what is it about your rigid that keeps you from going to rubbermount?

for me its the way it feels so solid errr connected to the road. been here for a while and the rubbermount guys seem to have problems that really turn me off to the newer frame and engine setup. BWP5p (bruce) has wobble issues that my bike doesnt have or atleast not to the extent he has. others reported oil leaks from valve covers and crank sensors going bad. fuel injection presents a nice package but i still feel that carb is good enough.
then theres something that just looks weird to me about engine dancing around in frame.
what would get you in the dealer to buy a new bike? for me ide want an fi solidmount.

Hmm, I love my rubbermount and have had exactly zero significat issues in 15k. It tracks sold as a rock into triple digits and never failed :dunno. If I had a 2003 though, I don't think I'd give it up JUST to get a rubbermount and I wouldn't hold on to a rigid JUST to avoid getting a rubbermount either. If I'm happy with a bike I keep it, when it's time for a new ride I buy what flips my switch. If you're thinking about getting one don't be worried, there are far more people happy with them than not (from what I've gathered). Just my .02. :)

I can't afford another bike and Like the 2 I have.

Mines paid for and with the home improvement stuff going on, the wife is gonna have to wait for a while to get her bike. That is unless she decides that she doesn't really want one, then I'm getting an E-glide for the long trips.

I could have bought a new 883 rubbermount for the same price as my low mileage 1997 1200 . I was mainly swayed to the rigid by the 50 pound weight advantage and the better looks . I like the Nightster look and could be tempted in the future- Naa-Imight just bob my fenders and paint some stuff black- Pete

For gods sake Harleys are supposed to shake! That is why I like my rigid mount, and my rigid for that matter. I think the rigid mounts are more timeless and tied to the history of HD. If I want a cushy ride (somewhat), I hop on my Deuce.

I love the shake and and feeling the vibes
I can not afford more than one at a time,
I like the fact I can work on the trans with out spliting the cases.
the solid mount has a leaner sleeker look,
the rubber mounts were not available in Purple.
the rigid has years of production and have become dependable machines
fuel injection is a headache waiting to happen
everybody wants the new black what ever the moco puts out.....
and they pay through the nose for it too....

it feels like riding a motorcycle not a sofa with out feeling ! feel the vibes and the road

I've never rode a rubbermount and this 2002 is my first Harley of any type. It's nothing as far as smoothness, vibrations, and all compared to the Suzuki GS850G I previously owned, but it's a hell of a lot more fun to ride! I love the narrowness of it, the looks of it, that Harley sound, most of all the bike "fits" me. If I was to trade up for a new bike, I wouldn't hestitate because it was a rubber mounted engine, but that's just me.

My first HD was a 2003 100th anniversary edition BLACK :D 883XL. If it hadn't been totalled by a :censor minivan I'd still be riding a rigid mount.

When I replaced it I wanted another NEW Sportster so that's how I ended up with a rubbermount. They are very smooth even at triple digit speeds, but I'd be surprised if anyone that has owned both solid & rubbermounts would say the rubbermounts corner as well as the older solid bikes.

Still, I am WAY HAPPY:clap with my Sportster.:D :tour

This is my first sporty and I don't know if I could change to a rubbermount now after the way this one rides, it rides pretty nice.
ok I could spend some money on handling and get her much better, but its pretty sweet as it is.
I think I am addicted to the vibes she gives off.
It just makes me wanna ride her more.
I don't have anything against the rubbermounts, just I don't need to change.

I've owned both. I only went to a rubber motor after my 01 got beat-up by a Huyndai. The new ones still shake, I really don't notice much difference. If you're happy with what you've got - keep it. If you're considering buying a 04+ bike because you don't like the vibes on your solid bike, then save yourself the headache and just buy a Honda.

Because it looks like a Harley should look, to me, and I have 9 years left on the house. One day I'll buy a new bike, but I'll always keep my rigid mounted Sportster.

