I just got a '07 Sportster XL1200C and it's not my first bike, but it's my first Harley. Are there any issues that start out small that I should know how to spot? (I.E. certain sounds or certain behaviors) I know that every bike has it's own personality but I don't want to ride on with a problem I haven't spotted. I was referring to quirks and known problems that the 1200 Sportsters may have. I've worked on all my previous bikes but that was usually a 'it breaks then I fix it' situation. I don't want to have to do that with this bike. (I used it to commute to work.) The bike is at 9k miles and I am going to go ahead and pay for the 10k maintenance when it comes up. I know I'll be paying for a lot of inspecting but I don't know too much about this bike yet and I want it looked over. At any rate, I'm very happy with the ride and here are a few pics:

 

First off buy a service manual, best tool in the tool box!
Read the stickies at the top of the sportster main page, DIY tips and poor mans service.
I have only had one problem with the turn signal controller, fixed under warranty.
Make sure to wire or use a ziptie on your pretty chrome battery cover or it will probably fall off.
My bike seldom gets wet but quite a few people have had a problem with water getting down into the fuse box and causing corrosion, a little time pulling fuses and relays (one at a time) and puting dielectric grease on can save you lots of trouble.
If you ever have electrical problems the battery power and ground wire (both at the battery and engine ground points) are often a problem with corrosion, remove them, clean and install dielectric grease there too.
Buy a good quality battery tender and use it anytime it's going to sit for over two weeks at a time, once these small batteries go dead they seldom recover and need to be replaced.
Most of all get out and enjoy your new bike, and watch out for the goofballs on cell phones in cages!

 

+1 on the service manual, and forget paying for the 10k service. Really, I promise you can easily do it yourself, and I suggest you do so to get up chummy with your nice new ride.

Issues? None except for what was already mentioned about fuses in wet conditions.(I own a '07 XL1200)

I suggest you learn how to change the fluids, adjust the primay chain, the clutch and the belt....After that, routinely check all fasteners tight because they tend to vibrate loose(including battery cables). I own 3 late model HD's and they all seem to need a good going over every few weeks just to see what next has vibrated loose.

I'm confident you will find your scoot is a great commuter and very reliable providing you stay on top of the vibration thang.

 

Congrats on the bike! I was looking for that color when I got mine the other week,but could not find one,so went with the Harley standard-Black.

 

I agree with all post, however I noticed the tank bra on your bike. If it not already hidding scratches it will work on the clear coat from the seam on the bra.

 

The 1200 engine is bullet proof but loud. The valve train makes a lot of noise, nothing to worry about. The only real problem I've had with my 06 ( 66,000 miles), it eats starter drives. I'm on my 4th. I use my XL for commuting 100+ miles daily.

 

Nice bike man. I noticed you have slip ons. Has there been any fuel management modifications? Most say stock is fine with only slip ons, and for the most part they are correct, but keeping mine running when cold when it's cold outside is a real PITA. Still looking into a fix.

Good luck,
fF

 

Once you get used to your bike, finish your stage one with a high flow air cleaner and a fuel management system and you will unleash a whole new bike that is hiding under there.

 

That is the problem with buying it used. I'm not sure what has been done to it. The coldest it really gets here in Austin is around 30. I've been riding it home from work at 4am in 40 degree weather and haven't noticed any problems.