I have 16 motorcycles (all running and ridden at least once a fortnight). They are American, Japanese, English and Italian. They are sports bikes, cruisers, classics, retros, cafe racers and retros. I feel sorry for small minded people that have to hate any one type of bike or manufacturer, or for that matter Harley riders that have a penis too small to be seen on a sportster. 7 of my 16 bikes are Harley’s (1 CVO Cruiser, 3 Softails, 1 Dyna, and 2 sportsters). Harley have something in their feel that just feels bloody good to ride, and if you want to get more power out of them, it isn’t hard, but it also isn’t necessary, they are plenty fast enough, with shitloads of torque where you use it. The sportsters are a great ride, and often my choice through city traffic. The stage 4 kit on the sportster engine is impressive on my Roadster, and the stage 2 torque kit on my 72 suits it also. My point to all of this being, I don’t want to live in a world where I have to just ride or like one kind of bike, or one where the engine has to be a certain size to be a ‘mans’ bike. It sounds juvenile, and completely misses the point of what riding is about. I,e, not giving a fuck about what other people think, and enjoying the ride.
B James Great post man... I too am like you, I would love to own bikes from all manufacturers and can appreciate them for their differences. Sportsters are just fun bikes, its as simple as that. They might not make much sense on paper, but they make perfect sense in the real world
Jack Daniels because sportsters are almost infinitely customisable and modable... you can take two of the exact same model and make them into completely different bikes. Myself personally would like a second sportster carby rigid mount evo 1200 with foward pegs and mini apes, slammed low for ripping about town on... that would be a completely different bike to the iron 883 i own now. Bikes are like shoes, you can never have enough of them
Jack Daniels Buddy, my 7 Harley’s are all very different beasts, with far more variation than my sports bikes, or my European nakeds. The 72 sportster is nothing like the Roadster sportster out of the box, let alone after customisation. And the 3 softails (88ci Springer, Customised 103ci Breakout made to celebrate 100 years of Harley in Australia, and the 110ci Slim S) all sound, feel, and ride differently. Look, I get what you’re saying. I once didn’t like Harley’s either. But I now admit I was wrong, and I was wrong because I was ignorant, which embarrasses me on reflection, thinking of some of the stupid shit I said about Harley’s years ago. They aren’t cheap, in fact I will agree they are too expensive, but if money is no longer a concern, there is nothing that gives you that feel on the road. Really good bikes. America should be proud of them.
grimbles I’m putting an S&S 93ci shovelhead carbureted engine in my 72 Sportster, just for shits and giggles. Nothing at all wrong with the 1200cc motor it came with, but that’s the fun of Harley’s 😁👍🏾
The blinkers are a win! Previous gen BMW bikes all had it his way and I love it. Easy to operate even when standing and in low speeds. This should be the standard.
The biggest problem I have with this turn signal button setup is that it's a pain in the butt to use accurately. The first way to cancel a turn signal is to rely on the "auto cancelling" signals, except they don't always work reliably. The second way is to press the same signal switch a 2nd time. So what do you do in the bright daylight to make sure a signal is cancelled? You have to look down at the indicator gauge, determine if it's still on, then decide what to do. Just give me the single button style so I can just press the cancel button and be done with it, instead of having to look away from the road in front of me just to check if the auto cancel worked.
So many ppl hating on Harleys. Ive had my 2011 Sportster 48 for years now. Never had any issues that ppl winge about. As for the indicators on both sides its a great idea and they are self cancelling.
I've done an IBA SaddleSore 1000 mile ride; and a 2,500 mile ride on my Forty-Eight. The range absolutely does not compare to a touring model, however after an hour of riding, I'm ready to get off the bike and take a break anyway. With a good seat, the mini apes, and some Legend Shocks, you can ride that thing forever... as long as you plan your gas stops. I personally use a Jafrum SB1 Leather bag to store extra fuel and my clothes/gear.... and you still haven't even touched the price of a 900lb bagger.
Love my 48 Special and at 67 I'm welcomed in to our local HOG clubs: no problem with a 1200 and keeps up easy. I have noticed tho that I can easily push and pull my bike in any direction from a stand still position. Some struggle with the bigger bikes :)
I love Harley blinkers and control pods. So much more logical. Press the left button to indicate left, and the right button to indicate right. Press it again to cancel. Plus, I like the symetry, and large buttons. I wish this was the standard on all motorcycles.
