Don't think anyone can contest the performance... It's the looks that are debatable.

 

I have an '82 750S Sabre that would run circles around it's much bigger brother. Probably handles better, too, but it's got a rear suspension that beats you to death unless the road is smooth as velvet. It's faster than my 883, too, and handles better, but it's just not as enjoyable to ride for some reason. Sometimes I think I'd like to find an old 1100 Sabre (120hp), but again, other than stretching my arms occasionally, I doubt it would be as enjoyable as my Harley. Probably hurt more, too; even the 750 has a tendency to break the rear end loose in corners without a lot of throttle.

 

In 66 I envied a buddy that got a new TR6. It was his first bike, and he learned to ride on it. He took off from his first fill up in a gas station and it got away from him, pulled a hairy wheelie all the way out in the street before it topped out in first and he got the wheel back down. How he stayed on it and didn't hit anything was a miracle. Haven't thought of that one in over 40 years.

 

The more I think of this thread, the more ridiculous it seems to me that it is here on the H-D Forums. Take it over to the Yamaha Forum so everyone can jump for joy about how close to a real motorcycle, the Sportster, Yamaha is getting. Simply absurd - I'm outta here!

 

The only thing I like about it is the 210 rear tire and since when did the sporty start coming with a 170 rear tire?

 

Here's the HP & Torque numbers.
"The shorter-stroked Styker peaked at 5600 rpm (67.6 hp; maximum torque of 75.0 ft-lb at 3700 rpm).

 

If you want to see one of the big four Japanese firms that make a competitor for the Sportster. Look at the Honda Shadow RS. It is a metric Sportster. Only worse. I would post up a picture, but I am on my phone. The RS still has a drum brake and lots of plastic all around.

 

you aint kiddin, looks just like a sportster just cheaper looking and an ugly radiator



and holy crap, that turd's base price is more than a sportster
http://powersports.honda.com/2012/shadow-rs.aspx

 

The Honda Shadow is a 745cc bike, I dont think that is comparable at all to a 1200 Sportster. yeh, It's comparable to a 883