Metric bike rider gets first Harley - review

[11Rider]

[11Rider]

Here it is

IMG]http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o508/11Rider/photo.jpg[/IMG]

[11Rider]

Shoulda mentioned it's a 1200, stage one meaning less restrictive, louder pipes, dynojet kit and K&N air filter. I do have cruising pegs - came with it. Also came with Harley back rest/luggage rack and Harley heated grips. First bike I had with heated grips and I have to say, they are real nice on a chilly night. I'm just surprised I like it as much as I do. We currently have five other metric bikes in the garage along with the Sporty, and in it's own way it holds it's own.

[CRXSi90]

It should be a fun bike. My mother has a 1994 Sportster 883 Hugger - my comments are based on riding it.

1. Yep, they vibrate a bit.
2. I agree - reasonably good quality, and generally simpler than the Japanese bikes.
3. Other than batteries and light bulbs, my mom's has been great. Hmm, I wonder if that's related to (1).
4. Must be the 1200, not 883.
5. Do you have aftermarket pipes? My mom's has factory pipes, and it seems to be mostly engine, not exhaust noise.
6. Your comments on handling are completely opposite of my experience on my mom's bike. The thing wants to go strait, no questions. You really need to give it some heavy countersteer to turn, and pegs/chrome drags in short order. It's probably due to it being a "hugger" model. I haven't looked up the specs, but I bet they drop the rear more than the front, increasing the trail.
7. Do you have forward pegs?

Enjoy the bike. Post pics when you can.

[Cuda 69]

typical sporty,great around town not up to the long haul.I was a bit surprised at the comment about the handling thoughThe guy next door has one,and he says it handles poorly not surprised about the paint and finish,Imho,I think hogs have the best paint and finish of any bike out there. I almost bought the 100th aniv.model,copper/black, but it didn't fit all my needs.What a beautiful bike though.

[11Rider]

Hi guys, after over four decades of metric bikes I got a deal I couldn't pass up on a 2000 Sportster. My findings were surprising to me. Funny thing, when I went to pick up the bike I thought it handed horrible on the test drive, but for the price I was thinking "fork brace", "steering head bearings", etc. That was until I got it home and found ZERO pressure in the front tire! Just for fun, here's a few things that stand out to me, again, as a metric bike rider new to Harleys:

1. Being the solid mounted engine style, this thing VIBRATES! I'm not necessarily against it, as a matter of fact I kinda like it. However, for really long rides or light touring this may be an issue.
2. Overall quality seems to be right up there with the Jap bikes, if not a tiny bit better. This was a surprise to me. All components seem real nice, fit and finish is excellent and paint is excellent!
3. Reliability - don't know yet. Came with one slightly leaky fork seal but other than that she seems to run perfectly and strong. Everything works and has a solid feel to it - I like it!
4. Power is quite good. Of course my son's FZ! leaves it in the dust, but I can hole shot him for 50 to 100 feet on a good launch. Mine came with a stage one kit and moves quite well. She only turns 2500 RPM at 60 mph and still has more than ample passing power in top gear.
5. Sound - can't beat it in my opinion
6. Handling - mixed bag. Now that the tires have air in them she handles quite well although it can be a bit "squirrily" at highway speeds. No signs of the "Harley wobble" in sweepers, even high speed. Light, quick handling at lower speeds.
7. Comfort - I'm 5'11" and I'm on the cusp of being a little cramped. Not quite - but close. VERY smooth riding suspension - one of the smoothest I've had. That was another surprise. Seat does not agree with my hiney though. I put on a small windshield I had laying around and put some saddlebags on it. Quite a capable machine for just about any type of riding/trip except long haul touring IMHO. Not that the machine is not up to it, it just doesn't have the comfort of some of the big bikes I've had like the Royal Star Venture or Goldwing.

Anywho, just wanted to share my experience with my compadres!