Hello, I'm considering buying a new sportster, but I have questions as to how appropriate either the 883L or the 1200C are for the freeway. I live in Oregon, but do a fair ammount of traveling (for both business and pleasure, which is where the bike comes in) through high wind areas. Also, passing/being passed by large trucks is something I've wondered about. I've mostly ridden on back roads or through town on a rebel, so I'm relying on my experiences on the push/pull of wind on my cars. I would like to use whatever bike I buy for some extended touring eventually, and I will be limited to only one bike, so it has to be a "do-all" bike (daily commuter, tourer, chick pleaser). Just for reference, the other bike I'm looking at is the Yamaha Road Star (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo/2/mcy/4/18/0/yamaha_road_star.aspx) . I understand that these three bikes are worlds away, but perhaps you could guide me towards a choice based on my needs. To wrap it up, are sportsters good (or even adequate) for touring, or should I go fat? Thanks in advance!

If you are looking for extra highway cruising power then I would go with the 1200C.

As far as touring is concerned the new Sporsters have the rubber mounted motor and eveyone that I know that has one loves it. I would say that it is a totally different ride then the Road Star though. I am basing this on my experience of riding my wifes Shadow 750 C2 A.C.E. The Road Star would be good if all you ever want to dao is tour or cruise, but if you want a bike that can do that and is great in the twisties then go with the the Sporty.

After viewing your experiences on the autobahn, I take it that stability at high speeds is no problem, nor are rapid climbs in altitude. I was just concerned about the weight and profile of the sportster in general. Truly, much of my riding will be urban, but when I tour, I really go. But as long as overall stability and passing ability is more than sufficient on the 1200, that should suit me fine. I was just wondering about the 883 because I haven't found any extended freeway experiences with it described in any of the reviews that I've read. Also, I perfer the mid position of the 883's footpegs, but am too short to fit the 1200r comfortably. Anyhow, thanks for the info!

Yeah, I hve no problem on the autobahn and cruise about 80-85 MPH even on the old ridged Sporty 883 which for the autobahn means I have to stay in the right lane most of the time :mad: .

I am sure that with a 1200 I could stay in the left lane.

I have ridden this bike to Santa Fe a number of times and once to Socorro. Average speed on these trips was about 85, sometimes up to 95 passing big trucks. Not bad at all, as long as I have the windshield on. Without the windshield I have to hold on for dear life at those speeds. The 1200 conversion really makes a difference, especially two up.

Doug
2004 883>1200 Custom Real Red

Steeljester,

I'm probably biased, but my 1200R is fitting me to a "T" in Oregon...it does the twisties through the Cascades and the Coastal Range fantastically (is that a word?), and I do I-5 and I-84 with no problems at any speed I desire! I am saving for a detachable windshield, which I think would help me on my trips to Eastern Oregon...the Gorge can get quite challenging, but if I slow down it's not unmanageable when the wind is really cranking...if I check the weather report, then I'll do the two lanes to get there, which is definitely more fun anyway...nice option if time isn't a factor! I really like my mid-controls, plus I went with the H-D three way adjustable highway pegs, so I feel like I have all kinds of leg/feet options when traveling. It was probably my lack of bartering skills, but Latus didn't throw me one bone when I got mine...the dealer in Vancouver goes MSRP plus $750.00 for shipping and prep...much better deal than I got...but Latus took metric trade-ins, and gave me what I paid for a 1999 Kawasaki Nomad 1500, so I went that route...I'll definitely go to Vancouver for my next Sportster, though! The Nomad is close to the Road Star in most areas, and it was ok, but it was definitely for touring and I didn't enjoy it that much as a daily ride or day trips...just my two cents...give a holler once you decide on your steed and perhaps we can see some new sights in this pretty state!

PlanB,
Thanks alot for the first hand info! I live in Eugene, but regularly travel down to the Medford area. I was probably going to buy from Doyle's here in town, but it sounds like a pilgrimage to Vancouver is in order. After doing some more looking, I agree that the Road Star is far too big of a bike for what I intend to use it for, and am probably going to stick with an 883L (with an eye on the nallin conversion later, and perhaps the bigger gas tank). Hopefully a good deal will show up within the next month or two (I don't mind riding in the rain....), if so, I'll let you know about the ride! Thanks a bunch!

