How long do you plan on keeping the sportster you have now?

When someone can pry my cold dead hand from the clutch. Every time I feel like selling it and buying a new one I go for a ride and that crazy thought goes away. Took 32yrs to get the bike I always wanted.

Bob

I used to ride Japanese motorcycles and with the exception of the GoldWing after a few years one runs into problems with parts and modifications that one may want to do. So I went out and got a Sporty. Paid cash for it and as I can afford things for it I will add to. It is a living project that is evolving into my perfect ride. One can look at Iron Heads and find all sorts of gizmos and after-market improvements for them. The market does support older HD’s and as long as I am able to change and improve it why get rid of it? I have an 04 883 with future plans for a Springer front end, a better seat, 1200 kit, bigger gas tank, after-market 6 speed tranny (when current one goes out), and the list goes on. I can see no reason to go back to square one and start over.

So the simple answer is forever. And when I am gone may my grandchildren continue the tradition.

Well, I guess if there were ever a financial need to sell it in order to feed my family, I would do it. Hopefully at this point in my life that shouldn't ever be the case. I do plan on getting another bike, quite possibly the new Dyna "Bob", but I am going to keep the sporty as it has become a part of me and it would be like amputating a limb if I got rid of it!

I don't plan on getting rid of mine.

LOGICAL REASON: It has too many hacked mods and way too many miles to get a great price for it. I'm not one to keep it in the garage and polish it every weekend. There are way to many sporties in the paper selling for too little that only have a couple thousand miles on them, for me to try and sell my dirty flat black 2 year old 25,000 mile sporty with bald whitewalls and get what I'd need out of it.

EMOTIONAL REASON: This is my first Harley. I let the first girlfriend go away, but I ain't gonna do that with the bike. I know most of this bike in intimate detail, I can take most of it apart and put it back together with my eyes closed.

The real question is how many sportys I can fit in the garage :D

Gazza

I said 5 years or more only because if I do get rid of it, it would be to get another one. The wife and I both want a second bike but we don't know who will get it because we both like the one we have now.

Even if I ever do get a "Big Twin" (I lust sometimes for a softail heritage springer) it would not be replacing the sporty. I told my wife the softail would be for US and the Sporty for ME. That's the only shortfall, I love the ride and the riding position, but my wife is really uncomfortable. She's 5'-10" and she's had a knee replacement and rides over 40 minutes or so are out nowadays.

Had mine since 1991, plan on keeping till I cant ride anymore. :tour
Ted

I am gonna keep my ironhead untill it pisses me off bad enough that I go buy a new one. Even then I probably will keep it cause it is paid for and the only cost involved is maintaince. Which right now is kind of expensive.

Keeping mine until it cant be re-built anymore to run.

Though I will be buying the street bob at one point.

I think this one is a keeper. I've grown really attached to it. Never had that with any other bike. Even my past Sportys. Even when the kids are grown and moved out and I feel the need to have comfy touring bike, I'll still keep it as a local cruiser. Besides with all the money I will have put into it by then it wouldn't be worth it to sell or trade it. And it will always be there if my kids ever decide they want to learn how to ride.

I put a few miles in the saddle on my 2004 Sportster Custom this morning and then I sat on a 2005 Dyna at the dealer. Man, the mid controls are not comfortable for me. With the forward controls and the Mustang seat, the Custom fits me like a glove -- and I'm six feet four. Would be nice to have six speeds like the 2006 Dynas -- maybe they're saving that for the 50th anniversary models.

I wouldnt ever trade in, I will someday be adding to my bikes though.

I didn't see the option on the poll for "Until I total it." :D :doh

I didn't see the option on the poll for "Until I total it." :D :doh
That option wouldbe bad Karma!!!!! :banasad

Til' the day I die! This is my second XL, even if I add another scoot to the stable this ones a keeper.

I didn't see the option on the poll for "Until I total it." :D :doh

I feel for you Kath. If the option had been there, I would have picked it too, since my first Sportster was totaled. I don't PLAN on getting rid of this one either.
:cheers

Until it shoots the pistons out the exhaust. At that point I will rebuild it and ride it until it does it again! I may add to the stable and let the wife ride it though.

It does all that I want a motorcycle to do. I have more unadulterated fun on it than on any other bike I have ridden or owned in 37 years of riding. It's a keeper as far as I am concerned.

Other than that, I like it...

Kim

It does all that I want a motorcycle to do. I have more unadulterated fun on it than on any other bike I have ridden or owned in 37 years of riding. It's a keeper as far as I am concerned.

Other than that, I like it...

Kim
Well, if thats the only reason youare keeping it you may as well get rid of it.... :doh :bananinj :luvsport

Had mine since 1991, plan on keeping till I cant ride anymore. :tour
Ted
Good for ya! (me too!)

Kim

I didn't see the option on the poll for "Until I total it." :D :doh Ouch!....
Hope you get another...

Kim

Well, if thats the only reason youare keeping it you may as well get rid of it.... :doh :bananinj :luvsport
What was I thinking? You're right! Check out my ad in the classified section...

Kim

It took 30yrs to convince the wife, I needed another motorcyle. So don't see this one leaving my grasps anytime in the near future. Probably be willing it to my son. Always wanted a Sportster, did not buy it new. But what a enjoyment it is to ride. Wife even asks when are we going riding which is a plus. Take it to dinner an out for rides which we both enjoy.

My Sporty will be with me until:

A. It dies in a crash.
B. I die in a crash.
C. I can't ride anymore (old age)
D. All of the above.




I choose "D", and that is my final answer, Regis.... :D:D:D

I've promised it to my son as his first bike. He's 13 now, so I'll enjoy it for a few more years :)

I really like mine but I will see what 07 brings to the table I have learned to never say never.

This is the only bike I will own. I love it and 13 years later I still just sit and look at it. Forever.

For... ever...!!!

I just keep refining mine..........

A work in progress that will never be finished

I'll add more bikes, probably someday, but the Sporty stays.

:sporty:

I just can't see myself with any other bike right now. I have basically turned this bike into the "perfect" one for me. Pretty much the only thing I have left to do is to pch the motor out 20 more inches. Then it'll be DONE. I may want a Dyna Low Rider in the future, but this sporty is home for good.

