The Sportster. - Is It the Bike that Saved Harley Davidson?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 108
From: Tennessee
Tis truly a shame my 07 FLHRS is not equipped with the same type of throttle my old 73 XLH had. I truly miss that feature. I think I’ve also heard them called “suicide throttles”.
I guess the legal men got involved and the comfortable, common sense throttles were scuttled.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 683
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
Tis truly a shame my 07 FLHRS is not equipped with the same type of throttle my old 73 XLH had. I truly miss that feature. I think Ive also heard them called suicide throttles.
I guess the legal men got involved and the comfortable, common sense throttles were scuttled.
XLCH=kick start
XLH =electric start
XLH was about 50lbs heavier because of the starter and larger battery. Oil tank had to be hung on the right side of the bike to make room for the larger battery.
A little bit of trivia for the Sportster fans.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
After all this I am still trying to figure out which Harley model has been continuously produced for a longer period of time than the Sportser, which is now going on 52 years without a dead zone.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
883r
I race a 1990 883,and it is an incredible bike. People at the track are always amazed at seeing it. It turns, leans and brakes better than many of the current bikes. It even passes other bikes on occasion. It has Ohlins rear shocks and dual front discs, other than that it is mostly stock.
paul
paul
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I race a 1990 883,and it is an incredible bike. People at the track are always amazed at seeing it. It turns, leans and brakes better than many of the current bikes. It even passes other bikes on occasion. It has Ohlins rear shocks and dual front discs, other than that it is mostly stock.
paul
paul
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
JayStronghawk....most people don't notice in your Sportster picture that there is a clutch cable, and a front brake cable....NO THROTTLE CABLE! 
We know why, though.....dead man's throttle. And the Buckhorn handlebars...they were the best...can't even find them anymore. I had a 1972 XLCH that was my key to freedom. Ah, the good old days.
We know why, though.....dead man's throttle. And the Buckhorn handlebars...they were the best...can't even find them anymore. I had a 1972 XLCH that was my key to freedom. Ah, the good old days. 
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 965
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport,La.
I miss my Sportsers too. Had an '85 and a '03 Custom. I love my Ultra but I'm thinking of buying another Sportster to have for some "grins". Just a dang fun bike to ride.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 9
From: la grange, il (near chicago)
yeh - got my ultra - and it is awesome.
daughter got the sportster - and it is also awesome.
both harleys, both different.
really glad i got access to both.
so here's a question - which one has more "soul".
daughter got the sportster - and it is also awesome.
both harleys, both different.
really glad i got access to both.
so here's a question - which one has more "soul".