Anyone to bust on the power doesn't understand power, and have not ridden this bike. I found the comments to be spot on. My son and I have talked this bike through from "demo" rides. The true beauty of this bike is the raw-ness. It's all bike, no fluff. My son (He's 19) spent Bike week and Daytona riding demos, and stated he preferred the 48 Special over most other bikes, but was comparing it directly to the Scout, because the 48 was all bike, thumping twin between your legs, torque from the wrist to the wheel. If you rode it, you know what I mean. A bike is so much more than the power on the spec sheet. Don't bust on this bike until its been ridden. The just above idle torque is just so much fun.
Anyone who thinks smaller bikes are "girly bikes" is hilariously insecure and don't like admitting they're the ones who can't keep up with the ladies on group rides lol.
Wow, my favorite reviewer, likes my bike! I too was never a HD guy, but since a portion of my riding now consists of cruising with bikers, I bought this bike. It replaced a Ducati 1200S Monster. I honesty don't miss the Duc; the Harley 48 makes the same type of awesome torque without ever going into hyper mode, which is ok by me at this stage in my life. The build quality and finish is superb, and it never fails to be a fun to ride bike. And yes, the Peanut tank sucks (pun intended), but I am a fan of the turn signal buttons, and the lack of ground clearance is not a problem in SW FL. Cheers.
I started on dirt bikes for the first 40 years of my life then I traded for a cruiser. Since then, I’ve only ridden cruisers. I’ve had 1 Suzuki Intruder, 1 Yamaha Royal Star, 1 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, and now 1 Harley Road King. I’ve liked all 4 bikes, but I prefer the two Harleys. I never had any trouble with any of the four bikes named. The Harley just feels like you’re sitting on something solid compared to feeling like you’re sitting on plastic. And, even though I started on the metrics I DEFINITELY prefer the turn signals being on each side, right for right, left for left. Makes MUCH MORE SENSE to me.
I ride a 2013 48. The blinkers are actually pretty nice. You can hold either button to cancel your blinker but it has a built in tilt system that automatically shuts off after you finish your turn. I'm new to harley so idk if that's a harley thing or a sportster thing buy personally I like it. But everything else you said I agree with. Especially the tank and suspension. But overall it's a great bike and takes corners surprisingly well. I've just gotten used to scraping my boots a bit lol
"The engine. I know it's clunky and agricultural but there is nothing else like it." I hate to disagree with you there but yes there is. Unfortunately the other manufacturers stopped making them in the late 60's and even then they were more refined.
I love v-twins too. I own a 20 year old 60° v-twin with 200cc less than this, twice the power and sounds like armaggedon. I've also spent many hours on a BMW R50/2 which is a 500cc pushrod boxer from the 50's that makes almost half the hp, has the potato-potato sound and is far nicer to ride and to look at. So whats harley's excuse?
Eoin Kenny the evo engine has proven to be probably the most reliable motor harley has made! It even powered buel! It sounds amazing and if its not broken why change
Robert Ortiz I reference you to my second comment about the BMW which to my knowledge is almost completely original and has had nothing done bar oil changes and clearance checks in the last 65 odd years (there is a reason behind bmw's reputation for quality). Also the problem with the "if it ain't broke" argument is that it may not be broke but somebody can still make something better.
Eoin Kenny bmw is more expensive than Harley and yes they are amazing! Again! They dont sound or feel like a harley! See... harley doesn’t try to beat other by being like others! Not one Harley guy i ride with states that Harleys are better than any other machine! I recognize that a BMW is a better machine overall! But i dont ride something simply because in paper is better! I ride my harley because its loud! It shakes! Feels great and its fun! Its like cars! I dont drive the best built car! I drive whats fun! We don’t concern ourselves with the things other riders concerned themselves! Horsepower and all that! You would only understand if you ride one nice and low with loud ass pipes!
I agree that corner clearance isn't very good, but then take a ride on the Harley Davidson Breakout. That bike is almost unrideable. I really like the way the Breakout looks and feels, but as soon as you start to think about turning, you're scraping pegs. Has anyone else experienced this?
NekkeDeez Yes I sold my Breakout for that reason..at a loss! All looks and sound..dangerous everywhere else. Drive it away and you are stuck. The dealer you buy it from will gladly give you half of what you paid for it a minute ago.
