My Harley is dumb and fun to ride... Just like your mom.

If anybody wants to see another example of why my Sportster is dumb, go to 5:42 in the video:


Literally turns what should be a really easy and quick motorcycle to work on into a PITA to work on when I have to bring a board out every time I want to get this thing on to my lift. Seriously Harley, wtf? 🤦‍♂️
 
You like those bars on the sporty? Sorry but in my mind's eye they are horrid. A set of flat bars would look the part. (yeah not sure how comfy they would be...)

As to the ramp issue - I cut mine in half and welded hinges to it. I use hitch pins for the hinge pins. Regular bikes I just use the one half ( which is now much lighter for moving and storing). For the slammed Wing I attach the second half and put a 4x4 under the hinge area. (One day I intend to eliminate the need for the 4x4 by welding swing out feet on the second half)
 
The swing out ramp extension is a great idea! As for those bars no, I hate them, I think they're a big part of why it feels so dumb handling. But replacing them means replacing cables and brake lines or having it look messy so I'm procrastinating for the moment because it's my busy season 😬
 
This one goes a little more in depth on the three biggest issues of the Sportster, in my opinion. Three issues that, even with all the previously mentioned mods/upgrades, I still haven't sorted out yet:

 
So, if you can't already tell by the previous two videos, I bash my Sportster Iron 1200... a lot. But I still love it. It's not my first Sportster and I know it won't be my last.

So in a world where media and "influencers" seem cheap to buy, who can you trust? Does the Sportster have a soft spot in my heart? Should you buy one of these things in 2025? Come down the rabbit hole with me 😂

 
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@adri much of the same thing for me buying a Sporty. I was actually looking for a Bonneville but, the cost was too much and found a classic 1200 Sportster with drag bars and forward controls. Learned to do maintenance on it with some help from seasoned riders and updates like seat, windshield, heated grips etc. I found it was quite comfortable and parts access across the river in the USA was actually decent for the time.


Loved having belt drive. Every criticism is valid and it’s not for everyone.

A riding buddy that owned a Ducati was very supportive of me. Even though I knew he hated the thing. Still have a soft spot for Sportsters but, happy with the Bonneville now.
 
nakkers said:
@adri much of the same thing for me buying a Sporty. I was actually looking for a Bonneville but, the cost was too much and found a classic 1200 Sportster with drag bars and forward controls. Learned to do maintenance on it with some help from seasoned riders and updates like seat, windshield, heated grips etc. I found it was quite comfortable and parts access across the river in the USA was actually decent for the time.


Loved having belt drive. Every criticism is valid and it’s not for everyone.

A riding buddy that owned a Ducati was very supportive of me. Even though I knew he hated the thing. Still have a soft spot for Sportsters but, happy with the Bonneville now.
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Thanks very much.

It's funny when you talk to people who used to own Sportsters but got rid of them because of all their flaws, we all also kind of admit to missing the stupid things. It's almost like the Sportster is a fantastic "one of" bikes, despite being a not so great "one and only" bike. Know what I mean?
 
adri said:
Thanks very much.

It's funny when you talk to people who used to own Sportsters but got rid of them because of all their flaws, we all also kind of admit to missing the stupid things. It's almost like the Sportster is a fantastic "one of" bikes, despite being a not so great "one and only" bike. Know what I mean?
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Absolutely. “One of” or for a few really dumb riders like myself, maybe even twice to be sure? 🤷‍♂️

I returned to a Sportster with a 1200R version with twin discs that didn’t feel or do any better. 😆

Also went down the rabbit hole of accessories to make it better. Suspension, comfort etc. The second one was easier to let go. 😉

The Bonnie could be a similar exercise but, I’m giving it a shot anyways. I’m a sucker of form over function. The Bonnie seems to function better than a Sporty out of the gate.
 
nakkers said:
Absolutely. “One of” or for a few really dumb riders like myself, maybe even twice to be sure? 🤷‍♂️

I returned to a Sportster with a 1200R version with twin discs that didn’t feel or do any better. 😆

Also went down the rabbit hole of accessories to make it better. Suspension, comfort etc. The second one was easier to let go. 😉

The Bonnie could be a similar exercise but, I’m giving it a shot anyways. I’m a sucker of form over function. The Bonnie seems to function better than a Sporty out of the gate.
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Which model Bonnie? I found the air/oil cooled 865cc to be a real sweetheart but also entirely ******* dull, especially on the highway. Have not played much with the new liquid cooled 900 though. Heard those are more fun. The T120 can be quite fun, once you adjust to it. Sportster 1200 is just rambunctious fun right out the gate.

"I returned to a Sportster with a 1200R version with twin discs that didn’t feel or do any better. 😆" lmao
 
adri said:
Which model Bonnie? I found the air/oil cooled 865cc to be a real sweetheart but also entirely ******* dull, especially on the highway. Have not played much with the new liquid cooled 900 though.
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I picked up the one DT - 2012 T100 with the 865 air cooled. It was a one owner bike and pretty clean. Put new rubber and front rotor on it and it’s been the bees knees for me.



I wouldn't want to hummm along on the 400 series for more than an hour or so. Otherwise the flat seat and zipping along secondary highways for a day trip is just fine.

I’ve got a windshield to give a try when the temps cool. And it came with some accessories such as Triumph branded saddle bags etc.


So far, the grins continue.

https://imgur.com/a/R9UCaPk
 
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