Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
Harley Sportsters have been with us for many years now, and with the 1996 1200S Sport edition you could say they've come full circle. First introduced in 1958, Sportsters were based loosely on the K-model racer of the middle to late 50's. Stripped down, narrow, and light-weight, they were considered the Sixties superbike. During the AMF days of the 70's and early 80's, though, the Sporty evolved into Harley's econo-cruiser. With the arrival of the 883 Sportster, and now the Sportster 1200S, Harley has brought the Sporty back to where it started, to compete with semi sporting bikes.
The XL 1200S is an all new model in the Sportster family for 1996. The first road-going Harley to be factory equipped with full-on adjustable sporting suspension, the 1200 Sport features many other enhancements not found on the likes of any other Harley-Davidson. Items such as new 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels mounted with Dunlop K591 Sport Elite tires, flat, sport-styled handlebars, sport-styled seat with textured insert and embroidered Sportster logo, larger 3.3 gallon fuel tank, and dual front, floating-disc brakes turn this Sporty into a serious backroads scratcher.
The addition of fully-adjustable suspension to the new 1200 Sporty is a radical update for the Motor Company. Of course, in the grand scheme of motorcycle building, adding spring- and damping-adjustable suspension components isn't a big deal -- for instance, designing and tooling up a new motor, like Harley did with their five-speed Evolutions a decade ago, is much more costly and labor intensive. No, the new 1200 Sport is a big subjective gain for many -- Harley-Davidson has finally admitted that some of their owners might actually want to go blitzing up a twisty canyon road as well as lazily cruising down a boulevard. Call it a sport-cruiser, if you will.
But if a Harley is what you want, and carving canyons is what you crave, then this Sporty is the bike for you. The new Showa suspension offers a wide range of adjustments, and each click of a dial at either end has noticable effect on suspension action. Handling-wise, the 1200S offers no cause for concern when flicked about in the corners, once properly set up. If the settings aren't right, the Harley can be a bit twitchy, but proper care and patience while dialing it in will reward the rider with a light-feeling, stable handling machine with quick turn-in and loads of ground clearance. The K591's are grippy and fully up to the task; once banked over, the Sporty holds its line well. Equipped with the best brakes we've ever had the pleasure of squeezing on a stock Harley, a firm pull on the lever returns impressive reduction of speed.
The big 1200cc Evo mill delivers smooth, torquey power with no surprises. Not a real powerhouse, this Sporty relies more on its light weight (497 lbs. dry) and cubic capacity than all out horsepower for its back road performance. All '96 Sportsters feature a new high-contact-ratio gearbox that makes the slick-shifting 1200S a real delight to row through the gears between bends in the road. Ergonomics are mildly sport oriented (for a Harley), with an excellent bar-seat-peg relationship that offers surprising comfort even over longer distances, and makes a great platform for those occasional banzai runs around the local fast sweepers.
If riding in the twisties at anything more than a good clip is your idea of fun, you should take a hard look at the new 1200S Sportster Sport. Assuming, of course, that you want a Harley -- because compared to almost any modern sport bike, the 1200 Sporty doesn't stand a chance in hell of staying close when the going gets tight. The 1200 Sport is an enjoyable, easy-to-ride motorcycle with no real vices, and without the extreme riding position. It's just the best handling, most competent H-D Sportster ever to come out of Milwaukee.
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
If hype kills, then absolute hype kills absolutely. The hoopla surrounding Harley-Davidson's release of their re-designed Sportster Sport was deafening. With its dual-plug heads, a new digital single-fire ignition system, manifold air pressure sensor and a 10:1 compression ratio, we had our hopes up for a bike we believed to be the best handling and most competent H-D Sportster ever to come out of Milwaukee. But for all these advancements and changes, the performance increase adds up to just one horsepower.
