Sportster height and riding style
#1
01-18-2008 | 04:39 PM
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Oswego, IL
Sportster height and riding style
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
#2
01-18-2008 | 05:14 PM
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Fl
RE: Sportster height and riding style
ORIGINAL: Kanzig
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
I keep hearing that the Sporty is "top heavy", but I just didn't notice that about it, and I have a Roadster, which if I'm not mistaken, is the tallest of the Sportsters. If anything makes ittop heavy, I would guess it would be it's height. It seems well balanced to me, in fact, it is a lot better balanced than the Honda Shadow that I had. I can very easily set at a stop with my hands off the bars and hold the bike up just with my legs. And I'll bet that even if it does seem top heavy to you at first, that feeling will quickly go away.
-Andy
#3
01-18-2008 | 05:23 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
#4
01-18-2008 | 05:31 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 389
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
RE: Sportster height and riding style
I agree with FloridaDrafter, I have had quite a few bikes and top heavyness was certainly not my first impression on myRoadster at all.
I think this myth may have more to do with the feeling that you sit "on" a sportie compared to many cruisers that you feel as if you are sitting "in" it.
A friend has a Yamaha V Star 1100 and when I ride it I feel like I'm dragging my a$$ on the ground andlooking over the huge oil bunker of a gas tank then further forward is the giant headlight compared to mine where all I see is the road out front of me.
The first time he rode mine he said something like "wow, that thing is wild, it's like a great big super fast dirt bike! and yes, he is now shopping for a Sportie.
I think this myth may have more to do with the feeling that you sit "on" a sportie compared to many cruisers that you feel as if you are sitting "in" it.
A friend has a Yamaha V Star 1100 and when I ride it I feel like I'm dragging my a$$ on the ground andlooking over the huge oil bunker of a gas tank then further forward is the giant headlight compared to mine where all I see is the road out front of me.
The first time he rode mine he said something like "wow, that thing is wild, it's like a great big super fast dirt bike! and yes, he is now shopping for a Sportie.
#5
01-18-2008 | 05:42 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 2
From: OKC
#6
01-18-2008 | 05:48 PM
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Oswego, IL
#7
01-18-2008 | 05:49 PM
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 6
From: Chester County, PA
RE: Sportster height and riding style
ORIGINAL: Kanzig
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
Top heavy...? uhm... okay. I'm not sure I'd describe the Sportster as top-heavy, but then I've been riding sport bikes and sport-touring bikes for a while. Any motorcycle that knows how to properly take a turn is going to be built to sit tall and narrow to maximize ground clearance while heeled over. Even with the Sportster being far, far more agile in the twisties than nearly any cruiser and most Harleys, I wouldn't rate it at anything approaching true top-heaviness when compared to bikes that are purpose built to lean at over 45 degrees at triple-digit speeds, or compared to ~700lb sport touring bikes like the Concours and FJR. Perception more than anything, I think.
I suppose it's all in what you're used to.
Trending Topics
#8
01-18-2008 | 06:09 PM
Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 2
From: Appling GA
RE: Sportster height and riding style
It feels top heavy compared to ALL the other harley lineup. I think thats where the saying comes from.It dont feel anymore top heavy than say a Kaw 900 or a honda 750 tho.
ORIGINAL: chornbe
Top heavy...? uhm... okay. I'm not sure I'd describe the Sportster as top-heavy, but then I've been riding sport bikes and sport-touring bikes for a while. Any motorcycle that knows how to properly take a turn is going to be built to sit tall and narrow to maximize ground clearance while heeled over. Even with the Sportster being far, far more agile in the twisties than nearly any cruiser and most Harleys, I wouldn't rate it at anything approaching true top-heaviness when compared to bikes that are purpose built to lean at over 45 degrees at triple-digit speeds, or compared to ~700lb sport touring bikes like the Concours and FJR. Perception more than anything, I think.
I suppose it's all in what you're used to.
ORIGINAL: Kanzig
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
I searched the forums and couldn't find an exact discussion about this so here it goes...
I'm looking to buy an 883 Sportster in the spring (couple of months away). I have never ridden one before. I'm currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I have put 6,000 miles on the Shadow and want to get a Harley. I like the looks of the Sportster but then I keep hearing these discussions about how it is top heavy and doesn't balance as well as other cycles, etc etc.
Can someone tell me what makes the Sportster top heavy? Is it the peanut tank sitting up too high on the frame or is it just the way the engine is built with more weight up near the heads? I am going to buy a used Sportster so I figure if I see a deal on a Sportster Low, I'll go for it since even a Low model will still be an inch taller than my Shadow.
I wasn't planning on renting one but at this point I probably will wait for it to get warm enough and then I'll go rent an 883 for a couple hours. Hopefully it won't cost too much but at least then I would know if I like the feel of the cycle.
Kanzig
Top heavy...? uhm... okay. I'm not sure I'd describe the Sportster as top-heavy, but then I've been riding sport bikes and sport-touring bikes for a while. Any motorcycle that knows how to properly take a turn is going to be built to sit tall and narrow to maximize ground clearance while heeled over. Even with the Sportster being far, far more agile in the twisties than nearly any cruiser and most Harleys, I wouldn't rate it at anything approaching true top-heaviness when compared to bikes that are purpose built to lean at over 45 degrees at triple-digit speeds, or compared to ~700lb sport touring bikes like the Concours and FJR. Perception more than anything, I think.
I suppose it's all in what you're used to.
#10
01-19-2008 | 05:07 AM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22,912
Likes: 75
From: Okinawa, Japan