Sportster was my ride of choice for over 30 years .. If that's what you want Go for it .. Is a Fine Ride.. I just would not recommend it as a First Ride for New Riders .. Would still have a Sportster around for a 2nd ride if the FXR4 had not come along ..

 

There are a lot of ignorant people out there that will call Sportsters "girls bikes" or "starter bikes". Since when is a 550lb, 70hp (the 1200cc model) bike a starter bike? That's dumb. The Sporter is a blast to ride. Lots of torque, and handles well. The only thing you may not like with the bike you linked is the rear suspension. If you ride aggressively you will want one of the Sportsters with the standard, non-lowered suspension. The Iron has a very low rear suspension to get the look it has. This makes the ride rough and not well suited for aggressive riding. I think you would be happier with a used XL1200R or an XL883R. Much more your style.

 

I've ridden Sportsters for quite a while, and currently ride one. The biggest issue I have heard people have with them is the comfort factor when compared to the larger touring motorcycles. That's comparing apples to oranges, however.

They are not ideal for two-up riding, especially in the stock configuration. They are more agile than a touring machine, and make excellent commuter motorcycles. They have quite a bit of torque and pull pretty hard when the throttle is twisted. They are probably one of the easiest motorcycles out there to maintain.

As far as the example linked, you can pick up a brand new 2014 model now for around $8300 and probably get an excellent deal on a new 2013 listed at about $8000. There's no way I would pay $8700 for a 4-year-old Iron.

 

Lots of people think the Sportster is the best bike Harley makes. The bike you linked is one bad ass looking bike but There are so many low mileage sportsters out there I'd look around unless you've just got your hart set on that bike.

They went to the rubber mount engine in 04 and in 07 they went to fuel injection. Don't listen to all the haters there's nothing wrong with a Sportster.

 

It seems sometimes no matter what you ride someone won't like it. So ride what you want.

 

There it is.

And have you ever noticed that the people who try to talk chit about a certain bike, of any make, are usually ones who never owned one?

 

If you want a Sportster and ride agressively, take a look at the XR1200:

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/harley-davidson_xr1200_2010.php

I've never personally been on an XR1200 but I've heard they are great bikes.

The question is how aggressively do you ride??? If you "attack" corners like a sport bike but want the HD "roar" check out Buell. They can be found for much less and has the torque of the Sportster but handle like a sport bike.

Note: I'm somewhat of a Buell enthusiast/geek so my opinion is biased but, take an XB9/XB12 for a ride and you won't be disappointed.

ETA: Not sure where you're located but here is an example:

 

Not sure if I'm Buell sports bike aggressive. I'm 50 years old But I already know I'm more aggressive then I'll every be able on touring bike . It's main job in life would be a commuter. Love the looks of the XR's . Have even looked at stepping up to a V-Rod. Just not sure what I'm going to do . Guess its not something to rush in to. Right!

 

Theres no law that sez you HAVE to ride a Buell aggressively. I have the rear shock set wallowy soft and routinely wear the center out of the front tire. Seat was very comfortable on a 100 mi round trip commutes a few years back. It's lighter than a Sportster too.

 

I think you'll love A sportster. I have a 04 Victory Touring cruiser and a 06 Sportster 1200L when people ask me to compare the two I tell them you can't compare them, they are two totally deferent bikes that serve two totally deferent purposes, both are great at what they do.

Don't listen to the haters, they're just trying (unsuccessfully) to prove to everyone that they don't have Harley envy. I heard it all before I bought one and so far none of it was true, nothing has fallen off going down the road and there is no oil on the ground.

 

i have had a few parts fall off (i learned to loctite every bolt) and the oil drips just help mark my parking spot. that's what i get with a shovelhead though.

as for the newer harleys i cant afford one but i hear they are really reliable. its the dealers job to question you trying to get you a bigger more expensive bike. find a bike you like that fits you let everybody deal with it.

 

I guess most of them don't know that almost all Harley's had automatic chain oilers up until the EPA decided it wasn't a good idea. That's why they left oil drips when parked. Kinda high-tech for it's day.

 

I actually looked up reviews of for the the Sporster and found that many people complained that the Sporter wasn't like there other japanese or english made bikes and how they are use to it. If you like your bike, that is great, but don't go from one bike to another and expect them to be alike. From these "reviews", I made the decision NOT to listen to other people who have other bikes than Harleys.

 

i personally have owned a sportster and weigh 205lbs. and it was one nice ride with lots of torque, great looks, good gas mileage, low maintenance and it was a Harley, what more could you ask for. there are tons of upgrades and accessories you can do with a sportster so just go buy one and ride the hell out of it, it will be a blast to ride.

 

I ride my wife's 1200 Custom Sportster every chance I get..
It's a great in town bike for me...Hey if you like the way they look and feel comfortable on one...Go for it!

 

I just purchased a '12 Sportster Custom. With my knees going bad, the riding position is very nice for me. And my wife likes the ride also. The Sportster has been described thusly; Skinny frame, Big Jugs. What's not to like about that?