I'll be keeping mine, i own it, it's the raw essence of what a motorcycle should be, all 489 pounds of her, she carves nice, runs perfect, and the vibes are part of the experience,

The flubbers just fool the noobs into thinking the are so much smoother and plush, WRONG!!!!!!!!!, they still vibrate,:doh just at different RPMS than the rigids.:doh :laugh

When the 04's first came out, there were two things that I didn’t like about them. One was the extra weight; the second was the new tank. Since that time I have added the instability that appears inherent to the rubber mounted swing arm and the demise of the trap door to the things that I dislike. Truly, Harley Davidson does not make a bike today that I would be interested in. My next bike will be an iron head or maybe an air head BMW.

Rode a 76 Ironhead for 20 years From 76-96...Got a new Roadster in 04. I didnt even like it at first because it didnt feel like I was riding a Sporty...But I got used to it real fast..and loved it:banana

Sorry, I didn't read all the replys on this but I'll chime in to say.....I don't
even know what a rubber mount is like.

I've always riden older solid mount bikes and never had any issues with how
they feel or handle.

Ride On
:tour

...
what would get you in the dealer to buy a new bike?...

For me, all it would take is for somebody else to be paying for it. I like my '01 Sport and would be willing to take a second if I didn't have to pay for it.

I don't know anything other than rigid; my bike feels just like I think it ought to, and I just love it for what it is.

Or maybe I just don't know any better? :laugh I am going to try out a rubbermount this year, just for curiosity's sake.

What would get me to the dealer for a new bike? Simple -- a winning lottery ticket. But I'd still keep my rigid Sporty. Everything about it just suits me. It's more my style.

Still have a pair of 01's. They do everything that a Sportster
should. Have started on an NRHS 1250 conversion for the
Red one. Whenever I think I want something different, I remember
that both were bought new, payed for with cash, and still in
great shape. I look at the MSRP's for new bikes and realize that
I have a Daughter in College, 1 more year on the mortgage, and
can retire next Sept.
Bottom line, I'm gonna keep the rigid's as long they are willing
to keep me.........

i have tried rubbermount two years ago, and i can't say i don't like it, but i LIKE MY BIKE TOO,i love that good look and vibrations, and when i buy another one, new sportster or some other Harley, this one stays home, i am not going to sell it....:tour

It has to be the ride of the rigid mount. It vibrates right down to my inner most being. A fuel injected rubber mount would never have started me on the trip I'm on right now. Just not the same ride.

Woo hoo in the process of renting my own place as I type this. Getting my tool box reloaded with tools I seem to have lost along the way. Telling the spouse he needs to get some tools also because you can't fix shit without any tools.

My sporty is taking me on the ride of a life time. This I shall never forget.
My sporty's got good vibration.....................

Cause it's paid for
Cause I dig the Silver & Black paint job
Cause there's lots of aftermarket support
Cause there's piles of used parts areound
Cause it's lighter
Cause we've been places together
Cause she growls just right
Cause it's paid for!

I have both. Ilike the rubber mount the best.

While I could have bought any HD i'd wanted to, I like the pure simplicity, abundance of new, excellent aftermarket and used parts available and the ease of service of the rigid mount. I have no doubt the rubber mounts are a good ride, but EFI, no trap door on the tranny, and slightly heavier weight were enough to sway me toward the older bike. My original reason for a Sportster was to have a bone stock appearing bike with as many horses and handling mods as is possible. An old fat man on a stock appearing Sportster could make EASY pickins in some $$$$ street racing!

Houndog

We've got one of each... I have a 2004 XL1200C and my wife has a 2000 XLh1200. Her bike has some mild head work, a set of SE bolt-in cams, and a 30 tooth front pulley. The rubbermount is nice as a daily rider and distance rider, but nothing beats stealing her keys and taking the rigid for an afternoon of backroad blasting... although I think she is wondering why her tires are wearing out so fast!
:burnout

im a bit of a purist.
i like the fact that its a bit more required to keep a tune of the engine and the ride is a bit harder. i like fi and would consider it but the packaging of everything else makes it too soft for my liking. im one of those people who doesnt understand why cars need cupholders and auto trans. i like the feeling of having a connection to the mechanical side and not isolate it from me. when riding above 60mph with open face the ability to hear the engine is difficult and need to rely on feel of the bike. the vibes of the engine transfer info to me that are instantly felt. i can feel a miss as i can feel the instant snap of throttle. i dont want it to absorb, i want it to transfer.
know what i mean?