Until I can't ride anymore.My bro-in-law who has a Bad Dog Chopper rode my Sporty today for the first time.I believe he said" This alot of fun to ride,very fast".When he left to go home as he was getting on his bike I warned to be careful now he is riding a slower bike.He said it's like a truck.

As long as my bike holds up, and proves to be reliable, I'll keep it until its no longer cost effective rebuild it, or trade it for a newer one.

If I have alot of problems with it, I'll sell it and buy a BMW.

I plan on keeping my '05 1200C as long as I can still climb on it. This bike is the perfect bike for me-it's fast, very manuverable, fun to ride, & is a good looking sucker, especially since I've got it all chromed out! :tour

Till some thing takes my fancy but it would have to be pretty dam good.

Grayfeather.

i'm keeping this one until it kills me :sporty: it is my first harley and i have worked way to hard to just get rid of it...maybe add another one to the stable...but my current ride is here to stay.

It took a long time to convince my wife that my Sportster "just followed me home". :dunno She didn't know I was buying it. I don't think I can play that card again. I've been modifying it so much that nobody else could ever ride it :luvsport .

I am going to have mine till the wifey beats me to buy another one and give her this one. So, in basis, i'll be having it for a looooonnnggggg time.

After everything I've been going through, this bike WILL last longer then me, and I most certainly will not sell it.

And bananas for the hell of it! :D
:banapart

Well if someone offered me a hundred grand...
:laugh

I have had my orange '04 1200R since Sept. '03 and I thought that I would never get rid of it, however, those new '06 Dynas are looking real good! That 35th anniversary in particular is calling my name!

I have had my orange '04 1200R since Sept. '03 and I thought that I would never get rid of it, however, those new '06 Dynas are looking real good! That 35th anniversary in particular is calling my name!

If you go, you'll be back. They always come back.

Hi.

Yes, I have talked with many X-Sportster owners who now have BT's, some are happy with there choice, most miss there old Sporty.

Someday I may add a E-glide......well, maybe not.I have not ridden one yet, so i don't really know how I feel about them.
I do plan to get a second Sporty....for the wife.

Of all the other bikes I want a Heritage Springer, real bad. I will keep my sporty though. Besides being my first Harley, I just plain enjoy it! It rides well and it looks great. I'm going to "up it" to a 1200 someday but living in a land of traffic lights and signs, the 883 is perfect.

1. This is my first bike! :) 2. It's the 100 Year Anni. :clap 3. it's the last of the solid mounted engine sporty! :banarock

I'll ride my 04 till I can't ride her no more.... Which will be a long, long, long time. I might buy another bike, but I have too much love for Scarlett to trade her in.

Until they stop making gasoline.

Until they stop making gasoline.That might be just a few years from now :wonderlan

Gazza

Trading it in for a 1973 Honda CB350four tomorrow. :D

I think until next spring.
I really like the scooter, but it's just physically too small for me.
I sat on a Road King, E-Glide, Dyna (forget it) Heritage Softail Classic over the weekend. I definately liked the Softail the best.
Having said that, I'll have trouble getting rid of the Sporty though. We all remember our first g/f or b/f (very PC here :))

I thought the Minister said, "Not until Death shall ye part"? And, "Ye shall have no other"! Or am I getting this mixed up with my wedding?

I'm keeping mine for the Long Haul!!!!!! :D

Its leaving today. Going for a Softail Deluxe. No real reason other than the desire for a larger bike me and the sweetheart can travel on. I really do love that Sportster. Wish I had the resources to keep it. The Sportsters are REAL animals!!

I'm keeping mine for the Long Haul!!!!!! :D

Ok, you made yourself VERY clear...
BUT, are you talking about the scooter or a significant other?
:roflblack
01

I'm keeping mine for the Long Haul!!!!!! :D
What he said.... :rolleyes:

If it continues to provide me with trouble free use I'll keep it indefinitely. If it starts to break frequently and cost me an arm and a leg, it goes. So far so good. :smoke

I have an '05 1200Custom, bought back in Feb. It is my second bike. I had an '03 883 to start out on. I loved that bike, but it just wasn't the one. The 1200C has none of the shortcomings that my first one had. More power, less vibration, more chrome, more comfort, etc... All it needs now is some apehangers, and maybe some pregressive shocks and it will be pretty much done as far as major mods. I'll probably keep her for 4-5 years at least. By then, Ill be lookin' for a Wide Glide or RK. Hopefully my finances(and garage space) will allow me to keep the sporty as well as a twinkie.

I have a 6-year note, so probably at least that long :laugh but I loooooove my bike and can't see selling it anyway.

How could I get rid of this one? I'll be keeping this one for good, unless my my son talks me out of it some day. I will be getting a bigger bike some day, but the sporty will be in the family for ever.
http://www.minicc.com/newphotos/data/500/3blackjack1.jpg

I'm thinking of selling it right now...Can't spend as much time riding as i'd like. Haven't been able at all the last 2 months cause of a surgery. So what's the point anymore? It's just collecting dust :(

It took 25 years to buy the first one. If it takes another that will put me at
age 69(ouch) at which point I still plan to be riding - Or my son gets it in another 9 years.

Forever! If I want another bike - that's what I'll do - get another bike. But frankly, I can see myself happy wrenchin' and improvin' for some time to come. If I get another bike, it might be a tourer (the new Street Glide comes to mind) for those really long rides.

I plan to keep it until the float getting stuck and gas spilling everywhere finally results in a huge fire!! :banadevi

After waiting 15 years between bikes, I'll be keeping mine until one of my kids decides they want it. Then I'll just have to get another one. Fortunately that will be at least 9 more years.

