I don't know how much I will be riding but I don't want to get something that costs a fortune and may be too large for me. I am female and 5'4" so I feel like the Spster would be good. Does any one have any other suggestions for the first time female buyer. Oh yeah, this is my first time using a forum so be patient

[Maico Shark]

I am ready to buy my first bike and have my eyes on the Sportster. I have heard some of the same things said on this thread. I guess it would be a good idea to test drive, this may sound silly, but I didn't realize that you could do that. Sounds a little risky for the Dealer. I have looked at Honda, Trimuph and then HD, the Honda felt pretty comfortable but the HD Sportster 883L felt most comfortable. I don't know how much I will be riding but I don't want to get something that costs a fortune and may be too large for me. I am female and 5'4" so I feel like the Spster would be good. Does any one have any other suggestions for the first time female buyer. Oh yeah, this is my first time using a forum so be patient

I'm wondering why you're buying the bike...I mean I hear people on this thread discussing comfort and I'm wondering what that means. You got a padded seat..adjustable hydraulic suspension but let's face it, you'd be a hell of a lot more comfortable in a flexsteel captains chair gazing out privacy glass while some chauffer tools you to the ball. This is biking after all and when you buy a bike it's not like some fashion show. If you're 5'4" tall and buying your first bike, you might want to look at scooters.. they're automatic transmissions and any over 250cc will keep up with a Harley in comfort and style.

[Uesque]

I am ready to buy my first bike and have my eyes on the Sportster. I have heard some of the same things said on this thread. I guess it would be a good idea to test drive, this may sound silly, but I didn't realize that you could do that. Sounds a little risky for the Dealer. I have looked at Honda, Trimuph and then HD, the Honda felt pretty comfortable but the HD Sportster 883L felt most comfortable. I don't know how much I will be riding but I don't want to get something that costs a fortune and may be too large for me. I am female and 5'4" so I feel like the Spster would be good. Does any one have any other suggestions for the first time female buyer. Oh yeah, this is my first time using a forum so be patient

I guess the first question would be "Do you have your license?" and "Have you taken the MSF course?" My wife did both before riding her own bike, and it's without a doubt the way to start. As far as her ride, we spent $1,500 on a used Honda Shadow, and she loves it. If you're not sure what you want, I'd stay away from new or expensive and get some miles in so that you know exactly what you like and don't like.

[Capt.]

I am ready to buy my first bike and have my eyes on the Sportster. I have heard some of the same things said on this thread. I guess it would be a good idea to test drive, this may sound silly, but I didn't realize that you could do that. Sounds a little risky for the Dealer. I have looked at Honda, Trimuph and then HD, the Honda felt pretty comfortable but the HD Sportster 883L felt most comfortable. I don't know how much I will be riding but I don't want to get something that costs a fortune and may be too large for me. I am female and 5'4" so I feel like the Spster would be good. Does any one have any other suggestions for the first time female buyer. Oh yeah, this is my first time using a forum so be patient

Just as a suggestion for a 1st time female rider, you might give a Ridley some consideration(ridleymotorcycle.com). I just returned from a private tour of their facilities in Oklahoma City and I have to admit I was impressed. About three fourths of their customers are woman due to the low seat height, center of gravity, and overall light handling but with a big bike look. They have both automatic and manual shift models for 07.
If your willing to wait until spring then you might also consider the new Indians. Yes their back but with the big bucks and smarts to keep 'em on the map this time.
Just some thoughts that might help you out in your search.
Capt.

[07xL-L]

any idea what bike she chose?

[BeyondThePaintInc]

First things first, get what you want, everybody has an opinion, but you are the one riding it.
My first Harley was an 883 sportster, and then a 1200. I now ride a Fat Boy, only because I got a great deal on it. Otherwise, I would still be on the 1200 Sporty. Sportsters are good bikes.

The Metric cruisers can also be a good deal for new, and first time riders. They offer more models in the smaller cc range, that appear larger than they really are. And sometimes the insurance may be less.

Comfort is a personal issue, when I ride, I enjoy it. Never thought about comfort, too busy enjoying myself.

