Hello, im new the the forums and am somewhat new to riding(street) and i have been looking for a Sportster. I saw an 06 roadster that i really liked on craigslist for $5k. I have also seen that there are a few different sportster models. Xl, low, R, N, L, S, Roadster... how many 2006 1200 models exactly are there and what are the differences? Just trying to find out which is best for me. Thx in advance

 

I really like the 2006 R models.

 

There are others on this forum who know more about Sporties than me. But I own an -08 1200C (Custom) that I really like. The '06 Custom is similar.

Here's a site that should answer some of your questions: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...eyDavidson.htm

 

I was just about to paste the same link, I used that site when I was shopping Sportsters before I found mine.

I don't think there was a "N" in '06, and all the '06 models will be carbed, if you go a year newer, you get fuel injection if that matters to you.

Just looking at stock, some models do have advantages depending on your riding style. The Custom has a larger gas tank and forward controls, the R will get you dual disc front brakes and I believe a hotter cam, I think the L has shorter shocks to give a lower seat height. That's not to say you can't swap gas tanks or forward controls between models.

 

Carbed doesnt bother me one bit. Not a big fan of alot of chrome so the 06 Roadster really caught my attention.

 

I'm with you on the chrome. I like chrome wheels and just enough chrome on the rest of the bike to set off the black.

 

For what its worth my first sporty is a 1200 Custom. I am tall and wanted wanted a nice little ride back and forth to work. I was going with the 48 at first - this was back into 2010. Then the dealer suggest I hold off and explained they were reintroducing the Custom with the factory options which was new for HD at the time. Now you can go through the HD 1 customization with many bikes. Anyway I liked what I could get for my money with the Custom and have been really a happy with it. I'm 6'1" and 174 or so lbs. It is a great fit if you are going to do short distances around town. As it is 580lbs (with fluids I think) the 1200ccs really makes her cook off when you need it.

 

Didnt have time to go take a look at it this weekend. Hopefully its still for sale next weekend.