Rumbling on a Budget

[BaZa ®]

Rumbling on a Budget

October 4, 2008




NEW YORK TIMES –– The Harley-Davidson Sportster has often been called the Harley for people who can’t afford a Harley.

Perhaps it’s time to rephrase that dig. How about this: the 2009 Sportster is the Harley for people who want a stylish ride that gets 60 miles a gallon on the highway. That’s according to the E.P.A., which also rates the 2009 XL 883 Sportster at 45 m.p.g. in town.

The entry-level Sportster is still a cost-effective choice — as little as $7,299 for a bike with the real-deal Milwaukee pedigree — but the neighbors will probably never know: it is all but indistinguishable from the XL 1200, which starts at $10,099.

Moreover, the Sportster, a Harley staple since 1957, has evolved from a cranky pretender that threatened to vibrate itself to pieces into a competent and reliable means of transportation. The best change in recent years has been a switch to rubber engine mounts, which help to isolate the rider from the 883 cc V-twin’s vibrations. Until 2004 the engine was bolted to the frame, and the whole bike shook like a jackhammer.

With 55 pound-feet of torque at a casual 3,500 r.p.m., the fuel-injected engine of the junior Sportster propels the 590-pound bike smartly, and in my testing returned a noteworthy 55 m.p.g. The handling is surprisingly capable for such a heavy bike, and the 60-inch wheelbase makes it both steady at speed and forgiving over rough pavement.

The Sportster has been a favorite of new riders, women and short-statured people; the seat is just 28 inches off the ground on the Custom version (and 26.3 on the Low model). Now you can add the dollar-conscious to its devotees.

[BaZa ®]

The entry-level Sportster is still a cost-effective choice — as little as $7,299 for a bike with the real-deal Milwaukee pedigree

The jurno in the paper has quoted the XL883 Custom that is $7,299 @ $1.8/£ £4,055 HERE £6,095

The entry-level Sportster is the XL883 Low at $6,999 @ $1.8/£ £3,888 HERE £5,295

And the XL 1200 Nightster $10,099 @ $1.8/£ £5,610 HERE £6795

U.K. Prices include:- On the road (1 years tax, # Plate, 1st service P.D.I.)

— but the neighbors will probably never know: it is all but indistinguishable from the XL 1200, which starts at $10,099

.............XL883 Low........................ XL883 Custom..................... XL 1200 Nightster.........

[JohnT]

Sportsters are just great bikes and 100% Harley Davidson.

Having owned two of them(one of them now owned by Els), we wouldn't part with this one. I can't remember how many times I've heard ex HOG members say how they weren't made welcome because they turned up on Sporties.

I think it's time to drop all the nonsense that some Sportster riders hear from big twin owners, speaking as a big twin rider myself. There's a place for all models, and Sportster owners are certainly made welcome in this club.

JohnT

[Monkeybrain]

I fiited a stock seat to the wifes 883L so I could try and ride it a bit whilst she's grounded with the baby.

What an uncomfortable bike.

I hate the cowhorn bars.

I hate the gear ratios.

The seat still hurts.

The rear shocks would be better off replaced with solid bars.

Did I mention the seat hurts.


Other than that its OK, quick, economical and handles well.

Did I mention the seats are shit.

[Mrs T]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Sportsters are just great bikes and 100% Harley Davidson.

Having owned two of them(one of them now owned by Els), we wouldn't part with this one. I can't remember how many times I've heard ex HOG members say how they weren't made welcome because they turned up on Sporties.

I think it's time to drop all the nonsense that some Sportster riders hear from big twin owners, speaking as a big twin rider myself. There's a place for all models, and Sportster owners are certainly made welcome in this club.

JohnT

We even speak to Buelligans as well

[lawnmower]

Price comparisons in Australia

XL883L A$12495.00 OTR @ A$2.28 (today) £5480.00
XL883C A$14795.00 OTR @ A$2.28 £6489.00
XL1200N A$17495.00 OTR @ A$2.28 £7673.00

Although the exchange rate is all over the shop it was A$2.13 to the $
4 weeks ago which makes a massive difference.

XL883L A$12495.00 OTR @ A$2.13 £5866
XL883C A$14795.00 OTR @ A$2.13 £6946
XL1200N A$17495.00 OTR @ A$2.13 £8213

[Monkeybrain]

There I am bad mouthing the Sporty and looks like I'll be selling the Softail next year and using the wife's bike for a year or so.

Shopping List.

12" Apes
Forward Controls
Comfy seat.

[kevscrivener]

Worth remembering that the Sportster, in some guise or another, is the favoured mount of at least FOUR committee members; myself, Sue, Mitzi and Patrick.

Whilst it's true that many HDRCGB members started out on a Sporty (mainly because it was all they could afford) and then went on to a big twin,I notice that more and more are sticking with them, usually for the reasons stated in the NYT article.

[BaZa ®]

Originally Posted by kevscrivener

.........................and then went on to a big twin,.................

Kev in my mind the sporty is still a BIG twin. It does and SHOULD not be compared with the Evo's and TC's.

It is a bike on it's own and a legend.

It's a BIG TWIN................Period.

[DeuceBG]

Originally Posted by BaZa ®

Kev in my mind the sporty is still a BIG twin. It does and SHOULD not be compared with the Evo's and TC's.

It is a bike on it's own and a legend.

It's a BIG TWIN................Period.

Have to agree Baza..Mrs D's 1200R is a great bike.
It's quick, nimble and, being carbed, sounds like it should.
I'd probably have one myself if I weren't too feckin big to look right on it