The N vibrates pretty good at idle, but is very smooth after that, the 2000 1200C isn't that bad.


Brian

 

FWIW, I have carpal tunnel syndrome and I have a 2005 XL1200R. My left hand was operated on and I have no problems with it when riding. My right hand still needs the operation and it goes numb on me when riding the bike. CONCLUSION: If your hand problem is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, the rubber mounted Sportster won't help you.

 

I've not ridden an earlier model than my 08 XL1200C so obviously cant give a comparison.
However, I would definately echo the earlier suggestions that you rent one for a day and try it out.
I dont find the vibration bad. However, (and I dont have carpal tunnel syndrome) my right hand invariably goes completely numb after riding for a while. The time scale this takes varies, but can be as short as 20 minutes or so.
Personally I have no problem with the view in the mirrors, but I do have a very slight built at 126lbs. Occassionally Ifound the vibration in the mirrors to be so bad that they were uselessbut I now believe this was primarily caused by being in the wrong gear.
Hopefully these observations along with the comments of others will give you food for thought, if not directly answering your question. I believe you will only truely get such answers by an extensive test ride.

 

Dude the only way to know what you really want is to test drive a newer bike. Take it out, get some speed under your belt with it and decide for yourself. Some people are more sensitive to the vibration then others. Shoot as long as your not 23 like me, you should have the salesmen and women at your local dealer trying to get you to test drive everything.

 

I dont have carpal tunnel, I injured my hand when I was 14 or about 33 years ago.I have permanent nerve damage to 2 fingers. When on the hiway with higher speeds the vibs get painfull in my right hand. Im o.k. under 70 mph. It sounds like to me the rubber mounts are not as good as I was hoping for. My 2000-C is good until I hit 70. If I understand this right, the rubbers vib more then the solids at idle. But thats really not a big deal to me, unles it's really bad like at stop lights. Winter is starting to set in so a rental may not work out for now. I would like to get one in the winter, it looks like I could get better deals. From what I can tell around 70-75 the rubbers are better but over that, the vibs come back, it sounds like the vibs very a lot on the rubbers. Have I got this right?
Im looking at uesd 06's or if possible a 07, so I probably cant test drive one.
I got to admit Im a little shaky on this rubber mount thing. But Im happy all of you have been stright with me. Im still open to any more advice any of you can give me... Thank you...

Gary.