NekkeDeez I said on a breakdown and a bike like that is built for somebody who's like 6'3 and the seat was very wide as well. You basically have to be a freaking orangutan to reach that handlebar.
I sat on a Breakout, that was enough to never want one. The seat was uncomfortably wide when combined with the insane reach to the bars and pegs, and I am a very average 5'10". You would have to be like 6'4" to be comfortable on that bike. Also it has basically zero cornering clearance. I've seen slammed baggers with more clearance.
Not to point out the Elephant in the room here, but the Indian Scout is the Same Price and yet, it has 100hp stock, DOHC efficiency and smoothness, same ground clearance, and it has ABS. Hell the Scout Sixty makes more power and costs $2,000 less, for American Cruisers, Indian is "wrecking" H-D. H-D needs to stop catering to the Sweaty-Panting Leatherdaddies, they are dying out.
I can’t believe you’d complain about the blinkers! The blinkers make sense because left is left and right is for a right turn. Plus after a turn, they turn off on their own so the rider won’t absentmindedly leave their blinker on. That was an “I’m used to this way” gripe. Also, low bike pedals will scrape the road. I can see the gripe on the tiny tank though, but it does look good. Harley does need to work on the suspension issue in order to save the spine. Love that you did the piece on one of my favorite bikes.
Don't get me wrong..I love the look of this bike..and for the longest time I wanted one..until I rode the Indian Scout Bobber. What a difference. Torque, horsepower,bigger tank,better handling..all of that makes the Scout line WAY better,and it can come in cheaper as well. The peanut tank for me also was a no go. Looks nice,but I'd hate to gas up every 90-100 miles lol
I had the 2017 roadster for a bit. It was pretty fun, I did a lot of dumb shit like off reading it and drifting, and dragging pegs which is lots of fun to do around people because they think you a low siding. They are plenty fun, but there is something missing with the sportsters maybe it’s because mine was stock but the power was lacking a bit and combine that with a redline of 6k it felt like I was hardly going anywhere. That being said the sportsters are absolutely stunning looking bikes and are a blast, it just depends on what you are looking for. I personally see myself getting another in the future.
Take a look past your monitor- everyone new is buying royal Enfield's (from the 60's) triumph bonnie's - NOT A NEW DESIGN - and everything is retro that seems to attract us millenials.... you dont see us on the late honda accord 2 wheelers.
I'm also not a fan of self-canceling turn signals because they seem to go off at inconvenient times. E.g. I live in a rural area and have to put on my turn signals early on rural highways. At times I've found myself sitting in the road waiting to turn only to find that the turn signal is no longer flashing. My solution, which worked on my '81 Suzuki GS850/1000G's, was to swap out the flasher for a generic car flasher. (I might have had to change the wiring around a bit too get it to work; can't remember). That had two effects that I liked: the frequency of the flashing increased slightly and the self-canceling feature was defeated. I practice canceling signals even in my car, cancelling manually when I make a turn so that I'm always in the habit of canceling, a habit that carries over to my m/c riding.
Best invention on harley bikes is the left right signals that are self canceling. So easy to use compared to an annoying single switch you have to depress to cancel. . One time I forgot to cancel my signal on my old Kawasaki and someone thought I was making a right hand turn and pulled out in front of me so yeah way better. Love my Sportster self-cancelling signals
It doesn't matter to me if Harleys are not making the expected power for the big engine, but as long as they've kept their tradition alive, I appreciate them very much. Plus 62 horsepower is pretty good for me regardless the engine is 1202cc big.
I love having a directional switch on each side and hate the rocker switch. I also like being able to hit both directional switches and having hazard lights
Thank you for not being biased. It’s like riding a boat, but in the asphalt, and without brakes! Haha jokes aside, it’s difficult to explain the sensation, my favorite on a bike (among sbk, naked and motards, still didn’t had the chance to ride a b. trail)
got the chance to ride several air cooled harleys for some time and your conclusion is absolutely the same for all of those bikes. Except the wide glide which gives horrible front feedback and is a real burden when it comes to cornering at low speed...
