Well I rode an 05 1200 custom for a few years rode anywhere most in a day was 923mi 600-700 miles were easy. I put 20K+on it with 0 problems. It also had serious ***** The sporty got plowed in a parking lot- it was parked. When I took it to the dealer to get repaired an 03 Road King with 17K caught my eye. My payment went from $200 mo to $300 a mo. The Road King was nice but had a few more issues tha the sporty-like the front belt sprocket loosening making it leak tranny fluid. Anyway I got a disease called sarcoidosis and went on disability. Was heartbroken to let the RK go- someone took over payments for me. I sold a laser engraver and along with paying a few bills I bought a 96 xlh1200 for $3100. I was kinda worried about vibration being solid mounted. PO installed 4" curved risers with polyurethane bushings and handlebars just had kind of a buzz around 3200rpm (I LOVE having a tach!). I filled the handlebars with PL Premium Construction Adhesive and wrapped rubber tape around the ends of 6" x1/2" bolts (cut the heads off, Just wrapped the tape until the fit snuggly. The result is that it does not vibrate any more that my my other harleys. The bike has 10K and I have to say that it rides better than my 05 Sporty and the 19" tire seems better suited to the twisties than the 21" did. I absolutely love everything about this sporty and Eaglemark don't own it, I do. I made a backrest that aets the passenger back 3" so my wife has as much room as on the RK. None of my friends are Big Twin snobs, they'e just happy I get to ride. PS I don't get left by anyone- sporty's got *****

 

The only time I hear it being called a lady's bike is once a week when there is a new thread about it being called a lady's bike....

 

Same haha I work in a retail store that deals with a lot of contractors. They're fun to work with, but not the most eloquent people on the face of the earth. And they don't always have a filter when they give opinions. Many of them know I now own a Sporty and I haven't heard the "woman's bike" comment yet. Just here!

 

 

Jim Bronson got around, pretty well on his '69 Sportster.

 

I rode my brother's Ultra Classic for a while this past weekend. That was my first ride on a glide. It was a nice ride and all, comfortable, easy to turn and lean, seemed to just raise and lower a bit over bumps. I was fairly impressed...until I got back on my sporty. After getting back on mine and taking off I quickly realized once again how maneuverable, quick, and just plain fun my bike really is. My next bike will definitely be a 48 as I'm just not interested in the big twins, but for now I'll continue to enjoy my Superlow.

 

I've rode my dad's springer softtail classic before and it handled fine. Much more comfortable for the longer rides, but I love how quick and responsive my sporty is. Dad's taking bets on when I'll trade it in or buy a second bike for the longer treks

 

another consideration...sportsters are cheaper to maintain, two holes vs three, tires cheaper than the "bigger bikes", belt replacement...much cheaper/easier than the bt's. the sporty engines are near bullet proof. parts are much cheaper. the drawback to a sporty if there is one...is rider limitations. it will go as far a rider is willing to ride it. not as comfy as a bt, but can be made to ride fairly nice with a few mods.

 

The only people calling spoststers a "Girls Bike" are the people trying to justify spending $15000+ for a motorcycle. It's all about bragging rights and nothing to do with the actual motorcycle. I'm sure most of them have never ridden a modern Sportster.

 

That's it! Gotta love a little hot rod Sporty. I had three Ironhead XLCHs and loved everyone. The '76 would have made any of the "girls bike" posers **** their pants, lol.