05 1200C Chopper Blue/Silver -

Its funny, by the poll results the majority of folks on here feel the same way I do. The loyalty that my little XL has instilled in me in the fast few years is awsome. I just cant see any of my buddys with shadows or gixers saying the same thing. I made alot of sacrifices to own this bike. I am willing to make more to keep it. Since I have owned it my confidence with working on it has gone thru the roof. In my mind now, there is nothing on this bike that cant be fixed/replaced by my own hand. Its not magic. Well, maybe a black art but, (god forbid) if I total it, I will keep it. Maybe make some Christmas tree ornaments. :banarock

i love my sporty and sunk a lot of money into it,buying chrome and aftermarket accs, i keep saying i will buy a road king or heritage and i will but i will not not get rid of the sportster,its my first harley and i love it. when my money gets right i will add a new iron horse to the stable.so i dont see any reason to get rid of her

Till the Bitch falls apart ;)

I'll always have a Sporty. Not necesasrily the one I have now though. I've been kickin' around the idea of picking up an old Fe to tinker with so I may do that one day. If I do I'll probably get a BT as well to cart the wife and kids around with. :tour

On my 3rd Sportster in 28 years. Love it. My problem is that my wife would never ride on any of them untill this summer and now she loves it. Ill keep it untill I can afford to get a Softail...Probably never...LOL

I'm the proud owner of a 2000 XL 1200 Sportster. My first, and I'm 55. I plan on driving her till I can't ride anymore, and then give her to my grandson. Are you nuts?

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

I'm 56 and my first sporty and my first HD. Always my dream always looked a sportys first on the showroom. think I'll just keep it.

for ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever love the 04 1200c style fits me just fine.at 160 pounds i can move that bike a lot easer then the bts.and keep up with my buddy just fine and when the engine go's just put a new one in.

That might be just a few years from now :wonderlan

Gazza
there is always alcohol! :)

1. This is my first bike! :) 2. It's the 100 Year Anni. :clap 3. it's the last of the solid mounted engine sporty! :banarock
Not my first bike, but #2 and #3....yeah. If I could add to the stable there are a lot of other bikes I like but Iam keeping the Sporty. If I had a butt load of cash I would get a 06 red/black WG, A Night Rod, and a Cobalt blue street rod. I think 4 in the barn for staters would becool. Then maybe a rigid frame to work on and make sometyhin......oh the dream.


Reality....me and the 03 for as far as I can See (I am a poet huh!) :banagui :banarock

If I can aford to keep it I will. But in afew years I'd like to get a road king also.

Whenever I don’t ride for a while or even a day or two, I start thinking I need a new bike. Hell, even sitting here at the computer, especially looking at the new Buell line and I think to myself “New Bike”. All I need to do is go for a ride, even a short one and the love for my Sportster returns and I think I will never sell it.
:luvsport

I'd really love to keep my Sporty since it's my first H-D. That's the dream.

The reality is, since Paula is having to sell her scoot due to wrist problems, I need a bike that's made for longer distance 2-up riding. We can do long rides on the Sporty but, it's not the most comfortable bike to do that type of riding on.

I really like the Lowrider...oh, if I could only get a big raise or win some cash in the lottery... :)

I'd really love to keep my Sporty since it's my first H-D. That's the dream.

The reality is, since Paula is having to sell her scoot due to wrist problems, I need a bike that's made for longer distance 2-up riding. We can do long rides on the Sporty but, it's not the most comfortable bike to do that type of riding on.

I really like the Lowrider...oh, if I could only get a big raise or win some cash in the lottery... :)

But in Cali, you are looking at a price of $20,000 out the door. $2,500 in tax and license. I have always liked the lowrider myself. Not a fan of the softail line but I do like the Springer and when I'm retired, maybe a bagger.

Loco
So. Cal...

My 94 with the 2.25 gal peanut tank will be with me long time. :tour

Mine is an 04 1200XLC.....I may get another ride, but the Sporty will live at my house as long as i do.

I love all motorcycles. There's no way one can satisfy me for more than a couple of years. I'm on my 13th bike in 27 years of riding. That works out to 2 years per bike. While I really like my Sporty, there are too many other bikes out there to try, so I'll probably stick with it for another season, then on to something new.
I wish I could do the same with my house or my job or my women, but since I can't, I'll do it with bikes!

I change my women more often than my bikes.....and I go thru a few bikes ;)

But I'm still keepin the sporty...just got a few others in the harem too :D

After all these mods.........(forever).....or?

I change my bikes alot but I'm keeping my new 1200R...............I've had 4 sportys over the years and every time I've sold one its only a matter of time before l start thinkin about getting another one..........I've learnt my lesson and l'm just gunna keep this one.........

Mind you I've also got a 3 bike policy which means l have to have a minimum of 3 or more bikes at any given time...................That policy was put into place many years ago when we had a family vote on it...............my wife was outvoted by me and my kids [aged 2 and 3]...........I bribed them with promises of icecream and lollies......

The 3 bike policy won out and I've been a happy man ever since.............

For freak'in ever. It's my first and most likely my last UNLESS.... the lotto comes my way then I will look into that indian chopper that Bobby Miaone built. Cool bike. I wonder how it rides with that fattie on the rear end? I see that they have evn gotten fatter since then. Till then The iron runs through my blood.

I've had mine for 6 years this summer. It also fits me like a glove and has been soooo dependable that I can't even say that for cages I've owned. I won't ever get rid of my sporty, it's too much a part of me. Everytime I need to ask it to give me the power it's there. It never ceases to amaze me the jump it has when asked.

Probably when I decide on a Big Twin. BUT... If I have my choice, I'll keep the Sporty and get something like an E-Glide Standard or a Road King. You can beat the Sporty's quickness and handling in the Harley Davidson lineup. Except maybe with a V-Rod but those aren't for everyone. ;)

I would think about getting Harley's Street Rod.
What about the new VRXSE Screamin' Eagle® Destroyer?
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Racing/vrxse_destroyer.jsp?bmLocale=en_US

It looks like a bad machine. WHOOF!

had mine since 83'..have a Big Twin EVO and a Shovelhead too...not getting rid of any of them I guess...plan on getting a few more...at least a pan, knuck and twinkie

I'm afraid that if I sell it, she won't let me get another bike. So it looks like my Sporty is mine for a looooooong time.

AS SOON AS THE MOTOR IS BROKEN IN.....

I've had my '03 1200 for two years, now, but haven't put on enough miles to make a statement. I'm old, and am looking forward to getting a bagger so I can just kick back and cruise mile after mile. The Sportster is a bit, how shall I put it, raw. I know that is one of it's greatest features but maybe not for me. Or maybe I just haven't ridden it enough...