Ohlins Blackline or Fox RC1 13.2" shocks transform this bike's handling and compliance over bumps (I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam and can still plant my feet). Moto style foot pegs also improve clearance. As a former sport bike track rider and super moto enthusiast; I really enjoy hustling a Harley in the canyons. You can't go as fast, but with a suspension and foot peg upgrade you can put track and handling skills to use at speeds that still allow you to stop for obstructions; and if you get stuck behind a red snake, you can relax and enjoy the views! '06 and later FXD (Dyna Models) are aided by the same upgrades, and are more fun at higher speeds. The sportster's EVO engine, however, is the sound of a heartbeat!! Pushrod engines can't rev (because physics!), and air cooled means low compression, but you get more than enough torque to light up the rear when you want; and its the easiest and cheapest drivetrain to maintain when packing on miles in the long run ('cept maybe boxer engines)
I bought one of the first evo 1100s in the UK ('87) and the pos ate gearboxes plus too many other serious problems.........bought a 'glide and got bored. Never again.
I own this exact bike and its a dream for a little Sportster. I do agree on the rear shocks having too little travel and how that energy travels into my back. Again its not bad at all. But there is room for refinement. Have to disagree on the blinkers but to each his own. Edit...I now have a Softail Slim and still miss my 48 Special. Love the Slim but man I wish I still had the Sporty along side my big twin.
It truly amazes me all the rhetoric from people that a. Don't ride. b. Have never ridden a Harley. Or strictly go by spec sheets. Let me try and help those..... You cannot understand the attraction of an old school, low tech design if all you want is a hiper, high strung machine that truly only performs in the upper rev range. That V-twin is designed for torque at low rpm and the horsepower is secondary. Like comparing a diesel to a gas motor, or a plow horse to a race horse. Just cannot compare the two fairly. Now that V-twin 1200 can be easily modified, even the Harley Stage IV kit will push the power up to a dyno'd 99 hp if that is what you want. But the sportster has this true low torque/low rpm puttin around nature about it. Is it perfect No! But it just has something many do not and like it or not it's Character is what sells it. I love all kinds of bikes but do not knock what others choose to ride. However when I go into a multi brand dealer its always the same...... greeted by some clueless sales person with "soooo what brings you in today? Or, do you ride? etc. And its like a morg, nothing going on, no sales nothing . Go into a Harley dealer and they are starting bikes and blowing horns to celebrate another sale, free food and drinks, events always going, live bands etc, In other words a fun and exciting place. Now I will admit that some of the "other" dealers have begun following their lead but just no there yet. So if getting on the key board and being soooo negative perhaps you should consider getting out and enjoying a ride on what ever you like and not looking down on others and the choices they make.
scott peters You seem to forget think there are only two category of bikes... Relaxed cruisers and high strung racers. Your are wrong! There's a whole slew of categories in between of bikes in between those two. You have the naked categories, with comfortable ergos, torquey engines, and nimble. You have the touring categories with comfortable ergos, plenty of power, and loaded with tech. And there are a few other categories I'm leaving out for lack of time. The thing is, there is a place for Harleys, but for fucks sake. Almost $12,000 for that heap of shit? Ducati offers a lot of great bikes for City riding at that price or below! Shit! You can buy any of Yamaha triple cyl bikes for that money and they are FANTASTIC bikes for the money!
Agree, Sportster is a fun bike to ride, dont give a hoot what anyone else thinks I have ridden all sorts of bikes for over 30 years so not really worried what some little snot thinks I should be liking
Rob Edmunds Gaddamn... No one is telling you what bike you should like you old fart. More power to you if you like riding them, we are just saying they are inferior bikes. I like inferior things I just know they are inferior than other options...
Its really a lost cause with these tards. Its deff a sign of the times. Funny thing is harleys are so expensive many of us easily could have bought thier bikes but passed...Because we wanted a fuckin harley!!!!!
John Potter Aaaaand you wanted a Harley for the same reason a girl buys a brand name purse... Because it looks pretty. I bought my bike because it can do it all. Cruise, long distance, canyon carve, hoon, and commute. And it was cheap. I've ridden Harleys. They don't evoke anything in me but disappointment. I don't feel like a badass cruising languidly and taking turns at 20mph...
I feel like the Sportster range has been around forever, but it's hard to get good reviews on it. There are a billion reviews on the FZ-07/MT-07, but nobody talks about the Sporty. Maybe there is a one and done review somewhere from 30 years ago, but it's lost in the archives.
Harley Davidson has again lost their way in the American market with consistent low buyer turn out, over pricing and over producing. Since sales drives everything in business, for the past 4 years Harley Davidson has shown significant quarterly losses. I repeat significant. This bike explains their dilemma. No power and sounds unlike a Harley.
