I have 2 pre rubber mount Sporties and I don't get what so many people whine about as far as vibration, mine don't bother me at all.

 

I started out on a '72 XLCH. Went through it several times and it ended up in a rigid frame, 77 inches, and over 100,000 miles in about 9 years, most of which I was aboard ships. I had a few other XL bikes during this time, mostly to have something to ride while I was rebuilding/chopping/repairing the CH. The CH vibrated, rattled, broke, and ran like a raped-ape with that hot rod stroker motor.

I have an '07 Nightster, FI & rubber, and it's a great little bike. It's fun to ride, and has enough power to make it interesting. It has what I consider a couple design flaws, though. The fuse/relay block corrodes from water intrusion. Pretty stupid design there, and I have to pull the fuses & relays about once a month or so to clean, inspect, and sometimes replace them. Yes, I use the compound to help prevent the water intrusion; that's why I can go as long as a month-6 weeks between maintenance times. The lack of a tranny trap door probably has 2 purposes - easier to assemble, and probably gets rid of a weak spot. Ironheads were notorious for blowing the tranny, grenading the trap door, and sometimes taking a piece out of the lower right rear corner of the cases. It will be a PITA to repair the tranny, though.

All in all? Ride the gal what brung ya, and have a helluva good time, rubbers or raincoat-less!

 

I would not have given a Sportster a second look if not for the FI and the rubber mounted engine. I rode mine 370 miles (each way) to western Pa and enjoyed every of it. It's not unusual for my buds and I to ride a 250 mile joy ride to get special sub sandwich someplace.

 

I had heard of the rigid mounted sporties. I wanted a rubber mounted version. However, I have seen some rigids that are beauties. I may have bought one if I had found the right deal. I am not "rigid" in my taste.

 

I think the reason a lot of people, especially people that like to build custom bikes with Sportster motors tend to always favor the the 03 and older bikes, because it is easier and cheaper to buy after market frames and hardtail weld-on kits for them. I only know of 1 company that offers an after market frame and weld-on kit for rubber mounts and that would be Led Sled.

 

Seems that more of the older guys are used to being less pamperd.

 

Like was said rubber mounts and FI is awesome! My Step dad as a 2002 883 that is riged mounted and crabed and it feels like crap compared to my 2007 1200-not just power, but I just don't like the feel of the carb and his bike will about numb your hands and feet after awhile.

 

I like the fact that I have the last carb year. I will eventually get a FI 2nd bike someday (Sport or cruiser) but my 06 carb Sporty is definitely a keeper.

 

Rode and loved my '04 Sporty up until I sold it in December! Can't speak to rigids cause I never rode one but loved mine!

 

Agreed, vibrations on my 02 don't bother me at all. Also, can someone tell me why EFI is more reliable than a carbed bike. Seems like a carb is much simpler, easier to work on, cheaper to work on, and generally in line with the KISS (keep it simple, stupid) theory.