1. The 'new' Sportsters are a very, very cool platform using rubber mounts which reportedly significantly reduce vibration. They are easy to build, (definitely responds well to a performance cam), less expensive than the Dynas, weigh less, will cruise fine ALL day at 80+ mph and easier to maintain the bigger HDs.
2. I'm 6'4 and rode a '96 1200 for 3 1/2 years ~ wouldn't hesitate a minute to head out on a 3,000 mile trip; never had a problem except, sans rubber mounts, the vibration on your throttle hand was bothersome.
3. The 1200 engine/transmission is tried and true, a rock solid piece of machinery.
4. The 96 B engine has a counterbalance mechanism that allows a metal to metal mounted engine to have minimal to no vibration; but there is a slight cost in power.
5. In my humble opinion .. the big advantage to the bigger aircooled v-twins is the 6 speed transmission IF you're planning on doing any signficant road trips. If you're primarily a round town/short hopskind of rider then the Sportster is a better bike for you AND more petrol efficient; and cheaper to build for formidable stoplight to stoplight performance.

 

The bike can handle you power wise , it is a great day rider , but much over 200 miles and you will probably wanting a big twin or at the very least forward controls.

I'm 5' 10 and 200 and have fun playing on my wife's 05 1200C . Not substantially different from the nightster.

 

I have an 01 883,which issolid mount---04+ are rubber mount. With that being said I have never had a problem with vibes, now I have never been on a Iron Butt 1000miler, but I have put on a fair amount of miles in an afternoon(200 or so)and have never had an issue.

Now onto your ? about the Nightster---have you ridden one? have you even sat on one? How does it feel? I have seen where most people switch out to fwd controls for better comfort. I don't know where you are located but the dealership near me has one as a demo. Might be worth checking out.

 

Riding a Sportster long distance is entirely up to how tough you are. Or how tough your *** is.
Myself I love my Sportsters but I can't sit on either one of them for more than anabout 30 minutesat a time.

 

Not to hijack the thread..........but have you tried a different seat?

 

i like my sporty...there are lots of seat options if you decide that the seat is uncomfortable....that being said, i would buy another sporty

 

I have the stock seat on my '05 883C. Karen's '04 1200C has an upgraded H-D seat that was on it when we purchased the bike. I love the looks of my stock seat with the backrest and refuse to upgrade as I am used to the way it feels. Besides, we are both ready for a breakafter 100 miles. The seat on the 1200 has a bulbous pad for the passenger. I've taken the grandkids for a few rides on mine, but that narrow passenger seat will probably never have an adult on it. We rarely travel on roads that allow 55+ m.p.h. So I can't comment on vibration at 70. Even when we went to Daytona, we took back roads. We commonly do 200-300 mile rides and have no problem with vibration at the speeds we ride.

 

For a really cool look - Gotta like the Nightster! I wonder how well it fits 6'+ riders

I am 6'4" 225lb - been comuting 35min - mostly freeway @ 70-75mph on my '05 1200 Custom. I am very impressed with the smothness. My 1st bike, so I don't have a comparison, but several pre-04 sporty owners I have met expressed a dislike for highway speeds because of the vibration. My only fatigue is my face from an ear to ear smile the whole way. I notice some grip vibration, but find If I notice it I have regresssed to "Death Grip" mode. Easing
I did upgrade the seat big difference.