Sounds like a Harley once you add some pipes. Stock harleys usually sound kinda meh, and that isn't their fault, that is simply the reality of meeting noise regulations.
I've owned a Sportster for 13 years now (and no intention of selling it), but I totally agree on the indicator switches. I still haven't haven't made peace with them. What a hate more than one right and one left is the fact that there is this unreliable automatic turn-off and you press the same button to switch them on and off. You actually have to look whether or not they are on. On my Yamaha (SR 500) pushing the button in turns them off no matter what, you just press the button every now and then without taking your eyes off the road and can be sure they are off.
I bought a 2006 Roadster 1200r and put 13.5 inch heavy duty shocks in the Rear installed pfrogressive springs in the front forks under load added forward controls and my pegs do not hit when cornering. The bike has 70 HP and i would take it touring anywhare in the World but I'm getting old.!
I sold my crotch rocket a few years back, all gungho to finally join the HD community and purchase a brand new 2016 HD forty eight 1200. Called a few local Harley dealers, had one in the color I desired shipped to the dealer. Took it for a nice little test ride around town and a brief stint on the highway. Got back to the dealership and saw it was leaking oil out of the valve cover, the bike ONLY had 7 miles on it! 6 of which I just put on! Turned around and bought myself anther Japanese 600cc Kawi and never looked back...
all Harleys have those indicators. quite good once you get used to them and a neat little feature is self-cancelling indicators that will self-cancel, not only after a certain amount of distance but after you come out of a turn. don't know any Japanese bikes with that features.
No comfort, all show and no go...ultimate poseur bike for poseur riders! Although, as a city bike when commuting less than 30 minutes...it works if you can deal with essentially rigid suspension and fueling up every day and a half.
Guess what the value stays unchanged with a sportster 48. Specially in Europe where I live ;D.Yours like dropping in value for just leaving the shop.It sounds also much cooler and Looks awesome. Even a 48 stock.
The blinker controls are traditional Harley, the cool thing is that if you hold both, it turns on a 4 way flash. And yes I have a Harley, a giant Electra Glide Ultra Classic full touring machine, works great two up (even at 65 horsepower stock output). I also have a Buell XB9R punched out to 1050cc. A little KAYO MR125 for the Kart tracks, and recently bought a Kawasaki Z125 for a stock class at the track, and to fool around with on the street. All that said, I'd agree with most of the other fails. I disagree on the XG model machines, they are a decent little motor and maybe you should review one after a Cafe conversion has been done.
Trying to save HD, Zack? The problem is that the fails so far original the favorites that it doesn't matter. I had a buddy with a 1200 Sportster when I had my SV650. we traded rides for awhile. The Sportster was shaking itself apart at idle. Smoothed out a lot at any speed; it was surprising. But the handling sucked and suspension sucked. I was SO glad to get back on my SV. There's no need to pay $11k for one. The used bike shops are loaded with Sportsters: a huge amount of 883s and somewhat less (but still plenty of) 1200s. Half retail price easy, because Harley Pirates can't upgrade past 100 cubic inches fast enough. The engine has character, but still isn't great. The Suzuki 645cc 90 degree v-twin mops it up handily.
Lots of haters down here in the comments. I wonder why they bothered watching the video? Maybe they didn't? I grew up on Yamaha enduros in the 70's, Honda three-wheelers, Yamaha & Arctic Cat snowmobiles, Honda CB750SS, and then I had 3 Harleys. Went about 18 years without a Harley after selling my 2000 Road King. Life happened, remarried and had a step kid to take care of.Later I bought a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 classic and I still have a Kawasaki ZZR1200. I like the ZZR, a lot (64,+++ miles on it) but I always missed the Harleys. In late May I bought an Ultra Classic. It's good to be back on a Harley again. I'm not longing for the next stop, to sort out my back, legs, neck, arms. I missed the handling, and this thing handles much better than my previous Harleys, Honda 750, or especially the Vulcan. The whole bike is pure quality, I love it, the Kawasaki's...not so much, especially the Vulcan, it was cheaply made in many areas. H-D touring bikes have 6 speed transmissions which cured one thing that I used to want on the older Harleys. I'm very happy with the bike and after this week I'll have 3K on it in a month and a half. I know a lot of other Harley owners that are very happy with their bikes as well. My 20+ year old Harley shirt still rings true "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."
