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Dreaming of a new (used) Bike
Topics: 5 Posts: 95
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ScottSacCa wrote 7 months ago I'm dreaming of a upgrade. Leaning toward Harley and away from the 'sports bikes' but money IS an object. I was surprised recently when a 'biker type' whose opinion I respect suggested the Sportster 1200. I though 'biker types' universally looked down on the Sportster. Anyone care to share their thoughts on a next bike? I'm a relatively small guy and not likely to consider bikes in (or near) the 1000 lb range. Advice - or randome thoughts - appreciated :-) |
Topics: 150 Posts: 3246
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Lucky wrote 7 months ago Actually I know lots of guys that ride Sportsters, nothing wrong with them at all. Do not let the size of the other Harleys fool you. I am not a very big guy and ride a Road Kind with no problem. As long as you can lift it of the stand, comfortably put you feet down and easily roll the bike backwards wile on it, it should be no problem. Once they are movign they are no harder to ride than the smaller models. If yo are looking for a lighter bike then the Sporty is a good choice, or you may look at the Dynas. If you have the opportunity to do a test ride, that is the best way to know if the bike feels right for you. Check with your local dealer(s) and see if they do test rides, or if they have a Demo Days event coming up. ______________________
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RexTheRoadDog wrote 7 months ago Not really looked down on by anyone who really rides. Sporties are great bikes, and I absolutely agree with everything Lucky said! ______________________
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Topics: 3 Posts: 97
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cal22 wrote 7 months ago i rode a 2001 1200 sportster for 3 years, loved that bike.it was my first harley,only issue was it was too small for me and wife to ride together.not real comfortable when carying a passenger. |
Topics: 45 Posts: 961
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Black9 wrote 7 months ago Sportsters are excellent bikes no matter what anyone says! They're not as big or bulky and the 1200 can flat smoke a new stock 103! If you're a small guy and you don't really want to spend a lot you could do a LOT worse than a Sportster, I've owned 3 of them and I loved them all! |
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dollysgizmo wrote 7 months ago I have a 1200 sporster , had it lowered as i am short , it is a great bike, my son who always said he didn't like sportsters took it for a ride , he said it was a quick bike, would smoke my husband dyna , now that he has rode one he likes it. |
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Topics: 45 Posts: 961
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Black9 wrote 7 months ago dollysgizmo wrote...
I have a 1200 sporster , had it lowered as i am short , it is a great bike, my son who always said he didn't like sportsters took it for a ride , he said it was a quick bike, would smoke my husband dyna , now that he has rode one he likes it.Great bikes, Sportsters have been around since 1957 and before that they were introduced as the K model in 52/53. Just an all around great bike. |
Topics: 128 Posts: 1085
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99Savage wrote 7 months ago It's a MOTORCYCLE, you know, something pretty quick, kind'a nimble around the corners, that lets you access the internals w/o spending 1/2 the day removing stuff Promise us you wont put highway pegs on it. |
Topics: 21 Posts: 503
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SolarBill wrote 7 months ago Any bike that fits YOU is a good bike. It doesn't matter if its a Harley or a metric or whatever. As long as you enjoy your ride, that's what counts. I've ridden a Sporty but I actually like the 883. It was a better fit for me. And, if the seat height is a problem, then take a look at Honda's 750 Shadow series. But either way, check out all the area dealers and take any demo ride that you can. You might be surprised at which bike ends up becoming your choice. ______________________ You've got enemies? Good ! That means you stood up for something in your life. Winston Churchill |
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Topics: 5 Posts: 95
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ScottSacCa wrote 7 months ago @Lucky: Thanks! Appreciate the thoughts.
Re: Dyna/Sportster Another biker friend has almost talked me into looking toward the Dyna, but that's what he rides :-)) He thinks the Sportster's vibrate too much - even with the new rubber mounted engines, especially on LONG rides. The Dynas are a big price jump though. Re: Big Bikes I'm definitely intimidated by the BIG bikes. Keep thinking how the !@#$ would I pick it up if I somehow found myself on the ground. Re: Sporty/Other Again, not fond of the sports bikes - but the price is good. Also, I saw a Honda Rebel (sportster clone?) and I liked the look but I'm looking for more motor. Re: Test Ride Good advice. A local dealer I've been stalking :-) would probably set me up. In fact I'd probably end up buying from this guy as his used bikes are routinely priced below the local market. Again. Thanks!! |
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ScottSacCa wrote 7 months ago @RexTheRoadDog: Thanks Rex!!
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ScottSacCa wrote 7 months ago cal22 wrote... too small for me and wife to ride together.not real comfortable when carying a passenger.
Good to know. Wife claims she'd ride with me (and she did WAY BACK when we were dating). I was leanding toward the 1200 sportster for the extra oomph to carry a passenger. So, I'll have to ensure I check on this. Thanks!! |
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Topics: 5 Posts: 95
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ScottSacCa wrote 7 months ago ... gotta run to work. Will digest the other replies tomorrow. Thanks everyone. GREAT tips!!! Much appreciated. |
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Chaz wrote 7 months ago Sportester are the most under rate bike there is. There is nothing wrong with them. I have a 35 year old one in my garge and I love taking that bike out for spin now and then. They're a quick fast bike and even the older ones are still a great ride. What ever bike feels right to you is the one for you. I would go with the recommendation of test riding any of them if you can get a chance. Check for the nearest Demo day event near you, Don't let anyone (including us) talk you into anything you don't feel comfortable with it's your ride and that's the important part. ______________________ Chaz
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Nothing wrong with a Sportster...I'm on my third one, though I may soon upgrade to a larger cruiser....I will not sell or trade the Sporty. |
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randy48 wrote 7 months ago Scott, don't worry what others think, the important thing is that you ride. Get a bike that you are comfortable riding and can comfortably afford. I have no problems riding with friends that metric bikes to include sport bikes, many of which laughed at me for riding a bagger. Ride your ride and enjoy! |
Topics: 22 Posts: 3577
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RevBigJohn wrote 7 months ago I have a love / hate relationship with the old "Ironhead" Sportys. Like the Joan Jett song "I hate myself for loving you". :-) As a matter of fact I'm building another one now. If you want to see "Biker Types" riding and building Sportsters check out this magazine http://www.ironcross.net/ ______________________  "Not the owner of many possessions will you be right to call happy: he more rightly deserves the name of happy who knows how to use the Gods' gifts wisely and to put up with rough poverty, and who fears dishonor more than death." --Roman poet Horace (65-8 BC) |
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Topics: 45 Posts: 961
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Black9 wrote 7 months ago My first Harley was a Sportster, an 83 XLX I could kick myself every time I remind myself what I traded it for... the newer Evo 883 Hugger BLEGH... yeah my Ironhead was onery and sometimes decided when she would run or not but anytime I threatened to trade her in for a Honda she fired right up!:-) |
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Chaz wrote 7 months ago What is it that make those old Ironheads so lovable. I think of it and I just can part with it. Yes, threating of any kind would make them run better. ______________________ Chaz
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Topics: 45 Posts: 961
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Black9 wrote 7 months ago But when they run they would light your hair on fire!:-) |
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