[bernjones]

I am ready to buy my first bike and have my eyes on the Sportster. I have heard some of the same things said on this thread. I guess it would be a good idea to test drive, this may sound silly, but I didn't realize that you could do that. Sounds a little risky for the Dealer. I have looked at Honda, Trimuph and then HD, the Honda felt pretty comfortable but the HD Sportster 883L felt most comfortable. I don't know how much I will be riding but I don't want to get something that costs a fortune and may be too large for me. I am female and 5'4" so I feel like the Spster would be good. Does any one have any other suggestions for the first time female buyer. Oh yeah, this is my first time using a forum so be patient

I just got my license last March '06, I wanted a Harley really badly, but went and bought a used Yamaha 250 Virago. I rode all summer on it, (kept up with my hubbie on his Softtail and my Bros In Law on his Road King) learned alot, learned to respect the danger involved. I sold the Virago in 1/07. It was the best money I ever spent. Some people want to hop right on a big bike, I did not. I knew I wasn't sticking with the 250 forever, but for me getting the M on the license doesn't really give you the experience needed. Having the 250 helped me, I got a lot more experience with the clutch. I think now I am ready for that Harley. I plan to buy a Sportster 1200 L some time in the next two weeks. I can't wait for spring. I know with the mishaps I had this past summer with my clutch control, a few balancing problems at lights, and once not looking into the turn, all could have been deadly for me on a bigger, more powerful bike. I know that now, I didn't know it then and luckily I had the right bike for my skill level. Now I know there are others out there that hopped right on a big bike and had no trouble at all. Do you have your license, did you do okay in the class? These are a few of the questions you need to ask yourself and then decide.

Good luck,
Bern

[TxFLSTC]

I just got my license last March '06, I wanted a Harley really badly, but went and bought a used Yamaha 250 Virago. I rode all summer on it, (kept up with my hubbie on his Softtail and my Bros In Law on his Road King) learned alot, learned to respect the danger involved. I sold the Virago in 1/07. It was the best money I ever spent. Some people want to hop right on a big bike, I did not. I knew I wasn't sticking with the 250 forever, but for me getting the M on the license doesn't really give you the experience needed.

Now that is some real good advice. An inexpnsive metric to learn on is a great idea.

/\/\ike

[TxFLSTC]

I've been wanting a motorcycle for some time now, and think that I might finally be able to actually afford it. Of course, if I buy a bike, it's going to be a Harley, which currently limits me to a Sportster.
I am wondering what the pros and cons of a Sportster are. For example, I read somewhere that they had a bit of problem with vibration once you got up around 65 or so, up till '02 (or '04, I don't remember which).

This will be a starting bike, I've never ridden before. For that reason, I figure that a smaller bike will be to my advantage. I'm 6', 175lbs. I have been told that I will want the forward controls. I just want to get out and cruise. If I wanted to kill myself fast, and race around, then I'd go for a c-rocket. I plan to throw some saddlebags on there and go for overnight/weekend trips on her. Hopefully this info will help you know better what I'm looking for.

I'm looking for any suggestions/hints about what I should be aware of. Thanks!


Twenty years ago I saw my first Sporty up close and I fell in love with it. At the time I had a Suzuki Savage 650cc which was a neat bike, but it wasn't a Harley. I have wanted a Harley since that time and finally got one last year. I didn't get the Sporty, but I did consider it. I saw some Sporty's that looked pretty cool and were more affordable. My brother had a FXR and a couple of friends had a Road king and Ultra Glide. I was told that I would regret getting the smaller Harley if I went that route... and then I finally took the plunge I really took that into consideration. I ended up getting a Softail. I knew it was for me when I saw it.

A friend of mine works for Harley and once a year or so they get together and ride the new bikes that are coming out. He said they were trading off from one to the other and he said he was stuck with the Sportster for while and the vibration was grueling for him. I think this was in 04 or 05... I don't remember. He is about 6' 200lbs. He has been a Harley owner for 20+ years... He has all kinds of bikes... Vstrom, Triumph, Harley, and some other metric. He has arthritus... so maybe that was a factor in his pain I really don't know. I will ask him the next time I see him and see if I am remembering this correctly.

Folks were suggesting that I get a Road King... I got a Heritage Softtail. When I took my bike in for the 30k service I rented a Road King to see what I was missing... it was grueling for me. The handlebars were too short for my riding style... the floor boards are too high... I did not like the Fuel Injection... pipes were too quiet and my elbows were killing me 15 minutes after I left the dealer. So you see... my friends utopia Road King was a monster for me... so with all things considered... you got to find the one you think will fit you and modify it to fit your body and riding style. If you have your heart set on that Sporty... get it and mod the way YOU want it. If you like to ride and that is why you are buying it... then all it is about is you and your bike.

