HD announces end of the Sportster model

[t.c. Johnson]

On my Sporty the only thing that ever gives me trouble is the battery.

[John Harper]

Originally Posted by t.c. Johnson

On my Sporty the only thing that ever gives me trouble is the battery.

Before that, it was horses thrown shoes and broken wagon wheels, then poor wearing rubber tires, then engine reliability and oiling systems, then cooling systems, then...

So, it's always something. Actually, since going to a (new technology!) lithium battery, it is probably now one of the most reliable components on my bike. And, I dropped over ten pounds of dead weight.

John

[blue]

While lithium has been a revolutionary material in battery technology, nuclear diamond or sand battery tech I believe is really going to be the next huge leap forward in that sphere.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by t.c. Johnson

On my Sporty the only thing that ever gives me trouble is the battery.

+1, a few times a year the battery terminals get loose due to vibration and it won't start so I've learned to carry the tools to fix that on the bike. Sometimes there is early warning in the form of slower starts. You don't want to let this go as some have had terminals melt due to loose connections and arcing.
FWIW my battery is a Yuasa and other than that is has been great for 4 years and has 240CCA vs. 200 CCA stock for 2004+ rubber mount bikes.

[Sporty1989]

There's a few issues with using solely batteries: Recycling issues, hazardous leakage, fires, weight, lack of energy density. As I said it's a one size fit all approach that shouldn't be done. Battery power was done over 100 years ago and it started taking off quite well until it disappeared for numerous reasons from the scene. If they kept refining it back then for 100 years I wouldn't mind it. But all we're doing now is going back to old technology with a new twist that, for environmental reasons, isn't better than ICE.

[Nibelungen]

Originally Posted by Stairman

I could care less what those guys think of me. I ride because I like to ride. I'm not out to impress people. Most of them are phonies.

agree completely

overhere there are not many baggers... streets are infested with big scooter drivers... these guys mostly have no basics about riding a motorbike... the are just cage drivers on two wheels... ill disciplined and dangerous for others and themselves

[Sporty1989]

I live about 20 min from the capital(Harrisburg) but I live out in the country and I see a decent amount of HD's and some foreign bikes. I'm a bit surprised at the amount of popularity the Honda Grom's have. I seen literal Grom gangs.

[rejeanprimeau]

The 125cc bike is the most popular in the world.

[Sporty1989]

Hm. Didn't know that.

[Mr Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by Texas78028

No more XL's past 2022... sounds like the "Sportster" name will be retired as well.
It's water cooling for new bike buyers now as the air cooled XL goes the way of the dinosaur. I imagine the clock is ticking for the air cooled M8 at this point.
Harleys of the future just won't sound or feel the same.

Great will raise the value of my 04' 1200C immediatly when they become defunct.