When I heard that in 04 went rubbermounted, i though man... that would have been nice to have.. but then i thought, wait that means i have the last rigid Sporty year... So i felt better about that. Like all new models there are several years that a vehicle company gets it right... I really think the 04 - 06 years the MoCo worked on any issues on the rubbermounts so that when 07 rolled around they had it down. Now the EFI is the new technology to the Sporty, I would give it a few years until they get it right. I will probably get an EFI Sporty later down the line... But I am having way too much fun on my 03!!!

One thing that I really like is that I only paid 6500 for my 03 (NEW) and a buddy of mine paid 20K for a custom rigid and we have the same ride quality!!! lol

RIDE SAFE

Simplicity and Soul.

A rubber mount to me is the same as a mini van. They are handy to have around but I would much rather drive a 60's musclecar.

Kong

what is it about your rigid that keeps you from going to rubbermount?

for me its the way it feels so solid errr connected to the road. been here for a while and the rubbermount guys seem to have problems that really turn me off to the newer frame and engine setup. BWP5p (bruce) has wobble issues that my bike doesnt have or atleast not to the extent he has. others reported oil leaks from valve covers and crank sensors going bad. fuel injection presents a nice package but i still feel that carb is good enough.
then theres something that just looks weird to me about engine dancing around in frame.
what would get you in the dealer to buy a new bike? for me ide want an fi solidmount.

Have you ridden one yet...

Hey Kev
I have not even ridden my solid mount yet. LOL. Damn Canadian winters. Thanks for putting me onto this forum. Checked out my new graphics at the paint shop last night , will try to post pics when I get it all back together.
Derek

Hey Kev
I have not even ridden my solid mount yet. LOL. Damn Canadian winters. Thanks for putting me onto this forum. Checked out my new graphics at the paint shop last night , will try to post pics when I get it all back together.
Derek

LOL, what's up Derek?

Dean got that Factory Manual in the mail to you, I think yesterday! Not sure how he shipped it, but I suspect Global Priority.

Glad you found the place.

You'll get all your questions answered!

Can't wait to see some pics.

RIDE SAFE,

Kev

I'm keeping my solid mount because it's the only bike I've ever had, I've made it my own, and it's got a good weight advantage over the rubbermounts. I think the '03 883's are the perfect Sportys to get started with. Solid mounts engine, good tranny gearing, light weight, carburated (don't want EFI) and great paint scheme. And I think I'd feel that way even if I had a different year or model.

Have you ridden one yet...

yes but not to the limit cause i didnt own it. ill admit i like mine much more (its set up for me) what'd you expect?

not gonna argue about which is a better bike, thatll get us no where fast. i was interested in knowing why other prefer their rigid (haha cantolina) mounted bikes and what would the moco have to do to get them to buy a new one by choice. wrecking bike is not a choice:doh

yes but not to the limit cause i didnt own it. ill admit i like mine much more (its set up for me) what'd you expect?

not gonna argue about which is a better bike, thatll get us no where fast. i was interested in knowing why other prefer their rigid (haha cantolina) mounted bikes and what would the moco have to do to get them to buy a new one by choice. wrecking bike is not a choice:doh

I didn't ask that question to argue with you about what is better, HOWEVER, I did ask it to question your REASONING which suggested perhaps you thought the solid was better because the rubber lacked something i.e.

for me its the way it feels so solid errr connected to the road. been here for a while and the rubbermount guys seem to have problems that really turn me off to the newer frame and engine setup.

and I'm saying that might be faulty logic.

Every rubber I've ever ridden has felt so "solid" or "connected to the road"

that's all.

I like Solids. I think yours rocks.

I just don't see me ever owning another because of other limitations in the way I use em.

But they're cool.

