Are HD Sportsters considered "girl bikes" in your town?

[Roadrash]

I hear that all the time, that a Sporty is a "girl's bike". Usually you hear it from two different types of people.

1. Most bikers give each other **** about what the other guy rides. It's just good-natured fun. The Sporty riders pick on the Big-Twin riders about not having any take-off power, the hard-tail riders pick on the Soft-Tail riders about being posers, the guys on Superglides and Fatboys pick on the dresser riders for riding "retirement-glides", etc., etc.. It is all meant, and taken in a good-humored way.

2. People who've never ridden a Sporty and don't know what they're missing.

My first two bikes were Sportsters, and I put one hell of a lot of miles on each of them. Although I love the comfort of the bigger bikes on long trips, I still miss the fun, quick, nimble Sporty from time to time. As soon as I win the lottery, I'm gonna pick me up an old Ironhead Sporty and build a damn bar-blaster out of it.
Also, never let anyone tell you what you should or should not be riding. Part of this biker lifestyle is being free. Free to choose what to ride, when and where to ride, what to wear, how to behave, etc..
Oh, and I too am only 3/4 Oklahoman. I drive a pickup, carry a .45, ride a Harley and drink lots and lots of beer, but not Bud. Gives me an ass-kicker of a headache every time. I do like ridin' in Oklahoma though, does that count? I've been to the rally at Pawhuska a time or two.
Respects,
Roadrash

[TFee3]

I ride a C90T Suzuki, but I have to admit that when I'm at the Harley dealer's (also a suzuki dealer), I look at the Sportsters, and they look pretty good to me! I don't see anything "girly" about them at all. I would love to have one, but like you, I haven't won the lottery yet!

[Urban Coyote]

You have to figure back in the day when Americans weren't as.... How do I put it nicely?... FAT!!...A Sportster was a decent sized and powered bike. Even the 883. Even many 250cc bikes. Today, lot of guys and even gals need the big customs, touring bikes and gliders with the large engines to handle their body size and be comfortable.

You have to figure with many of these big boy bikes with all the comfort features of luggage capacity, large comfortable rider and passenger seats with arm rests and large comfortable foot rests along with a huge sound system and all kinds of other goodies that all you need to do is put a hood over the rider and you practically have a car on two wheels.

So which one is really the "girly bike"? A regular, no frills motorcycle or a luxury bike to make the rider feel all comfy and snug?

[olds_cool63]

This is asinine. What exactly is a "girl's bike" anyway??? A motorcycle is a motorcycle.

If there are people out there stupid enough to think otherwise, then screw 'em.

Just ride, people! Like I said before...doesn't matter what ya ride, just that ya do!


Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SUIDIOT!

[TFee3]

Well, I did see a totally pink Harley once. That's one that I would classify as a girl's bike. But then, remember the old saying, "Real men wear pink!"

[BH121869]

Originally Posted by Urban Coyote

You have to figure back in the day when Americans weren't as.... How do I put it nicely?... FAT!!...A Sportster was a decent sized and powered bike. Even the 883. Even many 250cc bikes. Today, lot of guys and even gals need the big customs, touring bikes and gliders with the large engines to handle their body size and be comfortable.

You have to figure with many of these big boy bikes with all the comfort features of luggage capacity, large comfortable rider and passenger seats with arm rests and large comfortable foot rests along with a huge sound system and all kinds of other goodies that all you need to do is put a hood over the rider and you practically have a car on two wheels.

So which one is really the "girly bike"? A regular, no frills motorcycle or a luxury bike to make the rider feel all comfy and snug?

You do have a good point that I also see. A sportster is lean and slim and as narrow as they come. People want a tank and seat that are wider than they are in many cases and they look goofy on a lean bike.
As for girl bikes there are none, but there are some better for small people.
My youngest daughter is 27 now and 5'9" about 140 LBS and rides her Rebel fine. She can not get my Sporty or Ultra off their stands. She is best left to a small light, 350 LB or less. My son in law had to lower the seat on his Shadow two inches just to touch the ground properly. I have a sporty for most of my riding, if going 60 miles or so but on longer trips I like a bigger bike with more comfort and luggage space.

[Roadrash]

Originally Posted by olds_cool63

This is asinine. What exactly is a "girl's bike" anyway??? A motorcycle is a motorcycle.

