Nice 4 degree celcius day today so went out for about an hour. First off- the bike is normally kept in a warm garage, but I had it out on the driveway in the shade for a while so it was pretty cold when I started it. Just hit the magic button-starts effortlessly, even when cold; engine feels like it's running the exact right speed at all times at idle. No sputtering, popping or anything. Keep in mind, it's still bone stock.
I've already gotten out of the habit of reaching down for the choke.
The cold air seemed to do wonders for the engine. It has a LOT of grunt & I can't wait until next spring when I'll do intake/exhaust changes. It's nice to be able to whack it open now that it's broken in & I'm really impressed. Huge improvement in power delivery over my '01 1200S.
The FI works beautifully- power transitions are smooth, no surging at any revs. Responsive without any hesitation. It really needs no improvement unless you're looking for even more power.
I don't really like the reduced diameter grips. They're too slim for me, and my hands get all cramped up. However, in cold weather, they work better because I'm wearing my big gauntlets & thermal liners. I'm gonna change them out for Nostalgic grips over winter.
Overall, as it's broken-in, I'm more impressed with the bike then I was when I first got it.

Your post speaks well for the new desgn. A lot were wondering what the
new EFI bikes had going.

:tour

I now have 800 miles on my XL50. Other than a windshield, fork bag and removing the exhaust baffles, the bike is still stock. I am planning to put saddlebacks, a sissybar and pad on sometime soon.

I have taken one "moderate" ride of 200 plus miles. On that trip, we found a deserted road and I took the bike to 120 MPH. Still was pulling when I ran out of nerve...actually, the bike handled sweet at that speed and I was impressed with the power.

Notes about baffle removal. I have posted serveral threads on "that other" forum (hdforums.com). However, here is a summary. Sound is good--much better than stock, but not as good as V&H's. No power loss noted, but I have a more noticeable vibration at 60 MPH than before. Solution, don't ride 59-62 MPH.

I have riden into the low 20's (minus 5 for my friends north of the border) and the bike starts first time, every time. I don't miss having to pull the enricher. BTW, mine is black.

I know what you mean about the motor--it runs great, but the suspensions is not so great. I've got a whole list of mods in line for mine (see My Plan thread), but I can't throw a bunch of $$$ at it all at once so I'm going to replace the fork springs and rear shocks first.

I took a two hour ride today--it was overcast and cool for south Texas, about 68 degrees. I was on a few Farm to Market roads, that's a two lane black top with no shoulder to those not familar with Texas roads. Mostly 65 mph speed limit with curves marked from 35 to 65 and lots of up and down the hills. Just perfect for having lots of fun on the Sporty. I ran mostly around 70 on the straights and slower through the corners. What a blast it was although a couple of times I had to hit the brakes hard because the road was rough and I kinda skittered through the corner. I did manage to scrape metal a couple of times, but I think the combination of lean and bumping the suspension was the culprit rather than just not enough ground clearance. I definitely want to install longer rear shocks.

I didn't know the diammeter of the grips was smaller, but I have gotten cramps in my hands too. I thought it was just me. I won't ride below 50--its just too cold for me and besides, down here it'll be 75 in a day or two.

I agree the suspension sucks, but that's old news for Sporty owners!
Glad to see others are enjoying the bike.
BTW, I've put smoked signal lenses, layback license plate holder and rigid sissybar mounts on mine. I'm just waiting for the correct sissy bar to get here. I wanted a round sissy bar, and my guy ordered the wrong one and had to re-order.
It's 5C again today, so I'm goin' for a ride!

What would make a real nice sporty would be the 1200S suspension package on the EFI bike.
After I rode a 2001 S model I was really suprised just how good the suspension was. So much so that I converted my 06 1200R forks and shocks over to the S models. The forks can still be had from HD for less than $500 compltete with fluids and all. The shocks I got on Ebay for $150

The smaller diameter grips are a pain. Cheap fix that works great-What-a-Grip tennis raquet grip cover. There are several styles and configurations. The one I got has spiral ridges with great adhesive characteristics-to the point that I can hold the throttle position without holding on with my fingers.

If you don't mind 1/4 " gap at each end of the grip, you can cut one in half and use one for both grips, or buy 2 and throw the excess away. Total cost if you use only one- $4.99-$13.99 depending on the model you choose.

I thought the grips were a bit small too, so I installed the HD Diamond Plate medium ones. Now they feel great. Also replaced the front & rear pegs with the matching Diamond Plates, gives it a real tough look. I too had problems with the suspension. I installed a set of Progrssive HD 13.5 inch shocks. I'm tipping the scales at 290 so I figured I could use the 1.5 inch of added travel. They also give the XL50 a 1200 R look & I like it. Looks & feels great. As soon as I save a few $$ I'll do something about the front suspension. For now I'm doing OK. I was bottoming out the back all the time before the shock upgrade. Put a set of V&H HS slipons & it runs like a champ. Waiting for either the Power Commander or V&H FuelPak. Not sure how I'm gonna go with that yet. Also added a low removable sisy bar, only put it on when the wife wants to go out for a spin. Bringing it in today to have the Liteup Grip endcaps & crome Highway pegs installed. can't wait to ride it on friday when it's done.

The 07 XL50 is my first bike in 25 years, had a 1974 Sporty back in the day. The only thing I miss about the 74 is the sound, had Drag pipes on it..:smoke

I dont like the small diameter grips either. I had some issues with my 07 and took it to the shop on Tuesday and asked if they had any take off grips from a big twin. They managed to find some and just gave them to me. :D I will get some that look a little better in a few months.

