Scared the beejeesus out of my wife on the first couple of trips she hopped on the back. Bike seemed like (make that did) it grabbed every contour of the road, unseen or not. At that point, I was not going to let one hand go of the bars at any time.

Asked some questions of my local indy and replaced the tires (worn) and shocks (not heavy enough for us) and front springs and I am pretty darned happy with the ride.

Have not ridden on of the baggers so I have nothing to compare to but Friday we hit 101 north again heading for North West Washingtion and who knows from there, probably 1,500 to 2,000 miles! 9 days on the open road with no agenda...yippee cayhay cowpatty!

 

My 48 is very stable and tracks very true all the way up to 90. Riding with one hand is no problem at all. Probably due to the wide tire up front.

 

I actually hated the mustang seat. I have a sundowner and with the mrs and I its still uncomfy. i ordered a mustang and sent it right back. The reason is my big A$$ didn't fit it. Great seat but poor fit for me.

I think it was Charley that did a write up with pics and measurements comparing the sundowner to the mustang. Search it as its a great read.

 

My xl1200c gets some front end shakes on Hwy 5 at 90 w/ small front tire. There is no lead weights on the front wire wheel and it could mean that it is not balanced for that speed. I'm still running stock w/ 12k & new rear tire.

 

Rode my xl1200c around Utah National Parks April 2011. 12 days and 9 parks w/ 3,400 miles on the odometer for that ride. Had no problems with the suspension but I wouldn't recommend two-up on a stock 48. Enjoy and stay in-touch(PM me) on your ride up north. I'm just around the corner from you at home.

 

OP sounds normal.

Legal speeds it is OK, yet even at those speeds the rear shocks transmit bumps very hard to your spine.

Light weight and skinny front wheel countributes to a "nervousness" in the chassis above legal speeds. Fork flex also comes into play at above legal speeds.

What you can do is:
1 - buy a better seat
2 - change fork spring and fork oil - maybe had a fork kit like RaceTech's
3 - change rear shocks - too many options there including length
4 - add a fork brace
5 - add handlebar end weights (Vibronators?)

Or slow your speed down a little and know the short-comings of the chassis.

 

ride more. you lack confidence.

i've did 12+ hours on a sportster. also have a personal record of 36 miles with no hands on the bars.. at 75mph. the rake/trail on these bikes is rediculous. you just need to get comfortable with your bike.

 

Make sure the air pressure is right on and put dyna beads in your tires. No need for wheel weights ever again. They will also keep the tire balanced regardless of the speed your going.

 

I agree that a Sportster generally isn't *ideal* for the highway, but it certainly can be done. Especially with some modifications, and/or just plain old practice. Personally, I find myself purposely avoiding highways and prefer side-streets and country roads to get me where I'm going and make the ride more enjoyable. It works for me, as I don't have any real reason (yet) to hit the highways for any extended periods of time. My XL1200L is happiest going 70-100 kmh on the open country roads.

 

Mine handles like a Ferrari on the Interstate.