Surprised? We were after a dyno run that showed a whopping total of 57.9 horsepower (1.2 over last year, to be exact). When asked why the most advanced stock Harley motor ever failed to even match up to Buell's bargain basement M2 Cyclone, Sportster performance guru Scott Bartels blamed the pipes and airbox. By limiting the size of the airbox and muffler in order the achieve the mandated HC (Harley-Correct) look, Harley hampered the Sportster Sport from reaching its full potential.
The bright side is that 75 ponies at the rear wheel (give or take) is possible with a new a pipe, airbox, jet kit, and ignition module (around $700 total). Bartels added he had tuned one on the dyno that had hit about 80 horsepower. Compare that with an average output of around 65 for a similarly modified 1200 standard, and then you have a motorcycle worthy of the hype. For comparison, we've created dyno charts comparing the '98 XL1200S with Buell's Cyclone and the '96 XL1200S we tested.
One thing we love about this bike is how Harley added hundreds of dollars in custom touches while raising the MSRP only $200.00. And pictures do not do justice to this bike. The '98 Sportster Sport is the best looking Sportster we have ever seen. Chrome, high polish, and silver paint set off beautifully against the thick, black, gloss paint covering the handlebars, fender rails, gas tank and frame. Add a cool reflective plate on the air cleaner and silver bead-blasted powder coated cam covers, and you have a cross between the brooding tones of the Bad Boy and the roughed silver paint of Buell's Cyclone.
The suspension, which we loved in our original review, remains the same. The Sportster Sport's weight is toward the rear, so for real canyon scratching all but the most svelte rider will want to opt for maximum rear preload. Other damping adjustments are mostly a matter of personal preference, but we preferred the compression set towards the top of the dial since the springs are a little soft. This is not a criticism, as the Sporty is, after all, a cruiser first and foremost.
Dunlop 591s still grace the 13 spoke cast wheels, making for sticky times on the road, although losing a little life in the bargain. Long time H-D riders used to 10,000 miles from their tires will be dismayed when the Sporty's rubber needs to be replaced at just under 5000.
Harley has replaced the fitted and supportive seat with one that is sportbike wide and flat, allowing for a greater amount of Body English. Also, it's lower than before, so you are required to tuck your legs up higher in relation to the seat. This may seem uncomfortable for some taller riders, but even for our long legged testers it was just a matter of getting used to it. On longer trips the seat is a bit hard, but with a quick adjustment of the suspension, the Sporty is back to being a squishy cruiser.
The brakes remain the same: High-effort, high-reward full-floating binders. Coming from another brand of bike, you may feel your sphincter tighten after giving the brakes a cursory one-finger brush only to have nothing happen, but give the lever a man-sized three- or four-fingered pull and the bike will stop in a hurry, with quite a lot of feel as well.
An advantage in owning any Sportster is that H-D implements their technological improvements first with the littlest Harleys. On the Sport, you get both a "check engine" light and plug-in diagnostics. In addition, it's one of the few Harley's with a stock tachometer. We wouldn't mind H-D's reluctance to put tachs on their bikes as much if, as a result, the Japanese cruiser manufacturers had not felt obliged to follow suit.
Having a tach is a useful evaluation tool since vibration is severe from 3800 to about 4500 rpms, above which the engine smoothes out and the bike harmonizes. Unfortunately, this doesn't last because the despite the 6200 rpm redline printed on the tach, the rev limiter kicks in at around 5300 rpms, causing all kinds of commotion if you expected to continue accelerating. Thank God the engine has gobs of torque in the basement. The Sportster Sport's sweet spot is from 3000-3800 rpms.
In the end, the Sportster 1200 Sport represents a departure for Harley, and for sport-inspired motorcycles as well. A departure from the ethic that says you have to be fat and slow to be cool, a departure from plastic, geeky, technical perfectionism. Soul with a little spirit. Tradition with a nod toward the future.
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
I purchased this H-D 2 weeks ago. So far I've put 222 miles on this bad boy (would've been more, but its been rainy.) In the following sections, I will break down what the Sportster cost me, and my current experiences thus far.