TJ

The FI works beautifully- power transitions are smooth, no surging at any revs. Responsive without any hesitation. It really needs no improvement unless you're looking for even more power.
I don't really like the reduced diameter grips.

I too love the FI. I think it's great. I have had a few VERY minor hiccups on cold mornings (35 degrees F). It has been a half-a-hiccup when I first get going (idle is fine, it's when I shift from 1st to 2nd the first time). But that's it. Otherwise, always smooth as glass. And plenty of power even with the 883.

This is my 2nd bike ever, and my first in 7+ years. First Harley ever. But, I don't mind the grips and wouldn't have noticed that they were smaller except reading about it online. My hands haven't cramped up at all and I have XL size hands (at least when it comes to buying gloves).

Now the seat...that's a different matter all together. But I think after putting 2200 miles on it, my butt is beginning to get calloused. After multiple 200+ mile trips, I'm not minding them as much.

What is an XL50?

What is an XL50?

The 50th anniversary model. Basically a chromed up roadster.

I have had my XL50 for thirty days now. Have not ridden it for several days but do have 1550 miles on it. I am satisfied with everything about the bike but will make a few modifications. I want to drill holes in the baffles or what ever you do to the stock mufflers. I think I may change springs up front but try to make the stock rears work. I weight 150# and do bottom out once in awhile but have not changed the adjustment on the shocks yet. Planning an 8 day trip to and around Colorado in June. Can't wait till spring....
Ronnie

I am very happy with my XL-50...It's a fun bike and responds well to modifications. I am toying with going to a solo seat. Put a Lindby Multibar on...really like have optional foot placement for the long rides.

Just wondering, I understand the EFI's have no petcocks..? er, well, you know, fuel valves? Is there just a fuel line where the valve used to be?

Just wondering, I understand the EFI's have no petcocks..? er, well, you know, fuel valves? Is there just a fuel line where the valve used to be?
The tank is completely different (well, except the overall shape). The fuel pump is actually up inside the tank. There is a hose that comes out of the tank, more towards the center of the tank. No petcocks or fuel valves. The hose fitting is a "quick release" type according to the service manual, you just need to make sure that you release the pressure in the line before disconnecting.

The tank is completely different (well, except the overall shape). The fuel pump is actually up inside the tank.
Wow, different is right. How is the fuel pump accessed for replacement? Does it somehow come out the gas cap, or a trap door arrangement in the tank?

It is screwed to the bottom of the tank. May be 3"by5" plate unscrews and drops out. Has the pump, level float, fuel quick disconnect, and associated wiring all attached to the plate.

Had to change the seat too. Put a Mustang Vintage wide with optional rear seat, and added a larger sissy bar & pad for the wife. They both come off quick for solo riding. Check out my gallery.. http://xlforum.net/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=10810

Lboy57,

Thanks for posting those pics. You've just satisfied my curiosity. I was thinking of getting a Vintage Wide for my XL50 but now having seen it I think it might be too wide for me. I might just get the normal sized Vintage. I really like the look of the new Corbin Hollywood solo but that's much more expensive.

How does the width and comfort compare with the stock seat?

Believe it or not, at it's widest point it's barely an inch wider then the stock seat. As far as comfort goes there is no comparison. At 6' 285 the stock seat after 1500 miles looked 10 years old and felt 30. Whatever padding it once had is already dead. With the edition of the Vintage seat rear, part number 76507 and the larger sissy bar with the big pad, my wife can ride with me forever. With the stock seat she would complain after 15 - 20 minutes of riding. I've posted some new pix, check them out..

Anybody with a broken-in '07 1200 of any sort want to chime in about the fuel economy you're now getting? Did it get better after the first 1000 miles? (I hope!)

Anybody with a broken-in '07 1200 of any sort want to chime in about the fuel economy you're now getting? Did it get better after the first 1000 miles? (I hope!)

I get right at 50 mpg, sometimes 52, sometimes 48 depending on the type of driving.

On the highway I get about 50 mpg, but on the streets it's more like 35. I have about 1800 miles on the bike. I also have installed a set of V&H Straight Shot SO's and have not yet replaced the air breather and map yet. I think paying taxes will just make it worse.

I've had one tank at 49 mpg. The first tanks were 30-40 mpg. Sub 50 degrees and damp air. Maximum 160 degree oil temps tend to indicate it is far from warm enough for efficient running. Itching to check it when it tops 60 degrees and some of the excess dampness leaves the air.

Believe it or not, at it's widest point it's barely an inch wider then the stock seat. As far as comfort goes there is no comparison. I've posted some new pix, check them out..
Yes, I see the perspective better now. The back is still very high though. My wife doesn't ride with me that much so the stock seat is ok for 2 up (she's very light). Most of the miles I put on are solo, so I might still consider the Corbin Hollywood. Just have to save some more pennies!. Thanks for the pics.

As for gas mileage, I'm still getting high thirties for commuting (lots of stop & go) but I get a respectable 50 mpg on the country runs, so I'm happy.

Anybody with a broken-in '07 1200 of any sort want to chime in about the fuel economy you're now getting? Did it get better after the first 1000 miles? (I hope!)


Since the bike was new, I got exactly 40MPG on every tankful. (Combo mileage) Didn't seem to matter if 50/50 city/hwy, 60/40,40/60, 80/20.

Did a stage 1 and it stayed the same unless I got on it a lot more (which you have a tendency to do once it's faster), and then I get 37-38MPG.

This last weekend we rode 216 miles (10/90) and I averaged 53 MPG. We mostly rode at 70-80MPH with an occasional burst to 90+

3500+ miles on the bike now.