Having just bought a house it will be awhile before I get another bike. In the meangtime, the Sportster is a daily rider (around town, mostly). When I get another bike, it will most likely be a HD bagger, as I said, but could also be a BMW.

I had a 2000 Heritage classic that I loved but it wasn't a "fun" bike. I sold it and picked up a 2004 sporty and since Harley rubber mounted the engine this is the most fun I've ever had with motorcycle. You can flip it into turns and it's rock solid, unlike a softail. I'm keeping this toy forever!

I think I'll buy a StreetRod next year but I'll probably keep my XL1200R. I'll convert it to a Cafe racer though.

I'm keepin mine until Hell freezes over! By then it will be too cold to ride anyway.
Too many cool things to do with it for a while though. Sure would like one of them 11 second NHRA patches on just the motor only. We will see. Rome wasn't built in only one day! To own and work on your Sportster seems to be up there with that true love match made in Heaven thing. I would like to add something bigger for long distance riding but I'm slowly getting the Sporty pretty comfy to ride.
Lucifer

this is my 1st Harley (only 2nd bike in my life)
It will more than likely be my only

Well now. Since I have a Windshield, Pipes, Stage 1, 4.5 gallon tank and 1200cc's, she can run across state lines comfortably. I will keep the sporty until she don't run know more.

Loco
SCRC
So. Cal.

I plan on keeping mine until one of my sons takes it away when they get their license.
It is my first motorcycle, I will buy others but I'd like to keep this one around.

Keeping mine until:

1. It dies(motor,mechanical)
or
2. I wreck it.

Never-----put too much into it to make it how I want it. Why start over with another when it gets older, it just gets better. This is the 3rd sporty. Previous was a 75, 89, now a 98.

I love my Sporty but I have this need to keep filling the garage with bikes! So I will probably add to it in the future.

My son was born in '04 and I have an '04 so I have this plan to keep hold of it for him. Haven't told the wife yet so I may not get approval for that plan :doh

rog
somehow you have to make it be her plan.
Then you can have all you want.

For my 50th birthday, which is over 7 years away, I think I'd like to get a Softail Deluxe (the black and white one; basket-weave seat and matching hardbags -- although if they still have the Cobalt Blue and white color scheme, I'd like to go that route).

:::sigh:::

Then again, I'm so in-love with my Sporty, I'll probaby just keep her! :tour

I am keeping my Sporty until I or the bike dies. I plan on getting a BT in a year or two for better comfort when traveling longer distances, but the Sportster will stay. I figure sooner or later my wife and I will have children, and when he or she is ready, they will have an antique, good looking bike to ride.

Best Regards,
Norm

I’m keeping my Sporty forever. We are planning the purchase of a big ole dresser… the Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Once that purchase is made I think I’m going to research a new frame and go for a little more chopper style since the Sporty will then be my solo rider, when my better half is with me we’ll ride the dresser.

:shhhh Here is my secret... I put so much loot into my Sporty my better half doesn’t think it’s worth selling "at a loss". :banana

We need a bike with more storage for trips so that’s where the dresser comes in. Ahhh, this is working out well :)

I recieved my Sportster, then a stock '99 883 Hugger, as a gift. I was the 4th owner, and it only had 450 miles on it! I built the engine and blacked everything out. I have a total of about $3500.00 invested in the bike. I could sell it at a profit, but I WONT!

I dunno how long at thi point. I have had a problem with my 86 sporty not wanting to stay running at an idle. Well i foun today that there appears to be a leak at where the lower part of the jub meets the top...but i have no idea about how to start getting it apart. I don't want to screw it up. Anyone want to help me? I would've started a new thread but i hav'nt figured out how yet :)

....plan on keeping it forever. It has way to much personal symbolism attatched to her.

Well,
My Ride's 17 Years old.............Next year we can have SEX.

My 73' is already vintage, It also only has 11,000 original miles (not for long now that I have it!) I plan to keep it forever, I love the thing like crazy... When thinking of passing it down to my son in the future, I would almost rather have him get something else so we can ride together. When I move on to another place, Then I am sure it will get passed down... I also like how easily I can change things, If I ever get sick of something on it there are billions of options to change it up a bit.

Hey Y'all:

This is my first Harley and I plan on riding it as long as I can ride. I love it.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

Till they pry it from my dead fingers! :banana

This is my 3rd Harley and second Sporty. My 1st was a 1988 883. My second was a 1998 FXD and man did I love that bike. It was lowered, staged (fast for a BT) and it had mini apes on her. It was my outlaw bike. Now I'm cruising the 2005 1200 Custom and damn do I love this bike. So I have been on bothg sides of the HD fence (Sporty vs BT).

I have actually looked at a couple of FXD's and an FXDL'S and ya know what? I have decided that I'm keeping this bike (Just couldn't do it, trade her in) and will add another (maybe an FXDL? FXD? or FXDWG?) bike in the future when my money is much better. I'm getting more attached to this bike and it is reaching the level of how I felt about my 98 FXD.

:gun

Loco
So. Cal

til i die or it kills me! either one!

I plan on giving my bike to my son.. he's 11 now, I will give it to him when he's 18...

I'm gonna be keeping mine permanently, no matter how many rockerarms I break! =)

I plan on giving my bike to my son.. he's 11 now, I will give it to him when he's 18...
That's my plan for the Ironhead...my oldest son is 12, and although he loves to ride along with me, he is developing in muscle cars ( thank god not those obnoxious little tuner cars)....my other son is 2 1/2 suppose he'll get it when he's old enough.....lol, roundabout way of saying forever

Well i've had the bike for years......a guy in the Harley Shop just yesterday was trying to trade me up to a 1200. And I've allways wonted one. But I'd never sell my 1000...Oh No! :clap

Never, gone get rid of her. Unless that 06 Dyna keeps calling..... Love those new wheels and the beefy as hell forks this year.