The bottom line (in my book) is this: It' s your money, buy what you want and do it YOUR way.

in the wind...
/\/\ike

[bernjones]

I like the Softtail, my dh has '05 Deluxed. He is customizing it slowly but surely. He loves the bike and feels the same as you , wouldn't want a RK.

Good luck,

[Cam]

Since this will be you first bike, you will not know any better about anything. It will be like your first love, you never forget the first. Buy the one that speaks to you.

[Uesque]

Since this will be you first bike, you will not know any better about anything. It will be like your first love, you never forget the first. Buy the one that speaks to you.

That about nails it. I still remember both the Bridgestone 90 that I learned to ride on, and the Yamaha AT3 that was my first street(and trail) bike. I'm sure that the Yamaha did nothing well, but to me it was the best bike in the world.

I've ridden an Electra Glide Ultra, and to me it was like piloting a barge, I felt completely disconnected from the road, hated having my feet so far forward and on floorboards, but the seat was really comfy. Next try is a Street Rod, at least the pegs are where I like them.

Buy what you like. Tell everyone else to F off.

[AlexJones]

You might want to check out the Harley dealerships in your area by going to PowerSportsGateway.com. They have a Visual Map that great and they list over 5000 dealerships in their database most including the dealers contact info such as phone, email, fax, website.

[chromeyellow]

I have a 00 Sportster and love it. I bought it new and made a lot of changes. My recommendation is go with a 1200 and a custom seat like Corbin (gel is good) and forward controls if you plan on making long trips. The stock seats suck. My stock seat kills me after a 300 mile ride.

[hollywood1959]

at your size go with the 1200 great bike lots of balls youle like it. hollywood

[Boots]

The best option to use is to copy what bernjones did. Learn to ride, experience is the best teacher

[LowRiderGhost]

Mornin' Froldt,

Certainly NOT the gospel, but here's my opinion (for what it’s worth…) on the Harley Sportster: I think even to date the H-D Sporty remains one of the best deals in all of motorcycling bar none! It doesn’t matter whether or not people hate Harleys or love em’, would prefer the (still) more advanced technology of a Far Eastern Metric, or just got problems with the whole H-D Rider image BS thing. The fact of the matter remains (just MY opinion…) that for those wanting the most motorcycle value received (return on they’re investment) I just can’t see that there’s a better deal out there then a Sporty… seriously! There was some rumor at one time (perhaps still is?) that H-D Motor Company was actually selling Sportsters at or below they’re actual production costs, just to try and hook new customers onto Harleys (in the hopes they’ll upgrade to Bigger Twins later…)?! I’m not all that sure that particular rumor was all that erroneous?! Seems to make sense to me…. ;-)

I’ve had 5 past Sporties – I’d actually have another one today if my wife hadn’t talked me out of it (instead I got another Low-Rider a few years back). When I was younger and a LOT lighter, I think a Sporty definitely was the Cat’s Meow! ;-) Just figured I’m just too friggin’ fat now and quite frankly too short a height (5’8”) now at just about 51. But I really see the Sporty as a young dude’s bike – meant for having fun and ‘trouble’ out there on a budget! ;-) Then after you get a lot older, slower, and (sigh…..) fatter… and probably married by then (i.e., NO more ‘strange muff’… nuff’ said?!) THEN ya’ move onto the bigger twins (brand ANYTHING….) and just slow down and enjoy the countryside yer’ passin’ thru…. ;-)!

LRG http://www.iw.net/~praxsis/cruiser.gif


I've been wanting a motorcycle for some time now, and think that I might finally be able to actually afford it. Of course, if I buy a bike, it's going to be a Harley, which currently limits me to a Sportster.
I am wondering what the pros and cons of a Sportster are. For example, I read somewhere that they had a bit of problem with vibration once you got up around 65 or so, up till '02 (or '04, I don't remember which).

