I was never nervous ori secure when riding them. Ride smoother. Can the problem be eliminated or minimized? Refer to the article Fuse Box Informationfor fuse locations. It is Harleys calling card for gods f****s sake. Throttle response is terrible, she shakes in the corners, and is severely underpowered for that large of a displacement (that goes for the big twins too..). Shut up and grow up. I’m sure this will be the start of the rest of my life and the first of many HD’s. Horsepower; not an issue. No plastic inside on chains. That’s what makes them what they are. I learned on a 900 Kawasaki…hahaha And I’m surprised I’m not dead. I have a 2004 1200C and I was amazed at how smooth it is at highway speeds. Everything he said is what I felt but he wasn’t saying that Sportsters are shit, he’s just pointing out the cons. They don’t need the service so it’s not profitable for Harley to offer the service. Some just fire it up and off they go. Mistake # 3, wasting the time it took to read this crap. 500klms is going to be good shakedown ride home. I want more cushion and bounce. Unless you are in a Iron Butt competition or have no choice on what you can ride, that’s just dumb. I don´t see how you can get only about 100 miles to the tank. Both my 2006 Sportster and my 2003 Roadking have no such issues. This, most typically, is an indication that your front brake light switch is misaligned or broken. Harley’s are great bikes! You feel the power band, you hear the power. $9500, 2. To say don’t buy a Sportster you should be on a rice burner. I mean, it is still a 1200 right? I’m 6’1″ 280 lbs. I am rather surprised, I had a twincam 88 fxdl and apart from a low seat height it was a disaster: very slow to turn, everything hit the deck on any twisty road (UK) after 2 weeks of ownership I rotated it, end over end over a roundabout. I really believe that when you buy a new motorcycle you should be able to ride it home from the showroom floor and enjoy the ride. I just bought a 1995 XLH 883 Sportster Deluxe with 10553 miles on it. I’m a smaller guy at 5’6″ and I’m flat footed with space to spare on my sporty. Hey Oscar I’m from Peru too but I live un the USA, It would be cool to ride in Peru someday. I love that I cant scrape anything when turning. Both of em (883 Iron & 1200 Dustom ) were SO much fun. getting 52mpg and sometimes better depending on city/highway. When I get big baggers try to put me down about riding a pussy bike, I ask ’em what they learned on? Whew! Power, hot looks and … […]. I live in Peru, South America, and just got back from an almost 2 thousand mile trip up and down the Andes mountains, with overpasses at around 16,000 feet above sea level, with no problems at all with my bike, even though its a 1998 model, but well kept. I have customized it to fit my personality. This bike inspires confidence when I’m riding it. karen, sorry you are so angry! Gearing changes can put the vibration spot where it won’t matter, and the ancient trick of swatting a lead fishing sinker into each handlebar end works too. Congratulations on the glide. You can laugh at me riding this little bike but that’s your problem, not mine. I could see how it would be advantageous to get a sporty if you wanted to customize it, although, I’d just as soon find a ’70’s CB750 to play with if I wanted a bobber or cafe racer. I have had it sense it was made in 1992. Front tire Especially…….120/70zr/18 59w …would like some advice here…. Really to beat a 1200 sportster you need to stop riding. be something wrong with your tape measure…dont think riding a motorcycle is for you, I just picked up a 94 Sporty 883 with many upgrades you know what they say…better my sister a whore than my brother on a honda. As a lady rider (started out on crotch rockets) sold my last sport bike and got a 08′ Nightster. Sportsters are just that a sport bike. drive a car. There are 5 complaints filed for the 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C. I’m 6′-2″ so don’t have any problem with saddle height or centre of gravity. Google article on Why to buy a sportster. Worst Kia Sportage Problems #1: Engine Stopped Working While Driving 2012 Sportage Average Cost to Fix: $5,600 Average Mileage: 86,000 mi. You had to kick it (that means you had a kick starter for you youngsters). New Mustang seats, relocated tail lights, added highway pegs, adjusted shocks, I love her. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > countrycorby Member. Great bikes. Only problem is… I’m not used to a bigger bike like that so I’d like to go test ride one. The grin came back on my face! 2004 and newer sportsters came along way 2007 fuel injected ones are even better. when that happens I ll get a real touring bike – a gold wing. Ride on Chick, might see ya on the road. I am 6ft0 and I can places both of my feet on the ground, solid. My bike has a Mustang solo seat which is very comfortable and with the added back rest enable one to ride long distance in great comfort. Sounds like a plan to me ~. Everything has some pros and cons it’s just that the Sportster cons just stay there and don’t go away. Yes, I’m too big for her but I don’t care, it put’s a smile on my face like few other machines can. I bought my Superlow new in 2012, made a few adjustments, including the 1200 Screaming Eagle upgrade, highway pegs, pillion pad, lumbar pad, better tyres (didn’t like the Scorchers at all). Replace the rear shocks, adjust the handlebar/controls. Didn't winterize my bike... am i screwed??? I wont ever trade or sell my Sportster, its way too much fun, and I get plenty of compliments already. but ya better be creative with the seat, bitch bar, and rear shocks if you want reasonable two-up comfort. It’s relatively inexpensive and it has all of the Harley good stuff. I don’t know what you’re used to driving, so that can be relative. You will be suprised. My only future change would be a more comfortable seat. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the Sporty. There are 7 complaints filed for the 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER. The 50 year anniversary of the Sportster invokes the evolution of a brand into something that continues to be recognized as a true modern motorcycle. I may buy a softail breakout soon, but my sporty is staying put. […] Mistake #2: Don’t Buy A Sportster, not for a … – Mistake #2: Don’t Buy A Sportster. This is my first bike. though, I will say in its defense, if you are not looking for something to customize and make “your own,” a sportster is the way to go. But, I wanted a Sportster since I was 14 and the neighbor cuties boy friend picked her up on his, so I wasn’t gonna give up on “my dream bike”! Add forward controls, upgrade the pegs. I’m 5’9″ an athletic 160lbs and my feet are flat on the ground with a slight bend at the knee. Ride safe! AND an advantage of the low weight IS parking and walking it back and forth. If you truly can’t tolerate that, you are “out” on a lot of bike purchases, for sure. I have a 951 in my 2001 Sportster that I have owned for three years now. The only down fall is the 2.2 gallon peanut tank. Dunno…sounds to me like you’re wishing your sporty was something it was never meant to be…nobody ever accused sportsters of being highly refined highway machines. Since purchase we have upgraded to a set of 13″ progressive shocks, they’re good, but Olhins would have been better, just dearer. And I still have my first Harley it’s an 82 xlh1000 sporty and she still runs like a Swiss watch. Owned numerous road bikes. What wasn’t acceptable was the price and availability of a new set, $800+, and only available at HD dealers. Try to get down to the tail of the dragon, you won’t regret it!! Also, I’m not getting the hate for the Sportster’s characteristics. Rear tire is slightly taller profile, which on an 883XL is great, it gives you just little more road clearance. Ride what you feel good on and don’t worry about the d-bags who say differently, there is no wrong answer here folks. I had a 1988 Heratige and it vibrated me to death. This can cause problem like blowing out cylinder base gaskets etc. From stock 883 through extensively modified 1200's, the Sportster engine is prone to detonation. You don’t teach someone how to drive in a Cadillac or Lamborghini. You are soooo right on. its just about finding what bike works best for you! Let’s just say it is not the ideal bike for everyone. beginner bike that is lighter, has a smaller displacement, and is less likely to make you cry if you drop it.I cut my street teeth on a mid seventies Yamaha XS 360 and got comfortable with the physics before moving to a larger bike.I can honestly say that I would probably be dead had I tried to climb that learning curve on a sporty. Oh by the way just today I took a turn and scuffed the sole of my boot durring the lean. For discussing problems about your Sportster motorcycle that don't fit anywhere else. I would suggest a I love my Sporty, but would love to have a “smooth” ride, or at least a smoother ride. The only issue I’m having now is vibration, but at this point I’m putting it down to the new shocks I got for Christmas. I take my bagger for long road trips, only because of the wife and her need for too much luggage! I agree with several of your other statements though. I’m looking into up-grading to a Road king. Because they like it. I ride with a group that has every kind of bike you can think of. If I REALLY feel like traveling that far over 100 miles, I’ll carry extra fuel. So I pick it up weekend after next. Keep in mind that if you lower the rear with either blocks or shorter shocks you will change the handling. I learned how to ride on a 900 Kawasaki 30 yrs ago….it was my boyfriends. I choose to ride over the Road King most days. For me, it feels like sitting on a couch (in terms of height). shifting is a clunky nightmare masked as “sturdy and mechanical” by dealers. My point; if you want a windshield, plush seat, etc. Start it and have a cup of coffee and you avoid alot of self inflicked problems. Hello everyone. Currently own a Road King and a 2002 XL883R Sportster with a HD 1200 kit, V&H longshots black ceramic coated, 13″ Progressive shocks and fork springs, Corbin Gunfighter, fwd controls, wheels/forks, etc powdered black. My biggest problem with the Sportster line is that every bump and vibration from the road is like a kidney punch or forced compression of your spine. The classic Harley sound is music to my ears each time I fire up the Sportster. I’ve got nearly 40k on her now, and she’s a dream to ride on the freeway, yes I live in CA also. Now she is one sweet bike and all my friends who ride big hogs even like it. No guesswork for me. If the seat was another 2″ taller it would be perfect for me. Look it up harley riders…in fact I call it the harley killer, but you all usually don’t know much about other bikes except harleys. I will never regret starting out on a Sportster nor knock anyone who has one bc I have loved mine and she has taken good care of me!! Harley look-alike Jap bikes are sort of OK-ish, but lack the sound, but do look nice. Change the seat and add performance, highway pegs, and raise the bars a little bit and I am off. But hey, those 200 bucks aee well spend. Their uncle’s 250? There are vibrations but they don’t let my hands get numb or let the mirrors shake tha I can’t see anything. great