I'm looking at starting my rider enjoyment with a HD Nightster.

I have concerns.

I was told by an older biker that I may be subject to being made fun of because of choosing a Sportster, as they are typically chic bikes?
I'm a male 5'11 and 180.

Wanted to hear from hard core veteran riders of these bikes to hear their thoughts.

I personally like the Nightster because it fits my style and I would be a first time rider after finishing the classes.
I also like the deal HD is having with the Sportster ride free program.

Opinions please.
Thanks

 

After you know what you are doing,embarrass the crap out of them with your Sportster,the snide remarks will stop!!You can outrun them all on the N.The first thing I would do is replace the seat with a Mustang,then put on Progressive 412,12.5" shocks,you will be good to go.I have ridden Harleys since 1975,I have had a 883 and a 1200,anyone who doesn't like Sportsters has not been around very long.

 

your gonna hear that, everyone who own a Sportster has once or twice. I just bought my first Harley last month(09 Nightster) and i love it. IF you like your bike thats all that should matter.

 

I just got a Nightster and i love it. The may say its a chick bike but youll be so far ahead of them you wont hear it. If only girls rode sportsters/nightsters they wouldnt be in production anymore. Buy it and you wont regret it.

 

Who cares? Ride what you want.

 

Thanks for the comments.
I like the Nightster based on it styling. Matte finish parts and two tone body options. Retro looking. Slim frame and low weight. Right engine size for a beginner with enough power to satisfy the fun size. Best gas mileage of practically any bike.

What about having a passenger on the bike?

 

Hey, as someone who has owned both sportys and bigtwins you have nothing to be ashamed about. I used to run the guts out of my sporty, it was hot rodded and chopped, a flat black monster. The bike you are thinking on getting looks pretty good, just take off some of the plastic. I recall a big twin bigot bragging about his heritage which had some work done on the motor and made a couple of comments about my sporty. I challenged him to a quarter mile drag right then and there, winner taking 500 bucks, he never yapped agian.

 

First thing young padawon,

You do not give a rats *** what others think.

You ride for the freedom and enjoyment.

I ride my Sporty with hardcore big T riders, in fact the only other sportster is riden by a dudes wife.

The only thing that has ever been said was at a gas station when a guy filling his bike up asked...

"What that Sportster dont need gas?"

To which I said "Nope"

Ive been riding for over 40 years and can ride anything I wish.

My choice is a XL1200C, it fits me, looks good, I can defend myself against soccer mom and deisel dan.

And runs circles around the big boys

 

The nightster is a girls bike. Now I only say that because my wife happens to own a Nightster that will outrun my 96ci Road King Classic whenever it feels like it. The only thing about the N is the size. We have it lowered with the standard mid controls so it's a little small for me. I am 5'-10" 220lbs. Great bike though and I really like riding it. Just not setup for me for any kind of long distance riding. Get it and you won't be dissapointed.

 

I don't know, I'm 47 years old am a member of a MC and ride a 05 1200C now any biker that's been around anytime at all will not put down a Sportser. Most of them have owned them a lot still do and they know that the Sporster is the backbone of the Harley community. I have a feeling you where talking to somone whose big twin and leathers still had that new fresh dealership smell. Pay no attention to that type, they're not worth your time. Why are you worrying about what some a$$hole thinks about what you want to ride or do ride.

Irish Ron
POW-MIA VMC