The purchase price was 12,500 including the following accessories/addons:
a)2 Tone blue and pearl
b)Lowering Kit for Front and rear (about 3in lower total)
c)Passenger backrest
d)Chromed o-ring highway pegs
e)Prepaid maintenance (Saves a few hundred bucks on
maintenance you're gonna need
anyway)
f)4 yr unlimited mileage extended Warranty
The very first thing I did was to have the lowering kit applied to the bike by the dealer. I'm 5'5" and I could only touch the ground with my toes with the stock height. Not being able to touch the ground well will increase your chances of dropping the bike. The rear lowering was completed, but the front will be done at the 1000mi checkup. As of now I can touch the ground with both feet fully planted, but cannot bend my knees much. The extra 2in lowering with the front kit will help improve the safety of the bike.
The next thing to be aware of if you're new to motorcycles is the break in period stinks, but has to be done(no matter what brand.) The shifting is a bit rough for now. Shifting results in a nice ker-chunk except for 5th gear which slips on pretty smoothly. Neutral is abolutely impossible to engage at this point unless I shut off the bike and then shift.
I've been told by my friend (who he and his family own 4 harley's themselves) and by the dealer that during these first 500 break in miles the bike is going to be pretty rough in shifting and in its running. After the bike gets taken in for the scheduled 1000mi checkup, its supposed to be a completely different beast (for the better assuming you broke it in correctly.)
The only problem I've had so far was that one of the two screws that hold the clutch assembly to the handlebars fell right out while I was riding. Apparently those two screws were not tightened when it was shipped. Thankfully I noticed the clutch was loose and was able to stop and tighten it myself. I'm replacing the lost screw with another one from the hardware store, but the dealer has promised to replace the screw and locktite it when I bring the bike in for the 1000mi checkup.
The ride is nice and smooth on both the backroads and on the highway, although vibration goes up somewhat at 50mph or so. I find the seat to be comfortable for long hauls. I drove the bike for 6 hours and was ready to keep going another 6! The bike handles like a dream. I can really take it around corners and lay it down pretty far and the engine is nice and powerful so I can power my way out of the turn. Acceleration is great as well and the bike has very good braking power. At idle its not too loud but retains the classic harley sound.
If the bike is going to be used at all for longer trips, I'd recommend the highway pegs for more comfort as well as some saddlebags. I made the mistake of not rolling saddlebags into my loan, so now if I want them I have to spend between 200 to 600 bucks to have them put on.
I only have 3 small qualms.
1)Gas tank - It only gives you about 120mi of riding time
with responsible driving.
2)Passenger seat - my girlfriend (who is 5'3) complains
that the passenger seat isn't very
comfortable, and plans to purchase a
touring style seat for the bike.
3)Price of Accessories - All the H-D parts cost an arm and
a leg. Even so, its worth the
price in the end, just be aware
that it will be easier for you to
have everything put on when you
buy it and have it all rolled
into the loan.
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
My bike is actually a 100th anniversary two tone 1200 custom.
After being out of the motorcycle world for 12 years I dived back in with the best motorcycle available (so I thought). Previous motorcycle was a Honda Shadow 700 and I wanted the same v-twin style bike and had the money to spend, so I got the most respected bike name in town, Harley Davidson.
I bought it 04MAR03 and have put 3000 miles on it by 15MAY03.
Pros: It's a Harley and it looks awesome! Little to no plastic and seems to be built to last. Small gas tank (see cons). H.O.G. is great, met some fantastic people and have gone on great rides I only wish the other, non Harley, dealers did the same.
Cons:
Seat: Can't last more than 30 miles without the butt going numb. It is as hard as a rock! Unless you take a child for a ride, expect your rider to complain about how narrow the back of the seat is after about 15 miles.
Vibration: You know when to shift gears because your teeth are chattering and you are making that neat sound that kids do when they talk through a fan...lol. 60 MPH is OK but above that your hands will fall asleep, going numb in about 20 minutes. Be prepared to NOT feel the brake or clutch levers when you need them because of the numb hands/fingers.
