I ride an '05 Deuce, some long rides when I can 500-600 mile days. Stock seat, bars and foot controls have been modified for comfort; a windshield goes on for the longer rides; I am 5-10, 185 lbs. Used to have an older Dyna but have gotten rid of it to replace with a later model TC88 or a '04 or later Sporty.

Never owned a Sporty and haven't ridden one in many years. Starting to get cold feet on the Sporty because of the comfort issue. Not sure the Sporty would be fun on the long rides. How many of you have made longer rides on a later model TC88 and can compare the ride with the Sporty?

I haven't made super long rides on a TC88 yet (just single day couple hundred mile stuff), but I did put helacious miles on an EVO RK.

Comfort is a subjective thing. Besides the simple fact that people are built physically differently, it also takes into consideration that people feel and prefer different things.

Personally I GENERALLY think comfort comes down to:

1. Amount of and frequency of Vibration
2. Position of controls (bars, shifter and foot)
3. Seat size/shape
4. Amount of wind-blast and speeds you're riding
5. The way the chassis handles bumps

I used to put helacious miles on a solidmount sporty too and when I got the Road King, I SWORE OFF THE SPORSTER based on 1 and 5 above.

But when the rubbermount came out I took a test ride and seriously reconsidered that position.

Now we've got a rubbermount sporty that my wife has ridden up and down the East Coast. Most of the time she begins to tire somewhere in the 300-400 mile range. But she's running an 883L with a stock seat and stock shocks. She does have a Quick Release windshield, which I know helps her a lot (if he rides too far without it her neck starts to bother her from wind blast).

When I ride her bike, I'm VERY aware of the crappy suspension, but that's made worse by the fact that it is a Low model, when I ride my SILs rubbermount base 883 the suspension is a little better (still could be improved).

I bet a decent set of aftermarket shocks would go a LONG way to making it more comfortable.

My suggestion is this, find a dealer that rents sportys, pony up $100 and ride it as far as you can that day. Then keep in mind that IF you buy one, for long distance comfort you're probably going to need at least:

1. windshield
2. seat
3. shocks

(then again, I changed the windshield and seat on my RK so WTF).

Good luck man,

Kev

PS honestly I want to add another Road King to the stable again sometime in the future. But I'm VERY happy with the rubbermount sporty and I can't see us getting rid of it. I'm also a little happier right now with the design and function of the rubbermount evo than the TC88 with the timing chain tensioner teething. If I buy an RK, I think I'd install gear driven cams in the first 20k miles.

Like Kev said, windshield, seat, and shocks. Those 3 items make the sporty a lot more comfortable. Even on a solid mount.

Kevin,
I agree with you right down the line on your definition of comfort; very well put. The three items you mentioned that should be changed are givens; I have changed them on every motorcycle I have owned. I appreciate your suggestions.

Be a man.. you want comfort ride an SUV.

I've done 200 miles on a RK once. It was a more comfortable ride for sure. But I've also done several 400 mile days on the sporty (a few back to back) and never really wanted to get a softer bike afterward. I have not wanted to see the sporty for a few days afterward though ;)

Gazza

Be a man.. you want comfort ride an SUV.

I've done 200 miles on a RK once. It was a more comfortable ride for sure. But I've also done several 400 mile days on the sporty (a few back to back) and never really wanted to get a softer bike afterward. I have not wanted to see the sporty for a few days afterward though ;)
Gazza


EXACTLY - on the way back from California back in 96 I did something like 5-6 550+ mile days back-to-back on my RK... and I got up for work that first morning back, road the King to work and was pissed I had to get off.

THAT'S the difference. It's not a small difference sometimes, it can be HUGE.

I wanted to get up and ride another 550+ miles that next day, and next day and ...

all that said, I think the Sporty has come leaps and bounds in terms of comfort and can be set up to maybe not equal THAT, but get darned close.

I did a 1220 mi run over 2 1/2 days... 550 the first day, 350, 300... The ride was bearable... new seat shocks and windshield, I couldn't imagine it being like a car on any bike...

I'll deal with it being a bit rough for everything else 'sporty' I get with it...