It would be nice if we could keep them forever, but I doubt that we will. We plan on doing a fair bit of touring and I can see that new Dyna street bob calling my name for the long term. For the moment, she'll be my ride for the next few years for sure. Ultimately I may not want to give up the handling of the sporty, but well have to see. The Dyna would be my limit in terms of weight and size of handling and reach of controls.

I can see my husband moving on to a softail or dyna a bit quicker as his sporty a bit small for him really, both in speed and in size.

:laugh I plan on giving my bike to my son.. he's 11 now, I will give it to him when he's 18...

Hey Hanover, If thats your son on your avatar, he is already on the right track....

It's a girl's bike. :D We'll keep it as long as she wants it, whether she rides it or not (more time for me to ride it :clap ) That's already been five years... what's another five? :)

Keeping my 04XL883 forever....besides, it's gotta teach my 05FDXI the rules of the garage....

I plan on keeping mine until I sell it.....
Anyone interested????

I, too, like the looks of the street Bob.

But every time I take my Sporty out, I see it's the perfect size for me as far as handling. I dread the idea of some big PITA machine to maneuver in tight spots. On the other hand, I got blown all over the highway today. I put 150 miles on despite the wind but I had to pull off the highway real quick to stop fighting a battle against the wind that I increasingly felt I was losing.

Would I be more stable on a bigger bike? I dunno. But winds like that are rare. Tight curves and parking lots are a lot more frequent. So whenever I have the debate in my head about a bigger bike, the Sporty wins. Although I should add that I haven't taken a test drive on a Street Bob.

That said, I *can* see myself trading this 883 in on a new 1200 Custom down the line. The newer models have some accessory options that don't fit my year but that I really would love to have on my bike.

Until my son turns 16 and I can pass it on to him.

Forever...This is my first HD, I will keep her til she falls apart...

If I get another bike, im still keeping the 1200. Shes real nice and nimble, I love riding her.

"Hey Hanover, If thats your son on your avatar, he is already on the right track...." Thats actually ...Me.. :) but he's on the same track as me..

Heres Him
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/hanoverfiste/cull4.jpg

He already looks good on a sporty

Hmmm... I was going to keep mine 'til it fell apart,too. Which it did after 19,000 miles. On the bright side the dealer is picking up the tab for a new transmission which is a major job without the trapdoor.....

I'm already working on a replacement. A 2000 motor with an XB topend in an FXR frame. I will leave the '04 and later stuff for the Creed Crowd.

I think the only way to get what you really want is to do it yourself. I must have the poorest luck in motorcycledom. I have owned over 60 motorcycles of every type, trials to touring. Only 3 were bought new from a dealer and all three suffered MAJOR malfunctions. All the old crap I stuck together went splendidly and never let me down.

F--- H-D for cheaping out on the rubber XLs. And God bless 'em for saving me about 20 hrs labor. I sure as hell woud not PAY to get it repaired. Adios '04.

Forever. I love This sporty. :tour :tour

ummm, except for the shorts and flip flops, yeah, he's ready.

How long will I keep her? you will have to pry the keys from my cold dead fingers.

im a packrat. when its so worn out its not rideable, itll be a permanent fixture next to the shed

I always hate to sell any vehicle....seems like a better deal to go ahead and keep a paid off vehicle than sell it.

I forgot to request a change of vote here........until two months back when ai sold her.

Never did I think I would though, just came to the right trade at the right time for me, me and my new girl are doing fine, but I miss the old gal still.

Since were posting the "I made my kid sit on my bike" shots, heres one with my youngest.....
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/IMG_0100.jpg

My nine year old son says it's his, so I've got to keep it in good condition for at least another 10 or 11 years.

The buddy I bought the Sporty from is already wishing he had it back :frownthre (he bought a nice 06 Road King) for the short jaunts/sport rides around town. I plan on keeping this Sporty as long as I'm around and will it to my daughter when I'm gone. :shhhh Someday, I plan on getting a big twin for the long distance stuff but the Sporty will be my "hopper" and all around play bike...it's too much fun to get rid of ! :laugh

I've had TNT for 31 years, I'll keep the little guy for a few more. It'll will be at my funeral, along with my super glide. I've had the big guy for 29 years. I've had these two since before I got married. I built both bikes from parts. I have no plans to get rid of either one.

I have a Sporty?
My Sporty has me!!

I will not likely ever sell or trade my bike. I do see other bikes down the road. I would like to find an iron head to tinker with and maybe an early BMW R90S.

Til something more interesting comes along.

I kept the last one for 34 years (actually, I still have it) so they will probably bury me with the the 05/1200C.

SEMJPM

I like to think I'll keep it until the mirrors are the last sticking up out of the dirt, but, I know I want that BT, or even a wing, so I voted 5 years, just trying to be accurate

I figure I'm always going to have it in some form or another. Either it will be the motor in a different frame or the frame and motor but everything else is different. Who knows.

I believe if I take care of my Beastie and keep swapping out parts as necessary she'll last forever, more or less... I've got so much time and effort into her now I couldn't imagine trading her away. My Sporty is like my tattoos... always with me!

:tour

until it's part of my estate!

I have grown so attached to this bike in the short time I've had it ... that selling the bike has not even crossed my mind .. I'm super happy with the bike!

I plan on keeping it forever, I will add to it at somepoint. Either a Road king, or a Heratage soft tail someday, but I will always have my sporty.

I've been riding mine for 19 years now. I'm never planning to stop.

It is staying with me till I am gone. Already told my son it's his and then he can pass it down. Having it painted first of Oct. After sport payed off like to get a fat boy will be a two bike home.

Too much work has gone into this thing to sell it and after 16 years, it's finally getting close to how I want it. I'm already planning like most to hand it down to my 2 sons and make it the first family heirloom.

I'm keeping mine, but have thoughts/plans on getting a fat boy sometime in the foreseeable future as well!

i am keeping mine until a herd of buffalo sprouts wings and flies out of my ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm 54 years old , so my 2004 will be with me as long as I'm here . I am considering a an additional bike so as to take my wife along , probably a Road King . The sportster is set up as a single seater and I plan to keep it that way.

When I rescued mine from the basket and a wreck, I spent more than a new
bike because I wanted a vintage ride............She looks and runs like new so
I got what I wanted.
I'll ride her through the pearly gates and over all the cloudy roads there.