Oil leak: Every 200-300 miles oil will leak out of the air cleaner and get blown down the side of the bike (to include you pants). I have had it in the shop 6 times trying to get this fixed but to no avail so far. I have also found lots of websites talking about homemade fixes for this: just route the breather tubes to the ground but make sure you don't get it to close to the back tire...lol. Harley will not admit there is a problem but does recommend I spend another $500.00 to upgrade to a better (high flow) breather, re-jetting the carb, and different mufflers to allow the engine to "breath" better and it "might" fix the problem. If not, I'm out another $500.00 dollars.
Small gas tank: 3.2-gallon tank is good for about 100 miles or so. But with all the vibration of the bike and the hard seat, the smaller tank may actually be a good thing for the bike!
Expensive accessories: $300.00 dollars for a sissy bar, $80.00 dollars for saddlebag guards, $18.00 dollars for a helmet lock (doesn't come with one). $290.00 dollars for the 1000-mile check up and $90.00 dollars for the 2500-mile check up.
Air cooled: Nothing like sitting in traffic sitting on top an engine hot enough to boil water to really make you happy to ride!
Over all I am disappointed with my bike. I thought after 100 years Harley could get it right.
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
I am a brand new rider. I decided to learn this year as part of a mid life crisis. Just turned 50. A friend of mine said you have to get a Harley. Since I didn't know any better, I went out and bought a Harley. Since I had never ridden before I decided to get a Sportster since it was a little smaller and lighter. I did not think I could handle an 800 lb bike initially. I ordered the bike in January and it came in April. Took the Motorcycle Safety Course (which is a must for any new rider), and picked up the bike. After stalling it out the first five times I let the clutch out, I finally got the hang of it and away I started riding.
I started slowly since I was afraid of killing myself. So initially my top speed was about 45 mph. During the initial shake down period the bike performed great. It sounded really solid and I had no problems with it except a few loose bolts which I had to keep tightening. These were holding on controls on the handlebars and those never came loose during riding so this was truly a very minor problem. Everything else worked as far as I could tell.
The bike rides very nice at these speeds. No vibrations or other issues. But like everyone else I was not long satisfied traveling at 45. So I started pushing my speed up. Recently, I have been going between 60 and 65 mph on a regular basis. The bike performs very well at that speed. Little vibration and again it feels real solid. I have noticed the vibration more between 65 and 70. Beyond 70 your guess is as good as mine as I haven't gotten there yet.
I now have about 1300 miles on the bike and I still love it. Each time I am on it I feel a little less like I am going to kill myself. I attribute that to me gaining a little more experience and the bike which when you get to know it gives a very nice stable ride. I have taken it on rides as long as 100 miles and did not find it to be particularly tiresome or a pain in the rear either literally or figuratively. I also believe the bike is pretty forgiving. At least once every ride I do something stupid, I either downshift too much or don't slow down enough going into a turn or don't lean enough, you get the picture. In these instances, I find the bike compensating at least a little for my screw ups. So I like it from that standpoint as well.
The bike does not come with that Harley growl from the factory. For that you need the Screaming Eagle pipes. I have yet to put those on. I have not had any problems with it mechanically so far, knock on wood. It was just in for its 1000 mile checkup and the mechanic did not see any problems. Overall I would have to rate myself very satisfied.
Ok now for the bad stuff. The bike is pricey, just under $10K. While I was not charged a premium, there was no reduction below list. Ad ons are also very expensive if you want genuine Harley parts. They have a highly prized name and they charge for your use of it. The maintenance is also pricey. $200 for the 1000 mile checkup. My Acura 3.5 RL doesn't cost that much for maintenance! The bike does not come with a tachometer standard nor does it come with a gas gauge of any kind even an optional one. This seems silly to me as the manual always talks in terms of RPMs for purposes of when you should shift into the next gear and you really should have a reliable gas gauge to tell you when to fill up.