I love my 48 special, wouldn't trade it for the world but he's right about the ground clearance (especially on the right side). I've grinded the exhaust more than a few times...
So a good bike but could be a lot better with longer rear shocks and mid-controls which should improve ergonomics and cornering clearance. Are you listening HD?
I've always liked the Sportster, but the XR versions are what I'd go for. If I wanted the cruiser styling, I'd get a Vulcan S which is lighter, better handling, and quicker, or I'd go with a Triumph Speedmaster/America. That's talking new - if old is an option the Honda Magna with V4.
Looking for a cruiser and love the look of this bike (except gas tank color sorry) but just over 2 gallons and no travel in the rear...I'm out. Def not the one for me. Then again I ride a blackbird which couldn't be more different.
The Sporster is the blank slate bike, you buy one if you want to customize the hell out of it. In stock form there isn't much to it. My Versys 650 will outperform one haha.
Heres a clue...those of us who are big fans, (to put it mildly) of Harley Davidson, really dont give a shit what anyone else thinks...about anything. Horsepower? If we want more, we'll buy it. AMF years? Its part of the history. Blinkers? We dont need no stinkin blinkers! My 42 rigid framed flathead had more class than any metric v twin.
That would require fixing the vibration, you will be begging to take a break long before that tiny tank runs out of gas. Sportsters still vibrate almost as bad as they used to.
This is the second video that I've heard you lament the fact that the turn signal switches are on both sides of the bars. For those of us who have put hundreds of thousands of miles on H-D motorcycles, the switches are completely normal and intuitive. When I ride other brands (including the ones that I own) I have to re familiarize myself to a single set of switches on the left side. It's all about what you're used to.
First thing I'd do if I had a sporty is lift it a little. Get some cornering clearance and a little suspension travel. Then toss on a reasonable sized tank and you'd have a decent machine.
I own, and have owned both Japanese and Harley. Each of which have their own set of issues. Some more serious than others. Harleys are simple. The engineering is simple and proven. The bikes of today are not your dad‘s AMF of the 70s. Modern, or even semi-modern Harleys are well-built machines. Dependable and fun to ride. Japanese bikes are over engineered and much of that engineering appears to be an afterthought. Fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired, sport bikes and cruisers alike. But they are relatively inexpensive and dependable. So in the end, I guess it depends on what you prefer riding. Which in turn makes the world of motorcycles appealing.
Octain Booster I don't know about fur and finish but I've seen more and more Japanese bikes with 50k miles or more doing just fine. Granted, most gixxers and r6 don't last that long until they are crashed, but the few that do, are lasting for a while. I've ridden Harleys too. The finish looks just as nice as most Hondas and top of the line Yamahas. But both cost less and are packed with tech.
Skyerzen, I see all kinds of cruisers with more than 50 K on them regularly. Harley and Japanese bikes alike. When I speak of fit and finish, I’m talking about plastic chrome, cheap handlebar controls and such. Japanese chrome just does not look as good as American chrome. Nor does the paint jobs. Never has. Also check the welds on a Japanese motorcycle. It looks like a non-trained monkey welded the bike together LOL. I own a few classic Suzukis in each of those has less miles on them than my Harley. But they always require some type of tinkering to keep running correctly. (Which I enjoy)Too many wires, and too many carburetors makes for a very over engineered bike. You can call that “tech” if you want to. I call it unnecessary parts that can break, and they do..
Octain Booster You are probably talking about older Japanese cruiser bikes. I've ridden the FZ10, the R1, the R6 and the XSR900 from Yamaha. All of them have great finishes even the plastic controls are high quality that match the, oddly enough, also plastic controls of Harleys. The Fz09 however, which is the bike I own, does have a cheaper feeling plastic controls, I will admit that. I've also ridden the Ducati monster 1200, te Multistrada 1200, the Hypermotard 821, and the Panigale 899. Al have great finishes and also high quality plastic controls like Harleys and Yamahas. My friend rides Hondas, he has the interceptor V4 and a few others, and all of them have pretty high quality materials too.
Skyerzen, Well there you go. I’m in my 50s and have ridden bikes since I was 12 years old starting off with a Yamaha GT 80. I’m not a diehard Harley guy, I like them all. Just giving my unbiased opinion.
Octain Booster That's the thing. I WANT Harley to make capable bikes. Not just antique replicas with some modern touches. They can still make those, but they should also make other kinds.