I've got an '04 1200C with a windshield, and highway travel up to 80 MPH is no problem at all. It'll go faster, I just don't. In fact, the footpegs and mirrors get a little buzzy (not much, and yes, I realize it's supposed to vibrate) from 62 up to about 75, then it smooths out again.

My personal opinion is that it's more stable on the freeway, in gusts/crosswinds/truck blast than the Road King I rented prior to buying my Sporty.

How about this extended highway experience...1,100 miles, 22 hours.

2001 XLH883, no windshield, mid controls.

I had a little soreness in my neck and shoulders, but that was it. Most of my time was spent leaning forward with my feet on the passenger pegs. If you can lean forward a bit on the highway it greatly lessens fatigue. Great highway stability.

Hope this helps you make your decision.

I saw a guy the other day here in Louisiana that was riding a 883 and had just come form California and was on his way to Florida. He was traveling with a guy riding a Night Train and he had no trouble keeping up. I think that the 1200c would be better overall but the 883 can make the trip.

yep what they said the new sporties are just about the ultimate do it all machine. if you can swing it go with the 1200 , if not you can always do the conversion later when finances dictate. and depending on your size you might be perfectly happy on an 883L, but the main thing is get a bike and put your knees in the breeze. I took off a couple of weeks ago and done a little over 500 miles in ten hours road down through kentucky to tennesse around reelfoot lake and took the long way home . the roads varied from twistys as crooked as a dogs hind leg to interstate with a posted 70mph speed limit. the only downer on the whole trip was I had to get back home and couldnt ride anymore. I ride a 1200r with a quick detach windshield slash down h-d pipes rejetted carb, high flow air filter and added a sundowner seat . trust me you wont be sorry with either an 883 or a 1200 . I think I added .05 cents worth, but I just love to see people on a sporty with a big ole grin :wonderlan

My thoughts........if you can, go with the 1200. It has the extra omph when needed, and I've found it does touring quite nicely. Here in Texas, every ride is a long ride. Hey, a one hour one way commute for us is the norm. At 70 to 80mph, and a standard Texas breeze of 15 to 20mph, I do get blown around a bit. Passing big rigs also buffet terribly. But with nearly 600 pounds under the saddle and my 215lbs on the saddle she holds the road okay. At speed though, I recommend the 1200 so she doesn't have to work so hard.:luvsport

The 1200 will take you anywhere you want to go.

If you're going to do any two-up riding you'll appreciate the extra cubes.

Plan on replacing the stock saddle if you're planning on spending any time in it. I have a Mustang Wide Vintage and buck for buck it's the best accessory I've ever bought.

Regards

i would get the 1200 this way you wont have to bother upgrading later on. i just got a great deal on a 2002 XL1200C if you look at my profile i have a picture of the bike on it. But anyway. My friend has the roadstar and it is a nice bike (yamaha's wannabie roadking) the bike is big and heavy. my friend has been driving it for about 3 years now and he still has trouble in the turns leaning that thing over. i think he is afraid to lean the bike so he just slows down and actually turns the steering wheel in the directin he wants to go instead of countersteering and leaning like he should do. I was about to buy the yamaha Vstar before i found the bike i had. the road star is 1600CC and the Vstar is 1100CC and the Vstar is slightly faster than the roadstar. probably because the way the bikes are geared plus the vstar does not weigh as much also. anyway. think of this also if you want the road star. Jap bikes are always a pain to find parts for after a little while. Harley parts can be found almost anywhere. the sporty will make much tighter turns than the road star you will most definetly feel the difference in weight. My friend also has already had to bring his road star in for a recall on his 2000. some kind of pin or something in the tranny was coming loose on people and it could happen at any time and if it did happen when you were driving it. It would cause the rear wheel to lock up on you.

Definitely the 1200, as you see from the site a lot of people upgrade the motor anyway.

