For me its a choice...personally I like the compactness of the Sportster over the comparative elongated look of the Softtail.
Thanks for reading.

 

the compactness is why i got rid of the v rod and got the sportster. Doing the rv living it just fits in the trailer better then this.

 

So what's with the picture of the Dyna then ?

 

Its a comparison of the Sportster's shorter (length & height), thicker overall appearance vs. the Dynaglide's longer, leaner shape.

I never am surprised anymore when I see posts of BT owners saying how much they regret selling their sweet little Sporty. No it ain't the fastest or biggest or whatever but it does have a helluva lot to make BT owners wish they would've just been satisfied w/ their Sportster....Initially I regretted selling my avg condition 1996 1200XLC but I am VERY happy w my excellent condition 2005 883.

 

They all have there place. I miss owning a Sportster and will add one again at some point. They are a lot of fun for sure. But for me, it cannot replace a bigger bike. I ride a lot of 2-up and tour with the wife. She needs to be comfortable or the trip is not going to be pleasant...

 

I totally agree. The Sportster is just as it's name implies S-P-O-R-T-S, not touring. The Sporster is IMO intended for bombing around city streets and short commutes. Anyone who tours on Sportster is a gluten for punishment, both the rider and motorcycle. I mean yea sure you can ride an 883 500 miles in a day...but why the heck would ya? Doesn't sound like alotta fun to me. For me personally 250 miles on a Sportster is about as far as I'd wanna put my butt through & even then I'd need 10 minutes just to pry myself off of it.

 

Do t get me wrong, im a fan, ive owned 3 including an 05 xl1200c i bought in Jan and sold in may. I was just too scrunched. I bought my secon d t120 which i love.. i have a coupla big twins ... i guess i just got used to my heritage

 

I dont know, my Sportster is pretty darn fast.

 

With the mods you've done I bet its on par w/ a V-Rod which is fast regardless but when analyzed in proper perspective thats damn fast.
Most important is its a freakin' HARLEY DAVIDSON!

 

My 2019 Softail FXLR has a wheel base of 64.2", seat height of 26.2", my 2009 XL1200C has a wheel base of 59.8", seat height of 26.6" factory (I have taller rear shocks and a smaller seat now).

I like them both the same. Both are plenty fast enough for me and definitely not slow. Sitting side by side, everyone says the Sportster is bigger. Go figure.