HaHa, not the Harley I'd go for first, but I think your evaluation is pretty spot on. Well, except for the turn signals, I love the HD blinker switchgear!
Blinkers under each hand? Is the the button the right side for a right turn signal, and the button on the left hand for a left turn signal? Seems like a stupid question, but we are talking about HD.
I love the simplicity of the Sportster. My only complaints are that pint size fuel tank, 1" rear suspension travel and high msrp. I think it looks fantastic, 62 hp and all. 😁👌👍The agricultural engine is an acquired taste. All I would do to it would be install longer rear shocks, set the sag, blah blah blah, slap a bigger fuel tank off another Sportster model and be DONE. I wanna see an MC Commute video of this thing. Please ?
Coming from someone who had one in 2016, then moved to a 2016 Suzuki gsxs 1000, and then finally moving to a tuono. I have to say, I really do miss the bike for no good reason, it doesn't do almost anything better compared to any other bike besides look better. I don't get it, but I do like the bike in a dirty feeling kind of way. Also the foot pegs inevitably become a challenge of how much you can scrape off, it happens at almost any turn you try to have fun on.
Used Sporsters are pretty cheap these days, no reason why you can't have another one. Also probably provides a mental break from the insanity of the Tuono. With a literbike you have to be constantly aware of the throttle lest you suddenly find yourself going WAY faster than you intended.
So we got one in at work the other day, 2017 with 288 miles on it... front and rear fenders were already going rusty and battery cover paint was falling off, if you want a “real Harley” go for a 1999 dyna wideglide sport fxdx
A mate of mine brought a 48 couple years back. 3 weeks engine shat itself. Was put together incorrectly. They took it and borded it and gave it back. Then the battery was fucked out. Then the rear tune was twisted when installed and went flat. Then the stand and a bunch of other bits just got loose. Put me off the brand for sure
Here's a funny anecdote. Me and a group of friends went riding up the canyons. At noon we stopped for food at a road side restaurant. One of my friends on a super Moto wasn't hungry so he instead started doing wheelies up and down the stretch of road in front of the restaurant. After a few, a couple of bearded, tattooed Harley men went up to him and told him to stop. My friend came back confused... He said. "I thought Harley guys were all about being badass..." "No", my other friend responded "they just cosplay and make believe they are..."
There is a huge scene in asia and parts of india that do some really awesome custom stuff on the Rebels. There a couple of shops that only do custom work on the Rebel 300 and 500. Those bikes are fantastic, I test rode a 500 and fell in love. Big enough to go anywhere I need it to, small enough to cruise around the main roads espcially when I got stuck in traffic on it and..like you said, the custom work or parts you can get for it or have made is great. It really is a do all bike. Honda made a gem right there
Isn't the 1200 Roadster a better proposition with its twin discs, lack of vibration. You need to make a video about solutions for the ridiculously small peanut tank and short travel suspension ( eg Ohlin). I understand Harley offer a slightly larger tank. I'm sure I've seen a Sportster with a customised 3 or 5 gallon tank.
As much as I love the playful hooligan nature of my mt09 (that wont I wont let go of till I can afford a super duke) I feel bizarrely attracted to the 48 and the new fatbob. Bobby is out of my price range but it might be possible to swing a slightly used 48. I just don't know if it's a matter of me falling for the idea of it though. It looks and sounds sooo good, but I dont know if my tailbone can handle it with the north easts crummy roads and gas stops every hour. As is I get annoyed filling up so frequently on the 09.
The comments about reliability are just hilarious, a cb750 won't hold it's value like the Harley, yet to have a single issue at all with my Sportster. They've been making the evolution engine since 83 or 84 can't remember exactly which and it's the most reliable engine they make so yeah cut the crap, stick with your sportsbike if thats what you are into but don't hate on something you know eff all about.
They can't. If they tuned it to that power the bike would fall apart. To mass produce this engine with that much power and still have it reliable, they need to invest heavily in R&D, track testing, and racing, like Buell did back in the day and what every other manufacturer does today.
Wouldn't pass EPA pollution or noise requirements. And wait for the EURO4 bikes to get here. I am really curious if HD can even meet the new EURO4 requirements.
John Casteel If you are curious about whether Harley can meet Euro4, here is a quick test for you... switch to HDUK, and see if they have any bikes for sale