I think that the 1200c would be better overall but the 883 can make the trip.

Both bikes are adequate. If economics aren't part of the equation, go for the 1200. You'll appreciate the extra power when passing at 70+mph.

I also believe cycle riding on a big busy highway is better served with a larger engine. The extra CC's could be helpful!
Billy

I also believe cycle riding on a big busy highway is better served with a larger engine. The extra CC's could be helpful!
Billy
i agree with collinsb. you never know when you will need the power. better to have it than not

my 883 is a little gutless at 70 mph with my 280# on her.

If ya can swing it, go with the extra ponies :chop

If you can wait unitl you have enough $$ saved up, I recommend you go with either the 1200L or 1200C. They have the larger tank and the power to get you through hiway situations. Also, you'll need to save up about $2000 to add a windshield, crash bar, saddlebags, and sissybar. For 2-up you'll need a better seat for your passenger. After the mods you'll have the bike you are looking for.

DO A TEST RIDE!!! I like my Sporty because of the way it rides, but I know that I give up a little stability over a bigger, heavier cruiser at Interstate highway speeds. On the other hand, the Sporty is better on the twisties and in town.

When you think Sportster, think Triumph, Norton, BSA. These are the bikes that Sportster was supposed to go head to head with. These bikes were the "sport" bikes of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. These were also the Big Bikes of the time.

Would I ride a Triumph or a 68 XLCH cross country, of course I would and did. Would I suffer, of course I wound, you're supposed to suffer. Bikes these days no longer need a human to operate them.

If I were going to do a majority of my riding on the interstates would I do it on a Sportster .. no way .. I'd do a Softail Classic or a Road King. For kicking around town and occasional bout on the highway the sporster will do OK especially if you put a 55 tooth rear pulley on it.

Wow, this thread was dug up from waaaaay back in the wayback machine.

I have a feeling that the guy has made up his mind at some point in the last 2 years ;)

Wow, this thread was dug up from waaaaay back in the wayback machine.

I have a feeling that the guy has made up his mind at some point in the last 2 years ;)

:laugh :laugh :laugh

I'll just address the wind comparisons you mentioned. I ride many miles with a buddy that rides an 03 Fat Boy and I'm on my 03 883. You would think the crosswinds coming off the coast would affect my little bike more than the BT. I literally watch him from behind being blown off track by the wind that is bothering me much less. We are thinking that the solid wheels have something to do with it but the little Sporty is alot more stable in the wind from my perspective
Wagondog

Perhaps Jerry's buddy doesn't use countersteer to compensate for gusts! Matt

My 1200C has no problem keeping up on the highway. Sometimes I look down at the speedo and I am doing 90! Oops. I also did two 2000+ mile trips last summer and I survived. I did put a Mustang seat on for comfort since the stock seat sucks.

I have an 883 Stock and is good enough but I think you will be beter off from 1200 cc engine, and I would think that is the best for you to try out these bikes that you have in mind and find out for yourself which best fit your size and seating position (it is going to make a hell of a difference on trips).

I would lean toward Yamaha (shaft drive=low low maintanance) for long haul, and sportster for more a fun bike to ride around (it shakes no matter what you say).

Good luck and check out some other bikes too, after all you are spending the dough!

Cameron, 2005 XL 883 SS (Standard Stock)

I love my sport no doubt, but if you're going to do any serious touring you may find comfort to be lacking in the sportster. I had considered the Honda ST1100 to meet my needs, with the sportster, I find I just don't do much long distance touring.

Wow, this thread was dug up from waaaaay back in the wayback machine.

I have a feeling that the guy has made up his mind at some point in the last 2 years ;)

I wonder where he went? His account hasn't had any activity since early (?) 05.

Did we give him too much info and he went with the RoadStar anyway??? :wonderlan

Oh well, I wish him good riding either way.

I`ve put 41,000 miles on my 2004 roadstar[ great bike].In town or on the freeway it`s tits.I just bought a 2006 xl1200 custom and love it.In summation both bikes haul ass.I`ve a small ass and am selling the roadstar.