 

Some people think that if you get a Harley, it has to be a full dresser.
Ive had quite a few friends who owned Sportsters and theyre fine bikes, they just dont ride the best because they dont have much of a suspension.
Most of my friends who ride started out on Sportsters but thats just because they wanted a Harley and only a Harley and the Sporty was a Harley that was still fairly light and easy to throw around.
IMO, a Sportster is a fine bike if you dont plan on doing any long trips with it. On long rides, that suspension will wear you out after a while.
I have heard quite a few people say that you dont want a Sportster though and it does have the reputation among the Harley camp of being a girl's bike.

 

I have heard quite a few people say that you dont want a Sportster though and it does have the reputation among the Harley camp of being a girl's bike.

I've been riding for over 40 years but confess my friends and I rode in our own little world and pretty much kept to ourselves. I never much cared and or payed much attention to what other types of riders did or the little nuances in the subcultures of the sport. They seemed to not much care for us, and we just didn't care period. But having recently gotten more active in the sport again, I find this stuff fascinating. I'm guessing the new Street models won't be well received either?

 

If you love corners, power and performance get yourself a 2006 V-rod street rod. No joke I raced 12 sport bikes up Mt.Washington BC Canada and I was 3rd. Absolutely amazing motorcycle!

 

I have owned 2 sportsters in my life....and loved both of them....great ride but I would not recommend it as a starter bike

 

They ( Harley Davidson) are going after the younger , novice riders, beginners who don't want to learn on a bigger more weightier bike... the bikes they ride in the basic beginners course (MSF) are all 500cc bikes and they all know that they can ride these bikes.
I wouldn't be surprised that all future basic motorcycle courses participants will be riding the 500 cc Street model.
Harley Davidson for one wants more aspiring enthusiasts to begin their motorcycle lives on cruisers and not crotch rocket style bikes....I think it's a smart move on their part.
But I really think both models will do well in the foriegn market, much better than the US market..
JMHO

 

I agree with this post, as well the smaller displacement is very appealing due to many countries have their insurance rates based on the displacement of the motor on motorcycles. The difference between a sub 600cc and a 1000cc bike in Canada is DOUBLE the amount.

 

Now to actually post on "the topic" (sorry folks)

A sportster is a nice motorcycle. Power to weight ratio is second only to the V-rod. I find at 5'9 and 200lbs I don't "fit" in the motorcycle. It is designed for smaller stature people. It is fast and narrow and fun, BUT I find I sit much to high for the design of the chassis. Fookin awesome bike just to small for me.

 

I have to disagree with part of your post. You say a Sportster is designed for those smaller than your stature. I ride an 04 1200C Sportster, I'm 6'3" weight 235 pounds and find it fits me like a glove. At 5'9" I wouldn't think you could touch the ground. It's all in what ya like and I understand that....

 

First time I've heard a 550 pound bike being called tiny. If you prefer the 800 plus pound hog's that's fine too. I don't really care nor do I care to extend this thread past this post. Have a great day..."dude."

 

A Suzuki Hayabusa is 560lbs. As far as "cruisers" go. A sportster is tiny.....dude.

 

If you're from Canada you should at least get the spelling right..

"Canuckistan"... or maybe your just putting down Canada, I don't know which.

 

It's actually called "sense of humor" Americans call Canadians "Canucks". I played off of that and the fact that 40% of the population in the lower mainland BC is darn near all middle eastern. L....O....L But seeing as how most Americans don't know or have hilarious assumptions as to what or even where Canada is, I am kinda ribbing both Canada and America. God bless em both.

 

For instance (sorry for the thread jack) How many American members (without using google) believe the USA is a greater land mass than Canada?

 

Your sense of humor is lacking. If you're trying to make some sort of backdoor reference to Americans and their outlook towards Canadians at least get the spelling correct. And your assumptions are nothing more than drivel, they are grounded only in your mind.

As for the number of Americans who believe the land mass of USA is greater than Canada... who cares? What is the relevance of that statement except to paint Americans as inferior to what you believe to be the obvious superiority of those to our North.
As a newbie on this forum you sure seem to carry a big chip on your shoulder.

 

Since 90 percent of Canadians live within 50 miles of the border and most of Canada's land mass cannot support life, what is your point?

 

THIS is what I'm saying. Care to elaborate on how most of our land mass can't support life? I don't feel superior ffs. It is common knowledge that Americans as a culture are very self absorbed. That isn't a hack that's a fact. Do I feel we have a stronger country in the economy department? Yes, our banking system is much stronger than the American system. Do I love your landscapes, culturally unique states and food? You bet I do. I'm no noob, nor do I carry a chip. I'm just bringing to light the lack of actual factual knowledge and real riding expertise in this forum. A bunch of old retired Americans that think they know motorcycles. A few excellent posters here. But the majority of the board is fricken clueless.

 

Your chip is showing...

 

We have a lot of Harley riders in Minnesota. I would say it is about half here also.