:D

I just did 4 days and 1500 miles on my '05 sporty with the stock 2-up seat!! Rode 650 first day, 650 the fourth day. Got a batwing on the front. Ride down was a bi:censorch, but the seat got broken in and it was smooth coming back home. Rode with a buddy who has a fatboy all decked out and all was about the same except the seat.

Looking to get a new Mustang Wide solo soon....:banana:banana:banana

Kev, I left the stock seat in place for the time being. I went the route of changing the handle bars, and I cant say enough about the quality of riding longer distance now. We did 1700 miles in may to myrtle beach and back and I was ready to go riding the next morning when we got back home.

Im up the road from you, I could swing by if you want to take it for a ride.

Kev, I left the stock seat in place for the time being. I went the route of changing the handle bars, and I cant say enough about the quality of riding longer distance now. We did 1700 miles in may to myrtle beach and back and I was ready to go riding the next morning when we got back home.

Im up the road from you, I could swing by if you want to take it for a ride.


So you got the bars done eh. And that changed the position enough to make it that comfy with a stock seat, that rocks!

Thanks for the generous offer. You should swing by sometime so we can go for a putt, but no need to offer up your ride (unless you want to take a spin on a Guzzi).

I'm NOT bitching about the sporty's comfort. Obviously I tour on the Guzzi, but if I wouldn't shy away from a trip on the Harley if it came down to it. Jenn runs the stock Low seat when she's going any distance, as it puts the controls in JUST the right position for her. Me, I'd prefer different bars, but that it's not like I can just swap em out when I want, so I run a stock base 883 seat when I take her any distance (or whenever I get away with switching it and leaving it). But it's only one frickin' screw, so I can't complain.

Anyway, the Sporty is certainly comfortable enough for Jenn to ride from PA to FL or PA to TN and back (since she's done them both already with me). But it's NOT as comfortable for those super long 500+ mile days. It's a non-issue, cause we're not looking to do to many of them anyway.

Most we've done recently was, if my memory serves me correctly, that 450 mile day from TN to northern VA on the way back from Deal's Gap earlier this month. And we weren't hurting the next day, though we were happy to get home after a short 200 mile day...

Life is good,

Kev

I am about your size, and I just rode mine 225 miles the other day with no problems. mine has the stock seat and controls (1200R). I had a Dyna Low Rider before this bike and put many 3-5 hundred mile days on it with no problem, the Sportster feels about the same.

I just did a couple of 200+ mile days 2-up on my '98 1200C. No windshield, stock seat, bars, and controls. My only complaint was excessive vibration in the grips at speeds above 110 kph (65 mph). It was enough to make the ride quite unpleasant after awhile. Anything under that speed was very nice.

If you want comfort...buy a BT
If you want fun.........Buy a Sporty

If you want comfort...buy a BT
If you want fun.........Buy a Sporty

good seat and suspension and you can have fun AND comfort :D :clap :D :clap :D

A bike is only as comfortable as you make it. Since we are not all built the same we have to custom fit our bikes to our body types. Make it fit and it will be fine. Its like a shoe, if you get the siz right it will work perfect otherwise it will never be quite right. .

I just did a couple of 200+ mile days 2-up on my '98 1200C. No windshield, stock seat, bars, and controls. My only complaint was excessive vibration in the grips at speeds above 110 kph (65 mph). It was enough to make the ride quite unpleasant after awhile. Anything under that speed was very nice.

Not for nothing, but there is a HUGE difference in a couple of 200+ mile days and a couple of 400-500 mile days... HUGE...

If you want comfort...buy a BT
If you want fun.........Buy a Sporty

What if you want both... :p

Seriously, I suspect it's a compromise, but possible.

Of course, I come down on the side of the Sporty for LOTS of reasons, but Dynas are pretty cool tool.

Now when you start talking 2-up, well, that changes the equation.

Honestly, I love riding 2-up with my daughter, but I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY glad my wife likes to ride her own bike!!!

Kev

A bike is only as comfortable as you make it. Since we are not all built the same we have to custom fit our bikes to our body types. Make it fit and it will be fine. Its like a shoe, if you get the siz right it will work perfect otherwise it will never be quite right. .