If I had one right now, I might not get rid of it for a rubbermount either, it would depend on how I used it.

Of course, when I DID have one, I DID get rid of it for a rubbermounted Harley sooooooooo, take that as you will.

Kev

you're right in my logic is flawed. not owning both to get a long term feel of each i dont have much to go on. the point i mentioned was hearing crank sensors, oil leaks, wobbles... but hey, i work on vw's and mine is 19 years old. i see whats wrong with the new ones and they turn me off so i wont be buying one of them either.:D

btw, if my bike did need replacing i wouldnt hesitate to get a new 1200r

I just don't like the looks of the motor jumping around it the frame. That was one of the reasons I bought the Heritage Softail Classic instead of a Road King Custom.

I love my Sportster, it is here to stay! We know what to expect from each other. If I were to buy another Sportster it would be a solid mount I could Bob the hell out of. Would have to get an awfully good deal on a rubber mount to make me think about one. And no....... I haven't ridden one either.

you're right in my logic is flawed. not owning both to get a long term feel of each i dont have much to go on. the point i mentioned was hearing crank sensors, oil leaks, wobbles... but hey, i work on vw's and mine is 19 years old. i see whats wrong with the new ones and they turn me off so i wont be buying one of them either.:D

On the internet, you tend to only hear about the problems. The vast majority who don't have problems aren't inclined to post just to say so.

On the internet, you tend to only hear about the problems. The vast majority who don't have problems aren't inclined to post just to say so..




AMEN

I can't afford another bike and Like the 2 I have.

Ditto on that. I could afford another bike, but can't justify it to the old lady.

I like the 1 I have, and don't feel the need to "upgrade".

Plus its been in my family since new, and I hate getting rid of things.

...
what would get you in the dealer to buy a new bike? for me ide want an fi solidmount.

Ditto. I don't want a rubbermunted 'cuz of handling issues as well as not even the possibility of a 6-speed; unless HD makes one in the future, that might put me in a rubbermount.

Ditto. I don't want a rubbermunted 'cuz of handling issues as well as not even the possibility of a 6-speed; unless HD makes one in the future, that might put me in a rubbermount.

At least say "alleged", "potential" or "uncommon but possible" handling issues.

The vast majority have none...

At least say "alleged", "potential" or "uncommon but possible" handling issues.

The vast majority have none...

From what I've seen on this board, it doesn't appear to be a problem with the Customs or Lows. But it appears to be pretty well documented for the other bikes.

Not taking sides but it seems probable that customs and lows are not pushed as hard in the twisties as the Rs are. At this point in my life and given the primitive nature of my CH fuel injection would tip the balance in favor of an 883R. I'll keep the old leg-breaker though!
Matt

Not taking sides but it seems probable that customs and lows are not pushed as hard in the twisties as the Rs are. At this point in my life and given the primitive nature of my CH fuel injection would tip the balance in favor of an 883R. I'll keep the old leg-breaker though!
Matt

They sell what? 75,000 rubbermounts a year give or take.

And out of more than a thousand on this board we've gotten reports from MAYBE 5-6 people who claim to have this problem.

And I push Jenn's Low about as far as possible from time-to-time, as I've done with my SILs base 883 (same height/suspension as the R)... no problems.

I think there is some rare combination of factors causing the issue on the bikes in question.

They're obviously a VAST minority.

K

They sell what? 75,000 rubbermounts a year give or take.

And out of more than a thousand on this board we've gotten reports from MAYBE 5-6 people who claim to have this problem.

And I push Jenn's Low about as far as possible from time-to-time, as I've done with my SILs base 883 (same height/suspension as the R)... no problems.

I think there is some rare combination of factors causing the issue on the bikes in question.

They're obviously a VAST minority.