If there are people out there stupid enough to think otherwise, then screw 'em.

Just ride, people! Like I said before...doesn't matter what ya ride, just that ya do!


Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SUIDIOT!

I agree that the term "girl's bike" or "girlie bike" is just dumb. It's probably the first thing that popped into someone's mind to insult someone who rode one of the first Sportsters (we all know how receptive we are to any kind of change!), and then it stuck.
When the Sporty first came out it was Harley's response to losing a huge chunk of the bike market to the British (BSA, Triumph, etc.) bikes. This was at a time when very few women rode or were allowed to ride motorcycles. It would have made more sense to call it a "British-wannabee" bike, or something of that nature. Now that I think of it, I don't believe I've ever heard anyone refer to a Brit-bike as "girlie", even though most of them are actually smaller than the average Sportster. Most of the things I hear about them use terms like "old-school" and "classic". Hmmmm,...
On the other hand, Harley freely admits that both the 883 and Hugger models were specifically designed to attract what they saw as a lucrative, untapped female market. Still, at 6'1", 235lb. I would have no qualms about jumping on one and going for a putt. I don't think I would look "girlie" in any way unless I was wearing a pink dress or something. Not that I would. Honest. Where was I? Oh yeah,...
With all the aftermarket customizing parts out there, anyone can take any bike and make it comfortable for themselves. If you feel like a "monkey ****ing a football", try some extended forward controls, a low-profile seat, ape-hangers or drag bars, lower the rear end, rake or extend the front end, whatever. The possibilities are endless. Plus, the more you change your ride, the more it truly becomes YOUR bike!
Respects,
Roadrash

[olds_cool63]

I said it before and I'll say it again. The ONLY Harley I would get would be a Sporty. And since gas is overpriced, I'd go with the 883.

'Nuff said!

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SUIDIOT!

[crasha51pan]

From a personal experience, I "NEVER" met a Sportster rider that didn't move up to a 74" or 80" or bigger !!!

[BH121869]

Originally Posted by olds_cool63

I said it before and I'll say it again. The ONLY Harley I would get would be a Sporty. And since gas is overpriced, I'd go with the 883.

'Nuff said!

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SUIDIOT!

I like the 883 just fine but as far as gas milage goes there is very little difference.
I get better than most new 883 bikes that I ride with but then they are new and mine is a 2001 1200cc and I bet mine is 50 lbs lighter too. I always get over 50mpg and if I baby it high 50s on a good 89 grade of gas.

[BH121869]

Originally Posted by crasha51pan

From a personal experience, I "NEVER" met a Sportster rider that didn't move up to a 74" or 80" or bigger !!!

Me either, all of them did go bigger, but I know some that went back to the Sporty later on. I'm 6'1" and 180 lbs and 61 years old and like the nimble handeling and good brakes and feel of a sporty,for most riding. I do ride an Ultra Classic for trips and to get out of town too ,but if I could only have one it will be a Sporty. I like the 883 as much as the 1200. I've had them on and off since the early 70s and never had one break down or go into a shop except for tires. I take it back, I did have an 89 in the shop to rejet the carb once.

[Roadrash]

Originally Posted by crasha51pan

From a personal experience, I "NEVER" met a Sportster rider that didn't move up to a 74" or 80" or bigger !!!

I think that is one of the great qualities of a Sporty, they are the perfect entry-level Harley. It gets the new riders in and almost without exception, keeps them. Most, if not all move on to bigger bikes. Those Sporty's now become more affordable used bikes for even more first-time Harley owners to purchase, get the fever, move on to another bike, resell the Sporty, etc., etc.. It's a (hopefully) never-ending chain!
Respects,
Roadrash

My Father-in-law started on a KH, and recently bought an 883, he has no desire for more. He has an 83 Venture Royale, so he does have a big bike also. I don't think he'd be happy on a bigger HD, he really loves the power of the Venture and the scooty-ness of the 883.