Works for me.
:tour

Mine is a '92 Hugger.... I'm 57, still ride almost every day. The ultimate plan is to buy another bike, a touring model, for longer runs.

But a '92 Hugger is only worth about $4500... why would I bother to sell it. I can use it for short runs around town, keep doing a daily 50-mile round-trip commute, and just have fun in the twisties. Even if I didn't ride it, I have three sons who might want to learn... and the Hugger would be a perfect model for that purpose.

Essentially, I'm keeping mine.

- - - Ride safe... With fists in the wind..... :tour

J.W.

... a '92 Hugger is only worth about $4500... why would I bother to sell it...
:iagree

Although mine's currently just bolt-on additions, I'm hoping to change that over the coming years. The modifications will lower its value (as stock generally sells for more), so rather than sell it, I can always turn it into a project bike down the road! After all, what would be cooler than an 88" custom Sportster chopper? (a real chopper, not an OCC one)

I plan on keeping it, but who knows? Sh#T happens.

I promised my oldest son that if he got a 3.75 GPA in his last year of college (this year), then I would give him the sportster. I think I'm safe for now, but if he does somehow make it, then I wouldn't mind a BT for me and the wife as a reward for getting him through school. I will, of course, reserve the right to ride the sporty whenever I feel like it.

First Sportster; have done most of my own wrench spinning and have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Very dependable and forgiving; gott love it!

Regards,

Oh, probably 50 years or so

Its been 12 years so far and all is good so I will just keep it around.

If everything goes as planned my current spotry will be my son's first street bike!

Charlotte started the addiction, so unless my attitude towards bikes in general takes a drastic change. She won't be going anywhere for a LOOONG time.

I bought my bike back in April of '00 and it's paid off, so it's not going anywhere. Hopefully in 10 to 12 years, my son will be riding it.

My 2005 XL1200R is headed back to the dealer tomarrow for repair. That will make the 4th time since July. I am thinking it's life in my garage may be short lived

I've done so many mods, lowered, tank, seat, forwards, bars,pipes, paint, chrome... I love riding it...it fits me like a glove...I love riding it, did over 5000 miles this summer and I'm not done yet. maybe someday I'll get a BIG twin for long hi way cruises but my Sporty is my daily driver and I love it....I'll prolly keep it forever.

Ww

Not planning on getting rid of it. I have too much invested not to keep it. Besides it has been paid for a long time ago and it isn't eating too much now days, tags and insurance.

Your going to have to bury me with it

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b226/kiltbill1/forever.jpg

I've had 'MARINE1' for almost 6 years. When I got it I said I was going to ride the wheels off of it. Hasn't happened so far. 61,000 plus miles and now mostly used for Drag Racing and occasional riding. I'll probably have it another 6 years.:)
Dana

I'll keep the Sporty until I leave this crazy world - it is a lot cheaper than Prozac in the long run.

I'll keep it always, but I will buy a BT when I can afford one. I love them.

I want to keep mine forever, I don't look at any other motorcycle since I got it, ever since the toy Evel Kneivel on his little plastic bike that I had when I was four, I wanted a sporty. It's already 16yrs old and when it finally gives up, I'll strip it and rebuild it.

Who knows? I'm an old fart (60) and the sporty is my fun, quick, around town bike. I keep looking at Buell's though...found a really sweet '99 SR set up for sport touring...still resisting it at the moment.
Preacherman

I love mine, it's my first and even when i get something new, this one will be my son's. It is going to stay in my family come hell or high water. Its a great bike and i love the look of it...

I have had my sporty 10 years and plan to keep it until I die or am unable to ride. After that my daughter will own it.

I just purchased my 2003 last year...with about 700 miles on the clock...bought the HD Extended warranty with it....so when the warranty ends in 2011 I'll look at my next HD...or not.:tour

I'll have mine until shortly after it's exactly the way I want it. And I've never managed to get anything exactly the way I want it.

Keeping mine for a long long time no matter what else I have in the garage, need to have at least one fast bike

I get sad even thinking about mine wearing out :( . Hopefully my Sporty will be with me always :tour. It would be difficult to find a better every-situation, modifiable bike.

For as long as I can throw a leg over her. How ever long that is.

Forever. It's got 8500 miles on it now, and I'll buy a "big twin" in a couple years, so it will still have good miliage. Then I'll keep it. Maybe let my daughter ride it when she's old enough. Might teach her mom to ride it too. Regardless, it'll always be "my first".:love1

This is my first HD. It is also the first bike I decided to put money in mods. As of this time I don't plan on ever getting rid of it. If you want a different bike great (big twin) but you can make the sportster any bike you want (bagger, chopper, big twin) the parts are out there and cheaper than a new bike. Just my 2 cents.

Till they spray my blood off it.http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m54/cwissler/AVI_0003_0001.jpg

My Sporty is the perfect commute bike for me, so I will have it 4ever.

. . . you can make the sportster any bike you want (bagger, chopper, big twin) the parts are out there and cheaper than a new bike. Just my 2 cents.

Exactly! Over the last two years, I've worked on mine to make it just the way I want it: excellent highway cruiser, yet still manageable around town, in traffic, small parking spots, etc. And anytime Big Twin fever strikes, I just take my wife's Buell Blast out into the back country for a few hours. When I come back and get on my Sporty, it feels like a Road King. Perfect bike for me.

i hate mine shakes tooo much even though it,s a 2005 1200 custom rubber mount i would rather have a softtail heritage custom

Well, considering the fact that my new Sporty is the fourth bike I've had in 13 months, I've learned to never say never.

On the other hand, I feel like it just took me four bikes to finally figure out what I wanted and what type of bike best suited my riding style. I managed to get my hands on a leftover 06 on Tuesday (new thread and pics when I hit 15 posts) so doing mods to it years and years down the road shouldn't be an issue.

Of course, I can't seem to function without constant change in my life, so even though I'll likely keep it 20 years or more, I still put my vote in for 5 years. :D

;) I was told by the boss I could get another bike someday. But this one stays for her.

