Thinking of buying a sporster and have talking and asking questions here in the forumand individuals.
I have been told that these sporty models are for driving around in cities and not really made for long rides.
Is the tank so small that you have to fill up very often and/or is it not that comfortable to ride?
Also, been told that there is no space for personal items. Are the side "bags"that small?

thanks in advance for responding

 

How do you define "long" rides? I'm a newbie to riding, but have 1,400 on my bike in three weeks time. Longest rides have been in the 100 mile range, with no problems in the "chap the ***" department. I wouldn't hesitate to do many more miles... this is not just a city bike.

Ride safe, my friend!

 

My bike hits a sweet spot at 70 MPH (3300 RPM or so.) It's very stable. The cheap nylon throwover bags I have fit under the seat and carrytwo gallons of milk on each side, if desired. I bought the bike for commuting AND longer trips, ride 40 miles a day, 5 of it on gravel roads.
I think you've been told stories. Go check one out. Now my wife's Suzuki Savage 650 single, THAT's a city bike. You can go on long trips with it, but you wouldn't want to.
Sounds like youwere exposed to avariant of the "Sporty's a Girl's Bike" virus.

 

I have been riding mine to and from work. Now this may not seemuntil until you understand that I commute 123 miles one way. It was difficult with the stock seat but better with the sundowner. Do not have bags yet so carry a packpack on my back and it is not bad.

 

I bungee a sport bag to my sissybar. Does it for me. As far as distance, the standard handle bars are tough on the back. May not be for you younger folks, but starting to bug me. I'm gonna hafta put on mini apes one of these days. Other than that, no problems.

 

MacAttack, I've been on the lookout for a set of synthetic bags, I can't stand the leather look on the bike. What type do you have, do you have any pics of what they look like? I think that's another reason why I don't like/use the bike cause I can't take anything with me.

As for mileage, I've got a 06 1200c and with the tank it has I can go for 160-180 miles before I think about filling up. It's much better than whatmy ol'man had with the peanut tanks.

 

it's all about the comfort. right seat, controls, handlebars and all set up right. you can ride a sporty all day. i ride to visit my brother every other weekend 150 miles one way. we ride when i get there. next day i ride with local buddies. usually a coupe hundred miles we ride with some sportys, dynas, and a couple of titans. i have no problem cruisuing with these guys. i have a 4.5 gallon tank and hit reserve at about 160. i don't ride for economy at all. most of the big twin riders are ready to stop before i am.as far as speed, i can cruise at 85 with the best of them, i just can't afford the tickets. i cruise at 70-75, thats the sweet spot.

 

The 1200 sits higher ,correct?

 

The std. & the R 883/1200 sit higher having 13.25" shocks, the customs and low models sit lower having 11.75" shocks. Then again most everyone changes stock shocks to Progressives so you can have it sit at whatever hgt. you like, then of course there is the seat which most change and all vary in hgt. I have a 11" shocks in the rear and a mustang seat so mine is right at around 25.75-26" I believe. The tanks on the Customs are 4.5 gallons and my range is about 175 miles before I hit reserve and while not as comfortable as some big twins plenty of folks as you read use them for touring and long commutes. With the right seat, suspension and bars, luggage and suchthey can be pretty comfortable for long rides/trips. I ride sometimes 750-1000 miles a month for pleasure and have no complaints, now with a passenger thy're not as roomy but still doable for most.

 

Take one for a test ride..Thats the best way to tell..The Dealer should have a few on hand for that.