A couple of questions re buying a sportster!

[kevscrivener]

The "R" stands for "Roadster".

Having owned a 1200R for three years I can highly recommend them.

[Urrell]

The "R" models stand for Roadster.

Generally biggest difference with the "R" is taller rear shocks to give more lean before scraping in corners, Rear set pegs and two discs at the front.

[fliesinteeth]

Russ,
I also recently bought a 2007 1200C as a returning biker. Absolutely love it and have spent many hours riding and cleaning it. last bit is important as it seems most Hd owners keep their bikes immaculate and you will most likely feel the same. The polished covers on a 1200c really show up well without being too much. personallyI think the bike is at its best cruising two up and enjoying the engine, scenery, chilling. If you want to ride agressively its maybe not the best tool. overall your pride in ownership and the intangible soul of the bike are what makes it special. highly recommended !

[grbrown]

Further to Fliesinteeth's comments, it is worth studying Sportsters closely, to observe and master the subtle distinctions between models. There are very low slung ones, with noralora suspension travel, through to the sporty versions, with taller ride height and more suspension travel, hence likely to be more comfortable, especially 2-up, single and twin front discs, etc. They also have various different levels of chrome or almost complete lack of it. Harley's website will help, also several visits to Harley dealers is a good idea, to browse and take copious notes!

[russ39]

Thanks for your replys, I will try and find an older sportster and take it out for a spin and see which i prefer , with or without rubber that is the big question !!!

Cheers Russ

[dexter]

Russ I have a 2003 XL883 and though I would like to make it 1200 I have loved it since new. 25k miles now; vibration is not a problem - in fact I like the engine feedback - the bike feels like it it means business. If you want it smooth get a sports bike.

[Mantis]

I like the shaking and vibrating on my 96 1200 sporty. it gives the bike character. A plus point for picking up women in the know ;).

[russ39]

Cheers for that Dexter, Mantis thats an interesting outlook !!

Russ

[kriss]

Originally Posted by chilly

Not sure mate ,but it sounds a reasonable assumption,which could be dangerous ,but i know the R in the bigger bikes stands for Rubber Mount .

Pretty sure the Rubber mount came out around 2003 .

PM my mate nickb ,he had one and loved it,he knows more about them than me and would be more than helpfull with any questions you have,wouldn't think he looks in here much now as he rides a 70s Harley.

Chilly

think the R stands for roadster ?

[kriss]

Originally Posted by Urrell

The "R" models stand for Roadster.

Generally biggest difference with the "R" is taller rear shocks to give more lean before scraping in corners, Rear set pegs and two discs at the front.

well done urrell the R does indeed stand for roadster