This will be a starting bike, I've never ridden before. For that reason, I figure that a smaller bike will be to my advantage. I'm 6', 175lbs. I have been told that I will want the forward controls. I just want to get out and cruise. If I wanted to kill myself fast, and race around, then I'd go for a c-rocket. I plan to throw some saddlebags on there and go for overnight/weekend trips on her. Hopefully this info will help you know better what I'm looking for.

I'm looking for any suggestions/hints about what I should be aware of. Thanks!

[BH121869]

I love my sporty and have been in love with them since 1957. I do like a good custom seat and do not like forward controls. For a short ride they are OK but I have them on this 01 and use the rear pegs out on the open road. Try both and decide for yourself. I prefer the 1200 as you get more for your $ and it will sell better later on. And yes you never forget your first.

[mary]

I like my Sportster. Did get a Sargent custom foam on the seat tho. Stock seat is a board. Got over 12k on mine since Feb 07. My next ride will be a Fat Boy. Cannot believe how well they handle. Almost stear themselves. (Fell for the 08 Busa after throwing my leg over one a couple weeks ago.) 1st sport bike I could plant my feet on. May be my second toy.)

[blackmouth]

GEEZ folks...if Froldt has not made his/her decision about a bike by now, GIVE IT UP!!

Anyone of you last few posters notice the date of the original post?
Froldt was looking for advice TWO YEARS AGO. :p

[BH121869]

It is a good subject that people seem to like. Some people like their bikes and some of us love ours and enjoy the subject.

[gammaqueen]

I am still loving my Sportie. I have put 23,000 miles on since I purchased it last year. I rode it to Myrtle Beach a couple times, I rode the entire Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive last August, rode the tail of the dragon in June, and have a Key West tripped planed in May. I have taken my saddle bags off since they cover up my skull wheels and added a luggage rack instead. I also put an AME front end on it since my last post. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is freakin awesome!!

[Maico Shark]

Since this will be you first bike, you will not know any better about anything. It will be like your first love, you never forget the first. Buy the one that speaks to you.

Jeff Foxworthy country:) :) :) Sure don't sound like a rednecks sentiment to me:) :) :)

[shadecorp]

Limited to a SPORTSTER???? :confused:

I have an 04 XL883C.

Love it.

When my Son drug me to the dealers and forced me to buy a bike,
I looked around the bikes on display and didn't see anything that I wanted,

Then,

I saw her setting all alone and new she was the one.:)

I could have bought any bike on the floor,
no, not rich, good credit.

Was at the dealers the other day with a friend that's looking for a bike,
didn't see anything I would give up my Sportster for.

Started riding in the early 50's.
So have a little experience with bikes.



Age is strictly a case of mind over matter.
If you don't mind,
it doesn't matter.

[harley01]

Miss my sporty :*(

[BH121869]

There are about a dozen of us that ride to work everyday and on nice warm days close to 40 bikes all in a line. Many of them have said my 01 Sporty has the best sound of all of them. Even the non riders love the Harley sound the best. I've been asked a dozen times if it has hot cams in it. Nope it just sounds like that. I love mine.

[BlingBling883]

I have an 04 Sportster. The 05 is the first Sporty that is rubber mounted to cut down on vibration. My 04 has no vibration but a sportster does has a bad problem is the center of gravity. Don't laugh, but I used to fall over just sitting still. I ended up getting progressive shocks and changed my handle bars to Fat boys and have not had a single problem since. I love my Sporty and I am a woman rider.

[louturks]

but a sportster does has a bad problem is the center of gravity. Don't laugh, but I used to fall over just sitting still.

This is interesting. When I was at the Harley dealership last week, a guy got on his sportster and was adjusting something on his jacket, an he fell over with the bike.

In my opinion, when I rode that sportster 1200, it was top heavy.

[BH121869]

Can you set on it flat footed? Why did you fall over? Too heavy for you? Was it your first bike? The only people I've ever seen fall over were, lets say drinkers.

[hollywood1959]

Just got a 2007 883 leftover. And yes, they do seem to be top heavy, But, none the less, I can say the bike handles like a wet dream! Point, and it go's. I'm sure I could stand on the seat at 40MPH+. Drink too much, and any bike will fall over. Keep it in the wind.


HOLLYWOOD

[curnaco]

Buy a 1200 Harley Nightster. its in the Sportster Familly, Its such an amazing machines very fast and very old school looking. !!!!!!!

[morvegil]

Ive had a 1200l...its awesome