[bob weeks]

well I just cant wait to get my ELECTRA GLIDE CLSC out each day ,no I didn't buy it because it's a Harley it just felt better to me than a Honda Gold-wing is to high for me ,the Harley has better sound 1450cc of power it is comfortable.
has all the feathers I wanted wind shield ,stereo.CD player ,see I ride long distance my bike gets over 50 miles a gallon of gas and I can ride 2 my wife.,
when she isn't riding her bike on windy day's I think I got A good deal on her to .Harley do hold there resale too .not sporty but still a Harley!!!
Biker Bob


P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR RIDE SAFE & LONG

[TFee3]

Thank you, Bob, and Happy New Year to you and yours, too! I fell in love with the big Ultras with all the goodies, but I just plain couldn't afford it, being on social security. So, I settled for something at half the price with enough on it to allow me to tour comfortably, a C90T Suzuki. It sure isn't as big or comfortable as yours, but it gets me down the road.

[307T]

OK, late arrival to this post. Ride a Harley (883 Sportster punched out to 1200), shoot a .45, drink beer sometimes, don't own a pick-up truck, and was born in Oklahoma. Score me 3.5 out of 4.

[bsporty]

Originally Posted by Urban Coyote

You have to figure back in the day when Americans weren't as.... How do I put it nicely?... FAT!!...A Sportster was a decent sized and powered bike. Even the 883. Even many 250cc bikes. Today, lot of guys and even gals need the big customs, touring bikes and gliders with the large engines to handle their body size and be comfortable.

You have to figure with many of these big boy bikes with all the comfort features of luggage capacity, large comfortable rider and passenger seats with arm rests and large comfortable foot rests along with a huge sound system and all kinds of other goodies that all you need to do is put a hood over the rider and you practically have a car on two wheels.

So which one is really the "girly bike"? A regular, no frills motorcycle or a luxury bike to make the rider feel all comfy and snug?

Great post Coyote!!!You make a good point!

[bsporty]

Originally Posted by Roadrash

I think that is one of the great qualities of a Sporty, they are the perfect entry-level Harley. It gets the new riders in and almost without exception, keeps them. Most, if not all move on to bigger bikes. Those Sporty's now become more affordable used bikes for even more first-time Harley owners to purchase, get the fever, move on to another bike, resell the Sporty, etc., etc.. It's a (hopefully) never-ending chain!
Respects,
Roadrash

I moved on to "bigger" bike I guess....does my CBR count?

[CB750F]

Well you probably jumped up in horsepower by 150%.

[jdsmithinc]

I really wish I could see the scenario of someone stating that Sportsters are girl bikes in front of my brother-in-law. Man that would be worth recording and sending to bumfights.com.

[shovster]

The guys that talk like that
1. Have never ridden a well tuned Sportster
2. Are let me say "envious" and think bigger is always better
3. Just plain ignorant about motorcycling and its history
4. Probably couldnt even start my XLCH!

[bsporty]

XLCH!!!Wohoooo!

[buldader]

My title could also be called one of my motto's. I buy what I like not what everyone else likes. If anybody doesn't like your bike thats their problem -you aren't buying it for them anyway. Happy trails!

[wmg1299]

I just got back into riding this year, and started with a used 883C. I loved the bike, but I'm a big guy and felt too large fro the bike. When I saw so many women (who were about 1/2 my size) riding the Sporty, I went ahead and upgraded to a Softail. I love my new bike, but sometimes I miss the Sporty (especially when I make my bike payment). I wouldn't go as far as to say the Sportster is a girls' bike, but it really doesn't suit anyone over 6'00" tall.

[Sub]

This is the first thread I read on this forum and I couldn't stop reading everyones posts.
I have several friends that have been riding for years and they cant belive I can ride my sporty...these are large men, too. They say it has to just beat the crap out of me. I love the sweet girl she might be a little rough sometimes, but who doesn't want that every once and awhile. It lets you know that you are still riding.
I know other men that ride sportys and love and do not in slightest bit think of them as "a girls bike".
I sure am glad that I havent met Jethros friends here in okie city. I wouldnt want to keep friends around that are gonna actually ridicule me for what I ride. The givin each other **** b/t friends is one thing... all fun and games... my favorite one from my guy friends is "can you even hold it up"

[BH121869]

OK enough of this reading. I'm firing up the Sporty and going riding. It's 53 outside today. I left Omaha yesterday at 5 degrees.

[TFee3]

Hey Sub, I have a big cruiser, and quite honestly, even at my age (I'm an old guy), I sometimes wish I had bought a duo sport so I could get out in the dirt. I miss it.