Dead on, Ralph!!!!:banana:banana:banana

A bike is only as comfortable as you make it. Since we are not all built the same we have to custom fit our bikes to our body types. Make it fit and it will be fine. Its like a shoe, if you get the siz right it will work perfect otherwise it will never be quite right.

If you want comfort...buy a BT

Be a man.. you want comfort ride an SUV.

Guys,
I got all that, oh yeah, the BT and SUV are already in the garage; LOL. I expect to change seats, shocks and add a windscreen. The Deuce has a Mustang Solo and I have a quick detach low profile windscreen for the long rides. My original post was soliciting input from any one who has ridden a TC88 and a Sporty, preferrably an '04 or later Sporty, and can compare the two. I believe there must be a difference when you consider the difference in weight, gearing and displacement; just tring to find out what the differences are. I appreciate the input from the long distance Sporty riders but I believe there have been only two posts from guys that have ridden both for some distance. Are there any others?

I got all that, oh yeah, the BT and SUV are already in the garage; LOL. I expect to change seats, shocks and add a windscreen. The Deuce has a Mustang Solo and I have a quick detach low profile windscreen for the long rides. My original post was soliciting input from any one who has ridden a TC88 and a Sporty, preferrably an '04 or later Sporty, and can compare the two. I believe there must be a difference when you consider the difference in weight, gearing and displacement; just tring to find out what the differences are. I appreciate the input from the long distance Sporty riders but I believe there have been only two posts from guys that have ridden both for some distance. Are there any others?

Well, I think you're missing the point here too though.

The question you asked, cannot really be answered by anyone but you.

I mean, too much of it is subjective.

If you want objective measurements, look at the stats (power, weight, lean angles) and read MCN (look at 1/4 mile times and stopping distances).

Other than that, it's still gonna be perception that is gonna vary too much.

GENERALLY the Big Twins are (as you should already know) - a bit heavier, a bit more stable over bumps and on the highway or in cross winds, a bit slower at least at lower speeds (off highway) and out of the pocket, are gonna turn a bit slower and generally lean a bit less.

They however, thanks to the rubbermounts, are not any smoother IN MY OPINION (of course, that can be subjective too).

GENERALLY the Sportys therefore are - a bit quicker (out of the pocket and in the curves), smaller, lighter, turn faster, are cheaper, just as easy or potentially easier (and cheaper) to maintain, are generally not as good 2-up, not as forgiving with bumps.

Your experience may vary ;)

If I was looking for a longer distance bike, I'd by the BT - probably a Dyna of some flavor, specifically because of the new 6 speed transmission. (Too bad they don't make the Dyna Sport any more.) The 6 speed would probably make it more relaxed at highway speeds. I just bought a 1200R, and I love it, but it's my around-town bike.

It appear that you are askig about the difference in a dyna and a sporty the wife and I checked out a dyna custom and while there is a bit of difference in room and a small improvement in the ride I dont think it rides all that much better than my 04 1200r and certainly not 5000 dollars worth. I would suggest you test ride both before ya put down any cash.

I'm starting the process of determining how I can improve my riding position. I've picked out the seats I want (Mustang Solo and Sundowner for rides with my wife)
However the handlebar thing eludes me. How do you figure out what kind of bar, pull back, rise, you need for comfort. What are the rules of thumb?

Also, drag bars, how do they help?

thanks,

I'm starting the process of determining how I can improve my riding position. I've picked out the seats I want (Mustang Solo and Sundowner for rides with my wife)
However the handlebar thing eludes me. How do you figure out what kind of bar, pull back, rise, you need for comfort. What are the rules of thumb?

Also, drag bars, how do they help?

thanks,


Drag bars are definately not designed for touring comfort. They give you more of a lay forward aggressive stance than a relaxed distance stance. The best way to figure out what bars you want is to go to a dealer and sit on a bunch of bikes with different bars. If you can get to a dealer with a lot of used HD bikes that would be best as you will have more variety. I think buckhorns are the most ergonomically comfortable but they aren't my style so I went with mini apes. You should be able to sit up straight and not cock your wrists too much from a natural position.