The more I ride mine.. The more I really really love it... I will in the future get a bagger for long long trips... (wife and I) but for 500 miles or less this bike is great and for in town use .. I couldn't ask for anything better..

mine is paid off and I like it, tried a softtail custom, it was nice but not $twice as nice, can not see spending that much, the sportster is prob the best bang for your buck out there. keeping it.

sportsters F@&ING Rule!

Keeping Mine For Life!

the more i ride it, the more i love it, i just hate it when somebody says " oh, a baby harley " makes me so mad i want to fight !

This is my second Sportster. Sold the first because we had just bought our first house, and money was tight (read:damn tight...). I guess until I get tried of it, or can't ride anymore.

Logical reasons -
1) It's paid for....
2) I'm very happy with it.


Figure I'll add a bagger to my stable of one at some point....

I keep using the same old story to my wife, and as long as it works, I'll continue to use it.

I said.. It took me 35 years to be able to ride with my dad, and as long as the roof is on the house, I want to keep it to ride with my son's. IT's paid for so we're not missing anything.. (good thing my kid's only 5years old)

I am seriously wanting a Big twin (she loves going on cruises with me, but doesn't love the dead butt syndrome):doh

I am really liking the 2007 Softtail with the 200Mm tire, 6 speed tranny and 96 Ci. If I can get one without selling my sporty, I will, otherwise I will keep the sporty.. :smoke

My dad had a 1974 XLCH which he sold in the mid 90's, he has a 2005 Deluxe, yet always wants to ride my sporty... heheheheh...

I bought my sporty as a replacement for my long lost 68 camaro; I had to sell it to feed the family. Now my family is old enough to feed themselves so I am going to ride until I can't ride no more.

I want to keep mine '04 till next year or so and buy a springer or a road sofa firefighter edition.

You people kill me. The Sportster can't tour? Please, I'll be 57 in December, if God let's me live that long, and I just rode mine to Alabama and back, to the home farm, baby brother, and the grandkids. All the grandkids want to ride the Sportster. 1500 miles round trip and back. My throttle hand tingled slightly after 600 miles, but that was it. Mine is a rigid mount, thank goodness, I have a trap door transmission. I can get parts for this girl forever. A Sportster can be set up to do anything any of the other Harleys do. The other Harleys can't say that. No! I don't want to tour on a Buell.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

Gonna have to bury me with mine.. I made the mistake of getting rid of one, I dont plan on making that mistake again.......

My plan:

I'm keeping mine until my son graduates college, he wants to be a mechanical engineer. If he accomplishes that he has won my Sportster. Shortly thereafter him and me are going on a very long ride and I'll be on a RK.

hopefully this will b my first and last

I`ll keep mine till there nothing left to do to her.

4... Ever!!!

According to the finace company until the yr 2099 !!!

Hope i can retrofit it with the Ionic Breaze drive system !!

You people kill me. The Sportster can't tour? Please, I'll be 57 in December, if God let's me live that long, and I just rode mine to Alabama and back, to the home farm, baby brother, and the grandkids. All the grandkids want to ride the Sportster. 1500 miles round trip and back. My throttle hand tingled slightly after 600 miles, but that was it. Mine is a rigid mount, thank goodness, I have a trap door transmission. I can get parts for this girl forever. A Sportster can be set up to do anything any of the other Harleys do. The other Harleys can't say that. No! I don't want to tour on a Buell.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb
I'm with you on the touring part, Reb, even though the longest I've been able to tour on mine so far is Kansas City for the open house. I'm planning on a New York trip in '07, though, and I can't wait!

I'll keep the Roadster and get an XR1200 too......

There's not a thing I don't just love about my Sporty, and other than the bike below, there isn't a model in the HD lineup that appeals to me as much. I would have said I'd keep it forever, but lately, I've been lusting after one of these...

http://a1264.g.akamai.net/7/1264/734/e5eba60c8b54b2/resource.harley-davidson.com/pr/mot/2007/images/colors/2007_flhrc_1024.jpg

With 2 kids in college and one not far off, I can't justify having two bikes right now and, as others have pointed out, there's not much point in selling a bike you're happy with for half the price of what you have into it. So I'll keep my Sporty for the foreseeable future and keep moddin' it to my heart's content. Don't know what direction it'll go in next, maybe a chopper, maybe a fatster. Still love looking at it as much as I do riding it.

Looks like it'll be a long time for me. Just found a 2000 model to add to the stable. The '91 is going to be the donor to power a Paughco framed rigid. After riding it for the last 8 years, it's gonna kill me to part it out, but it's only going to rise again... Should I call the rigid "Phoenix"?

Also, I promised my son that one of 'em will be his when he's old enough, which is another 6 years. I guess even then, it'll not really be gone. So, I checked the forever box!

as this is my 1st bike and my 1st harley, i will be keeping it for as long as i possibly can

Keeping it until I buy another and pass my sportster to my son. So something like 17 years.

if I can get the ride smoothed out enough that my wife enjoys riding it longer than 2 hr., it will be the last bike I buy. the bike does every thing I need - plenty of power, looks great, sounds great, dependable, so why switch. putting on RK air shocks this winter hope it takes care of the ride problem [rides great to me]. Dave

If I make it thru the winter without selling...I'll have it a long time.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/08_27_0.JPEG
Preacherman

Not going to sell my Sportster.... Waited long enough to get it. I am 5 years older than my '71. I figure when I am 85 and it's 80 we will make quite a sight cruising out to Las Vegas....Riding down the strip....straight pipes and all.... Hope I can still buy gas for it....

I have only had it a little while. It has my blood, sweat, and tears all over it. I have thought of selling it to get a big twin, but there aren't many like it anywhere. The only thing XLCH on this bike left is the engine (well whats left of it) and the frame. I realize that i had to sell my car, a guitar, and a skull crushing stereo system to start living my dream. Until today i only had 1 other dream, that was to produce a male offspring, which a ultrasound confirmed today. This bike is mine and no one else can have it, and even if i cant ride it, she'll stay parked to give me a smile whenever I see her. SO NEVER

my wife bought it for me, my first harley, for my 40th birthday, I'll be buried with it....