article and awesome comments. Distance ride? I’m experiencing some of these issues as well.. Hagon shocks come in any length you like, and are ordered to custom weight and use habits. I always wanted a HD but did not want to invest a whole lot of money until I new what I really wanted for sure. Of course not, this is a starter bike and one for quick trips around town or short commutes to work. It’s a super honest bike with an incredible heritage. Hell, the older ones (pre-Evo) pull wheelies off the light if you’re not too careful. It makes maneuvering a breeze. Another problem that will cause intermittent issues with fuel delivery is a gas cap with a malfunctioning vent. To you true Sportster lovers, I salute you. New grips will help, and some drag bars. The big cruisers were designed to cruise hence the name and the Sportsters were set up for higher ground clearance and are lighter for more agility. The detonation problem with Sportster engines seems to stem from an improper advance curve. When it gets uncomfortable I stop for a bit, and smile. kudos to you guys and gals. Handles better. Ive got Pirelli Angels. Women regularly purchase the Sportys for a reason; they can touch the ground. As a new rider you need to start with a smaller lower power bike to give you a chance to improve your confidence and ability, also to realize your preferred riding style. The solution to the common fuel injection problems on the Harley Sportster. I have a 2003 xl883c. I have an 07 standard. I can’t think of more things that piss me off more than sportsters being called a girl’s, beginners, entry-level bike. I don’t know about anyone else’s or my fathers HD from the 50’s. Which translated roughly into 100 miles. Insert a spark tester into the wire and attach the tester to ground. Mirrors do vibrate, BUT far from useless at any speed between 0 and 90. I have no issues with the height or CG, and the quirky handling and vibration is all the better for keeping you on your toes. No factory mods that made it unique. I wrote a fair and objective explanation of why I think I made a mistake when I bought a Sportster. one sporty and $5000... What would you do? Your a idiot. It s been in discussion for years. Mistake number one was checking out this article. It does after a long time riding in my Jeep, too. You shouldnt buy a harley if you dont like the vibration. Do modern and more sophisticated bikes pass you left and right on the highway? I have a 05 1200 after having 950 bager by Yamaha I love the sportster.No moor jap bikes for this old man. Had a rigid shovelhead back in 79′. It still says “Honda” on the side though, a Japanese Company). The rear tyre is a slightly higher profile, which gives me about 1″ more clearance. If Harley could make a more comfortable bike with the Sportster Engine in it, I would ride that bike in a minute. Nope. But when we got out on the Freeway (or Highway to most of you), the ride dynamics changed. I did not buy a new Sportster so I could immediately start investing more money on mods. Sportster a great piece of machinery, you just have to be a rider. The is no Jap, Korean or Euro bike in the World that holds it’s value like a Harley. The sportster is the one bike that hasn’t left and then made a comeback in the “Modern retro” segment. But the shoes dragged and the backing plate was … The seat height on a Nightster (XL1200N) is 25.7″, and you don’t have to ride with your knees spread like a street walker. All I have to say is I love Harley’s but don’t like the Sportster at all. As for two up, 5 days a week I strap about 40 pounds of masons tools to the luggage rack, pick up my 25 year old son and run 40 miles (for the last month) to work. Yes, I don’t ride or want a Harley, and I don’t want to be a ” biker”, I am a motorcycle enthusiast, so big deal, sue me, just don’t race me, twist or straight, because I’ll leave your underpowered, over heavy, obsolete piece of antique iron behind me without any effort, oh yeah I’m on a ’97 Cbr1100xx. Amen Brother. It felt great! You experience them each and every time you go for a ride. I have a 2012 883XL, with the 1200 Screaming Eagle kit, so she goes well. I love the Road King for comfort but ride the hell out of the Sporty, just did 240 miles on Sunday, mostly in the twisties. On the highway the big bikes rule. But the point is- everyone likes different features. When I ride I give the 2 fingers to the road salute to ALL bikes. My 2003 vibrated so that using the rear view mirrors for anything other than looking for big stuff (cars) unusable. The first hurdle was the ground clearance, fixed with an after market set of shocks 13″ inches, changed the foot pegs to Dyna rubber (to stop rubbing the street in the corners), this made the ride much better, particularly on the great curves in our area. WHAT A BABY! My Sportster doesn't cause any more trouble than any of my other (metric) bikes. I don't care what kind of bike it is. With my East Bay Rat Pack friends and there stripped down Ducatti and Harley’s and street enduros. Better bike than HD sends to the Softail and if I really feel like you are in order as.! Yes it vibrated me to death which is how long it takes me to death can not of! A larger bike is better suited for its my understanding the new fuel injected have less! T know what they say…better my sister a whore than my brother on a 900 Kawasaki…hahaha and I did miles... 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Along way 2007 fuel injected ones are even better I suggest that you couldn t! Told me that I ’ ll be disappointed with the Sportster highway pegs, adjusted shocks, I that.

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