If I was you, I'd ride the bike as it is for a while. Since you just got it and have just barely ridden it, everything feels new and strange. It's normal. Once you get used to it, you'll be better able to figure out what you don't like and, more importantly, why you don't like it. Slow down, relax and take your time. There's plenty of time to upgrade. If you go too fast, you'll likely make unnecessary mistakes on your purchases.

My other bike is a BMW 1150GS. It is a bike that I am 100% comfortable on and happy with. It was recently in the shop for a while, and I rode my new Sporty a lot during that time. When I picked up the BMW and got back on it, everything felt strange. The footpeg position felt all wrong. The clutch felt strange. The brake pedal seemed too low. The handlebars felt too wide. Etc., etc. It was just because I had gotten used to the Sporty. It only took a few miles until the BMW felt natural again.

Some of this is what you are experiencing with the new bike.

I did the same thing and added the anti vibration pegs and grips as mine is a 2003 Sporty; made a difference.:) Oh, I also modified the clutch pull so that you don't have to be a sumo wrestler to operate it!

450 miles is the most Ive gone in 1 day sofar.... just the badlander and some 412's.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/100_0946smaller.jpg

I rented a Duece in San Diego and rode around the Joshua Tree area. Every minute I was wishing I had my Sporty! There is a noticable difference between how the bikes handle. I didn't find enough improvement in the Dueche's ride to make up for the large loss of the fun factor. The unstable front tire and crappy headlight were my biggest complaints but it lacked the Sporty zip too.

Of course I have a rubbermounted 1200R with Sundowner seat, forward controls and a detachable windshield for long rides... also plan to get some better shocks and springs...

I have never ridden a TC88 bike, but I just did 2250 miles in 7 days on a '06 XL1200C. I have a windshield, Mustang seat, Pro-1 grips and Harley pegs. I rode one 360 mile day and my biggest complaint is the position of the bars. I may have to get new bars that position the grips higher and closer to me. Right now I think the pain in my neck comes from having to stretch too far.

I think the Sportster can be configured for long distance riding with a decent level of comfort, but the bigger bikes will never have the handling of the Sporty in the twisties and give you the sheer exhilaration of riding one. After a 10 miles stretch of a twisty, hilly road yesterday, I actually had to let out a big "woo hoo" when I got to the first stop light.

I survived a prolonged trip on the Sporty and had fun too. What more can you ask for?

what makes my sporty not the best long ride bike makes it the best short ride bike. good HP the weight ratio. lighter than a big twin by 100 or so lbs. my 1200c front tire is skinny for looks so it is not the best for hwy ride. but other bigger HDs also use this tire. i am sure a soft tail with the small front tire rides much like the sporty at 70 mph.

what makes my sporty not the best long ride bike makes it the best short ride bike. good HP the weight ratio. lighter than a big twin by 100 or so lbs. my 1200c front tire is skinny for looks so it is not the best for hwy ride. but other bigger HDs also use this tire. i am sure a soft tail with the small front tire rides much like the sporty at 70 mph.


GREAT points...

At the end of the day it's just HOW MUCH of each characteristic that YOU want.

The MORE comfort, isolation, carrying capacity etc that you want, the larger bike you typically want.

The MORE sporty handling, power-to-weight ratio etc that you want, the smaller the bike you typically want.

Of COURSE there are exceptions and some larger bikes set-up right are going to handle as well as some smaller bikes who've been adapted for comfort.

etc etc etc

it almost always comes down to what YOU want!

Kev

Earlier this year a bud of mine called and wanted to do a roadtrip , climbed on my 05 1200c @ 10:00 a.m. and other then 3 fuel stops and a dinner break , and several stops in hotels lookin for a room we didnt quit riding til 11:30 p.m.
back up at 7:00 a.m. and rode home , if the weather hadnt turned cold and raining could have kept on riding.
Last year another friend of mine got tired of lollygaggin down the road and road straight thru from Deadwood to Greencastle on his 04 sporty and other then being dead tired was ready to ride later in the day after a nap.