My Ironhead was a gift from my father-in-law a month before he unexpectedly died from a heart attack. Though it's been down longer than it's been on the road I'll never sale it.

I shall be Buried with mine :D

Ride Free

aPoPhus

For ever! :smoke

Trading it in for a 1973 Honda CB350four tomorrow. :D


:censor :doh

I will keep it until I can't ride it because of health. My son is 7 now. If he wants a sporty he can go buy his own when he is 18! I wonder how many miles before something major in the motor/trans fails so I can do the NHRS stage III?

It's taken me 30 years to finally get my Sportster. I'm going to ride it every chance I get for the next thirty years and then my son can 'inherit' it. He'll be 35!

Til I'm called to take my post in Heaven..

Till they pry my cold dead fingers off the handgrips.

And then I am going to leave it to my son.

When I have money for a VROD

Well, the wifeperson asked me that .. and gave me an ultimatium, I sure miss her sometimes

I'm consigning it at the local dealer in the Spring of '07 (I'm selling off all my spares and spare parts right now). Bought it in the Fall of '04 and have done a lot to it since. It will have about 10k miles on it and time for it to move on to someone else. Next, I want a more comfortable long-distance cruiser. Lots of time to look around and test ride a lot of bikes.

Well, the wifeperson asked me that .. and gave me an ultimatium, I sure miss her sometimes

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

Me 2 but not for that exact reason.

:luvsport :banapart :banapart :banagui :banagui :banagui :chop :cheers :cheers :sporty: :drinkbeer :leekguit :clap :tour :clap :banadanc :banadanc:luvsport
ANY MORE QUESTIONS?

On my 3rd Sportster in 28 years. Love it. My problem is that my wife would never ride on any of them untill this summer and now she loves it. Ill keep it untill I can afford to get a Softail...Probably never...LOL

Going through the old post on this thread and found my original post in the summer of 05..Guess I changed my mind since then. Ive noticed quite a few of the older post's on this thread and there quite a few that have gone to the "dark side" after saying that they would keep there sporty forever...I love the new ride but its time to start looking for a cheap, older sporty...To build my "Project bike Bobber"....Would have loved to keep both bikes if finances (and the wife) would have allowed it...
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/oakie10us/MVC-015S-1.jpg

I will never say something that I know I will take back. I like my bike alot, but when it is paid for, I will get a softail deluxe. If money were not an issue I would have got one right off. Hard enough to talk the wife into 10k. I like Harleys, all of them, big twins, sportsters. I ride what I can afford!

They'll bury it with me. I may at some point in time when I rich, get another one... But I PLAN on keeping this one.

Nope not me, trade in will offset the cost of the new bike.

When I first bought the Sporty last December, I figured it would only last a year, just like my first two bikes, but each time I ride it, I think I will keep it longer than that. At this point, I expect to keep it another two years, when I will consider buying a BT, perhaps a Heritage or a Road King. It was a good day yesterday for New England in December, so we went for a ride. I was grinning from ear to ear after not riding for two weeks.

A friend works as a salesman at a H.D. dealership and his observation is that within 9 months more than half the people that buy Sportsters trade them in for a big twin. I went the other way, and wonder how many people here will still have a Sportster a year from now. If you just like to cruise around a b.t. is going to make you happier IMO.

A friend works as a salesman at a H.D. dealership and his observation is that within 9 months more than half the people that buy Sportsters trade them in for a big twin. I went the other way, and wonder how many people here will still have a Sportster a year from now.
I have several friends with Sportsters, they've all had them for two years or more; in some cases much more. I've had mine nearly two years. None of these people are planning to change.
If you just like to cruise around a b.t. is going to make you happier IMO.
I don't think this is true for me. In any case, I don't expect I'm ever going to find out!

Folkie, I agree with you, but the salesman sees more than we do. I think alot of folks get a Sportster then decide for what ever reason to change. I just wonder how many are really Sportster fanatics. That same salesman said no one is more enthusiastic about riding than the guy with a Sportster. I'm just saying people that keep and are happy with their Sportsters are in the minority, how many will still be here in a year or two and if they are, will they still be on a sporty? Most of the 100's of bikes sold at this dealer are sold to long haul truckers, and most are bt's. It would be interesting to see how many people are here now compared to how many will be gone and no longer have a XL a year from now. I think we are in the minority.

FOREVER! I hope to have it be one of those things uncovered beneath tarps in the back of a garage by one of my grandkids....I like to think of the stories that will be embelished about granpas racing days.
And I hope they start it and ride it to get a feel for what it was like, I dont care what gravity resistant whatever kinda bike is out 50 years from now, there will be no substitue for the sound and power of the aircooled sporty motor at 150 hp on the bottle....its the sweetest sound to me.

My option isnt on the poll so I'll put it here.

Probably have it another year or so. (only had it a month) My plan from the get go before even buying this bike has been to turn it into a rigid bobber. Basically building the bike frame up and using the same motor, then it's going to be listed for sale. After I sell it, get a big twin and probably start building another bobber/chopper.

How long will I keep my Sportster? FOR..EV..ER.

I will never sell my sportster! IT WILL BE IN MY WILL!

I love my bike, but would like to add another bike to the garage. If I did that today, it would be a Buell, probably a Ulysses.

I Plan on keeping it as long as I can still ride. I have a very hard time walking because of past motorcycle accidents, but I can still ride for extended periods. I will not let it just sit, I will give it to a deserving family member or sell it to another when that day comes.

I don't see me getting rid of her. I have a lot I want to do to her and once I get her the way I want her, why would I get rid of the bike? I've never understood why people do that!

I don't see me getting rid of her. I have a lot I want to do to her and once I get her the way I want her, why would I get rid of the bike? I've never understood why people do that!
usually money reasons, not lack of love for their bike. people get themselves into bad financial times and the first to go is the "non essentials". my bikes are essential for my well being.................lol

I'm keeping it until it either it runs like crap and can't be fixed, or until it looks like crap and can't be fixed.
Of course, I said that about my old Sporty too until it had a 'run in' with a Hyundai.

I would like to keep this untill I decide to get something else THEN, I would like to get my wife on it. I think she would do well, it's making her believe it that's difficult.