What You Need to Know Before Buying a Sportster
A Sportster fan from down under offers some pros and cons to owning Harley’s most modestly priced bike.
Even though it sometimes takes the proverbial back seat to Harley-Davidson’s more macho Big Twin offerings, the humble Sportster is a true fixture in the brand’s lineup. In fact, it’s been around since 1957, when cars still sported huge tailfins. The Sportster is perhaps the most affordable Harley model available on the pre-owned market. That, coupled with a manageable size and low seat height that makes it ideal for newer riders or those of smaller stature.
If you’re thinking about making a Sportster your next — or first — bike, a rider named Aaron from Australia has some helpful pros and cons to help you decide. Aaron, who runs the YouTube channel The Whiskey Throttle Club, purchased his own blue 2006 Sporty, powered by the iconic 883 cubic inch Evolution engine, about 18 months ago and proceeded to make it his own with some tasteful mods.
The Sportster’s size and heft are perfect
Per Aaron, his Sportster subscribes to the Goldilocks principal. That is, not too small and not large. Specifically, the YouTuber mentions that it’s “lightweight enough for nimble city riding and heavy enough for stable highway cruising.” Of course, your highway bombing experience will be limited by the bike’s signature “peanut” fuel tank, which only holds about three gallons.
Whether primarily city dwelling or on the open road, comfort can be improved with a new seat. One that’s based on your personal preferences. That’s good advice for any type of motorcycle, actually. Shorter, taller, softer, and firmer are all within your command, along with other preferences like carrying a passenger.
Similarly, adjustable aftermarket rear shocks are also recommended by Aaron for a comfort and handling boost. Though some brands aren’t exactly cheap, Aaron was lucky that the prior owner of his steed saw fit to install them.
Taller rides could struggle
There’s no question that the Sportster has a smaller frame which makes it more flickable than Big Twins and more confidence inspiring for newer riders, who can place both feet firmly on the ground at rest. However, those same characteristics can present a challenge to taller riders.
To that end, our YouTuber has two suggestions. The first is a set of forward controls. For those that might now know, forward controls are a set of extensions that relocate the shift lever and brake pedal toward the front of the bike. This lets taller rider stretch their legs without bending as much at the knees. In that same vein, but for the upper body, a taller set of handlebars and/or handlebar risers can help NBA-height Sporty fans relax their posture.
Customization options for your Sportster are endless
Sportster owners have always been spoiled for choice. Even from the factory, variations exist for café racing, off-road riding, cruising, and more. There’s an even greater amount of personalization in the aftermarket. As Aaron points out, the temptation of so many goodies and accessories could turn into a negative as well. For example, spending all the money in your bank account. If you do decide to begin modding your Sporty — or performing your own maintenance — know that a large community exists to lend tips and advice, including our very own hdforums.
Aaron’s own mods include a fuel tank lift, Screamin’ Eagle Stage 1 performance kit, and a homemade jiffy stand suited to the bike’s now-taller ride height. Perhaps most noticeable is a thin rectangular headlight to replace the ubiquitous round stocker. That’s a serious throwback to old-school choppers and goes to show just how personalized your Sportster experience can become.
Images: The Whiskey Throttle Club/YouTube