Originally Posted by BH121869

OK enough of this reading. I'm firing up the Sporty and going riding. It's 53 outside today. I left Omaha yesterday at 5 degrees.

Curse you fair weather friend!













Kidding, of course. I'm just jealous.

[chromekid01]

They sure are gilr bikes in Daytona Beach,FL, and Atlanta,GA but most people in GA see a bike as a bike and its all good.

[bob weeks]

Originally Posted by Urban Coyote

Maybe you should be more concerned being seen with the type of people you hang out with than being seen riding a Sportster.

There are two types of Harley owners.

Those who just own and enjoy riding their Harley no matter what model it is and respect all other motorcyclists and their bikes, including the metric bike riders.

and then there are the A$$HOLES, who think they define what a biker and Harley owner is, but they are the biggest posers and a bad image to the motorcycling community.

ya what he said ,my wife rides a 883s sporter custom,but she still had to lower it an 1'' and have a clutch kit installed because it was to high & she had trouble holding the clutch for very long ,it hurt her hand so I say no !!!!woman
like them because they sit low and there feet touch the ground ,and the bike is less expensive .and it was her step up .She started on a Yamaha 650custom .buy the way ,is for sale send privet message if untested Biker Bob

[badassvrod]

this has be quiet entertaining all this talk about sporty's i'm 6'3 and 200lb and i rode a 05 883c for 2yrs and had people give me greif about ridding a sporty but most the time they were behind me.i have a 76' ironhead sporty i ride also.you want to see people roll there eyes at a bike ride a VROD when i sold my 05' and got the VRSCD other harley riders wouldn't give you "the wave" which doesn't matter because the VROD is the new harley and you will see the watercooled engines alot more in the future.

[TFee3]

Badass, I'm surprised this thread has lasted this long. I thought it would quit long ago. I like Sportsters, but I like the price of my Suzuki Cruiser better!

[badassvrod]

i'll be keeping the VROD for my cruiser but when next year comes there will be a new zx 14 sitting in the garage

I love this thread. I was just in the one next door talking about big guys in the sportster.

I myself have kicked a pretty mean Vespa back in the day, and couldn't give a hoots about what anyone thought. Me and my dad put it together when I was 9.

I get a kick out of the guys why do ride Sportsters, and think that they are now a biker (image projection), and tell all of the girls so. He does look a little like Sadam Houssein on a Tonka, but he thinks he's in an Easy Rider audition.

I myself think that any of the Sportster series of HD bikes is a true pinnacle product for an entry level rider. It gives you more than many higher end bikes made by other companies provide. It is the smallest mass produced HD series bike on the market, making it perfect for short distances and fun riding. But for girls, no, unless they want one too.

[NW Harley Rider]

I know this thread is old but had to comment. This was my first bike..76 sportster 1000. I think that anyone would feel proud to be on this..

[clockdaddy]

Jethrol,
It sounds to be like you're too concerned about what others think and need to make your own decisions.

I don't ride an HD. They're nice bikes but way too expensive. My Honda Nighthawk suites my purposes and that's why I haven't gone to a bigger bike.

Male or female, it doesn't matter. I know fellas that have trouble handling an 883 and I know women that can ride an Ultra Classic with the best of 'em. Does that make an Ultra Classic a girlie's bike?

I don't worry about what other's think. If they have a problem, tough...they ain't riding my bike. I'm the only one that needs to be happy with my bike. The rest can shut up or leave!

CD

Originally Posted by RyanPitch

The sportster has more horsepower to cc ratio (i.e. efficiency) than any of the big twins. It's faster off the line than the big twins. They were originally built as track bikes; they were fast and they could race. They're truly rad bikes. And this is coming from a Fatboy owner...

Ive told people the same thing an they think Im crazy. NOT!

Ive told people the same thing an they think Im crazy. NOT!

[Boots]

Jethrol, I know what you're saying because I've got kin folk in OKC They talk about how it just doesn't look right to see a BIG (heavy or tall) dude ridin' a small bike.

[clockdaddy]

Then they'd choke on their own tongue if they say my 6'1" 250 lb body on my Honda Nighthawk!!

It serves my purposes, it's paid for, and it's fun. Maybe they're just jealous because I've got it and they don't! But in the overall course of things, I couldn't give a mouse's bunghole about what they think!!!

CD