However all these are minor nits. It is a blast to ride and just getting out on a summer day with nothing but you, your bike and an open stretch of country road makes it all fine. I highly recommend this bike and the entire experience.
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
This bike is actually the 2003 model year, 100th Anniversary Edition Sportster Custom 1200 (XL 1200C). And..WOW. What can I say. This is a wonderful machine. I have ridden Honda's before this. I always liked the Honda. Admittedly I was a little skeptical of the whole Harley thing. You know, everyone telling you just to ride one and you'll see. Well, they were right. I still can't believe how much fun this thing is to ride.
The throttle and brakes are smoother than Hondas I've ridden. The balance is better. The workmanship and craftsmanship of this bike are simply beautiful. Better than anything else out there. The engine is fantastic, and that's just the 1200 Evolution. Someday I'm gonna have to try the 88 or 88B.
Riding this bike is really effortless. Even though it weighs considerably more than my honda, it's actually quite a bit easier to ride. Truly a pleasure.
As for vibration, it's not bad at all at lower RPM's. Once you get up there it does vibrate a bit, but it feels fine to me, not bothersome.
I'd say this is a great cruiser that can still be used as an around-town bike. I'ts really good for those off-hoghway (er highway) cruises like going up and down 101 along the Oregon Coast. And that's really the kind of stuff I wanted it for. It's quick and responsive, good clearance. I'd say though, that if you're looking for a long distance cruiser to get you to the east coast and back go with a Dyna or a Softail. But for a weekend out, this bike is perfect for me.
As for the detractors about oil leaks and things like that on there Harleys I've noticed a trend. The people who have the oil leaks tend to be the ones that either a) don't take proper care of their equipment or b) they are the people who did so much work to their engines and pipes that they don't remotely resemble the original. These things are factory standardized and tested as is. You do a bunch of heavy work to the engine, you're going to get some stress problems. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it (there are some sweet custom Hogs out there) but... I'll probably put some Sreaming Eagles on there, but most of my changes will be cosmetic.
Dealers: Find a dealer that makes you happy. I paid MSRP for my bike. I got _amazing_ service, nice people, worked with me (this my first Harley) and were just really honest and nice. Don't pay a couple of grand over. Dealerships like that are out to squeeze you, and they won't just stop at the bike price; it's a mind-set. They're gonna get everything they can outta you. I went to plenty of different places around me, and the one I found was excellent. I'll go back there for as long as I'm close enough.
Con's: 1) The mirrors aren't great. They give you too narrow of a range of view. I find myself ducking my shoulder to get a good view of the lanes around me. This is no big deal.
2) No tachometer. I'm just lazy. I don't feel like memorizing gear ratios. I simply like a tach. However, the mini tach kit's for the Sportster custom (which I had installed) is very nice. It'll cost you about $200.00.
3) I'm pretty short (5'6"). On the longer ride, with the forward dragster bars, and the forward foot controls I find my back gets tired. No biggy, just something to consider for those vertically challenged people like me. You can always put some different bars on.
Anyway, I'm now one of those converts (the worst kind). Try it. You WILL love it. These things are so much fun!
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
This bike is a Hoot ! more fun at 90-110kmh than just about anything else Ive ridden and I came off a supersport motorcycle ( ZXR Kawasaki ) I thought that I would be disappointed with the handling ,one of the reasons I choose a sport model was the fully adjustable suspension , fiddly to set up but once done you get a light stable and contrary to what others will dismiss as "hardly rideable" very precise motorcycle . I am impressed with the torque ( esp after getting the carbs rejetted ) still waiting for a set of screaming eagles to arrive from USA . So I'll update you all at a later date ! There is vibration but not unpleasant you know the motor is idling , accelarating and cruising , Im still running in and so havent pushed it above 4000rpm but from 2800rpm to 3500rpm its got plenty and easily enough to see most cars off any set of lights . The brakes require a good fist to pull them up but no way are they gonna let you down , the rear is the best ive come across ,excellent for setting the bike up round corners in town and riding in traffic . You do notice a pillion on this motorcycle, particulary when braking , and they will complain about the stock seat its V firm and narrow . I have purchased a "sport 2 " seat to keep the peace and its a beauty ,wide and supportive .
But all in all Im happy its got to last a long time and I know a few guys with over 100,000 kms on original motors and thes evolutions are meant to be even better ,This one has loosened up just in the first 1500kms so its only going to get better , the finish is magic, the paint deep and that chrome !! Kids wave and people do say thats a nice bike . When people ask what do you ride . You only have to say Har.... and they are asking for a ride !!
Im in Australia so the purchase price may seem strange , and Im sorry that 40 % of Harley Davidson manufactured are for export , but I need a ride too !!
Harley_Davidson_Sportster_1200_MY_OPINION
Well, where to start? I have wanted a Sportster most of my life and now at last I finally just said yes and got one. I was looking at the Japanese offerings pretty hard but at fifty two I figured that a crotch rocket just was not me anymore. I finally went to look at the Harley-Davidson bikes just for the heck of it and was sold on the spot with the 1200S. I had liked the pictures I had seen but never took it all that seriously. The Japanese bikes have it all over the Sportster technically speaking but there is more to riding a motorcycle than just buying the latest and greatest package of technology.
Yes, the Sportster is heavy but only if you bench press it, 550lbs or so wet. The seat to foot peg relationship is awkward being that the pegs are too far forward in relation to the seat position. You get use to this in short order but on a long ride you get cramped up some. A gel pack would be a real good thing as well as stuffing some more padding in the seat. This would serve two purposes in getting your seating position up a little and providing a softer seat, stock it gets a little hard after 100 miles or so. People over 5'8" will be a bit cramped on this bike, get a bigger one.
The really bad part is that Harley-Davidson thinks a great deal of their motorcycles, yes Mildred, they are very expensive! If you are looking for a cheap ride you won't buy a new one. Parts have just got to be out there as well. The after market front fenders Harley-Davidson sells should be a stock item as well as a better license plate holder. There are no fancy hiding places under the seat or anywhere else. If you can't put it in your pocket you don't take it with you.
Now for the good part. I know it looks like a lot of bad stuff but there is just not another motorcycles like it period. After the break in miles were over, thank goodness because you couldn't go over 3000 rpm, I put a Force Street Fighter two into one pipe on it with the Screaming Eagle air box, rejetted the carb and a new ignition system,$1,400.00 + including labor. The Force pipe was around $600.00, the Screaming Eagle slip ons are way cheaper.
Power, well how fast do you want to go? 90 mph comes up pretty quick. The hardest thing about riding this bike is holding on. Hit the go button and if not for the step in the seat your butt would shoot off the back like you decided to stay home and let the bike go riding by itself. The last stop is your nuts on the license plate holder, Yeowee!
Smooth power delivery and a lot of it. It builds evenly, very predictable. You turn the throttle and you are moving, how fast depends on how hard you turn the throttle. It was like this stock but now there is more, more is good. At around 4200 rpm and above heavy engine vibration sets in but the way stuff is flying past you don't have time to think about it much. In fifth gear at 3200 rpm you are doing 65mph and just cruising along. At 75 or so the wind is blowing fairly hard now. Handling is great as far as twisty stuff goes and with the adjustable suspension you just dial it in for what you want. The brakes work great, smooth and positive. You can bring the machine down from light speed in a real hurry. The whole package reminds me a lot of my Ford diesel pickup truck. This bike is powerful and smooth either accelerating or braking
If a solid American classic is what you crave get a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I am so glad I went to look at the Harley-Davidson's and got my Sportster. I wish I had gotten one years ago. Oh Yea, one more thing. Who ever might say a bike like this is for beginners is just not thinking. This is a powerful machine and will be a great joy for older experienced riders. Grab a handful of throttle or the brakes and something big is going to happen.