K


I think that the problem is a combination of the rubber mounted swing arm and the relationship of the swing arm to the horizontal axis. The swing arms of the 04 and later bikes are rubber mounted. The swing arm of the Lows and the Customs are closer to the (90/270) degree horizontal plane than any of the other Sportsters. Thus, the effect of movement of the swing arm through horizontal is minimized. In all Sportsters, as the swing arm approaches 90/270 degrees in the horizontal plane, the tension on the belt increases, thus increasing the deflection of rear wheel to the left. As the swing arm approaches the 90/270 degree plane, the rubber mounted swing arm deflects to the left and then comes back to the right as tension on the belt decreases. This, in my opinion, is the root cause of the wobble problems with the 04 and later Sportsters.

At least say "alleged", "potential" or "uncommon but possible" handling issues.

The vast majority have none...


Yeah, you're right, I apologize, yada yada. The truth is that the biggest reson is because my '03 is about 50 lbs lighter than the rubber duckie counterpart.

I don't like the weight of the rubber mount Sportster, and the fact it no longer has a trap door for the trans. The Sportster has gotten very heavy, and I don't think that is a good thing.

I think that the problem is a combination of the rubber mounted swing arm and the relationship of the swing arm to the horizontal axis. The swing arms of the 04 and later bikes are rubber mounted. The swing arm of the Lows and the Customs are closer to the (90/270) degree horizontal plane than any of the other Sportsters. Thus, the effect of movement of the swing arm through horizontal is minimized. In all Sportsters, as the swing arm approaches 90/270 degrees in the horizontal plane, the tension on the belt increases, thus increasing the deflection of rear wheel to the left. As the swing arm approaches the 90/270 degree plane, the rubber mounted swing arm deflects to the left and then comes back to the right as tension on the belt decreases. This, in my opinion, is the root cause of the wobble problems with the 04 and later Sportsters.

Detailed analysis and a nice theory, but it still doesn't address why what there are more than 300-400 base and R models on this BB and only 5-6 guys have reported it.

And I did state that though most of my rubbermount Sporty miles are on an L, I've also spent some time thrashing a base 883... sooooooooooo (anecdotal, but I still say it's isolated to small numbers and is not an inherint design defect).

Kev

I don't like the weight of the rubber mount Sportster, and the fact it no longer has a trap door for the trans. The Sportster has gotten very heavy, and I don't think that is a good thing.

I dunno man, between you and Phelan, I don't get Harley guys bitching about weight.

If that's the case, F'ck the sporty and buy a Buell at 400 lbs, loosing another 100 from your "slow and heavy" solidmount.

Or buy a Ducati, or ...... .

It's much ado about nothing.

It's the 300 lbs woman ordering 3 big macs and LARGE DIET COKE...

;)


That said, I'll give you the trap door. Though I still think that playing the odds there is nothing to worry about, I still don't get why the F' the got rid of it.

For what it's worth there are some things about the rubber duckies that I really like, particularly the wider tire, fender, and the '05-up headlight; all of which I plan on retrofitting to mine in due time.

I am just glad I have my bike. I have had it 14 years and it is a part of my life. She is the other lady in my life. I never really considered another bike, rubber or otherwise. If I got another bike it would be a Ducati and not a rubby. I will get another classic(sold my 65 mustang last year, that was really dumb) car before I need another bike.

Detailed analysis and a nice theory, but it still doesn't address why what there are more than 300-400 base and R models on this BB and only 5-6 guys have reported it.


Kev

sorta like calculated damages. if your doing a tile floor you buy extra tiles cause some may be broken. its possible some of our tiles are broken.

Kev M, its not that I don't think that the rubber mount Sportster is no good, I know it is good. My buddy has an 05, and it feels heavy to me. For me, and me only, I like a lighter bike. It is just easier to handle, and move around. The newer Sportster is nearing Super Glide weight. I had a FLHT, and I got rid of it because of the weight. Before the FLHT, I had a 94 Sportster, and that was the best bike I ever had. I was sorry that I got rid of it. So in 2001, I bought another Sportster, and I love it.

sorta like calculated damages. if your doing a tile floor you buy extra tiles cause some may be broken. its possible some of our tiles are broken.

That's my theory...

For what it's worth there are some things about the rubber duckies that I really like, particularly the wider tire, fender, and the '05-up headlight; all of which I plan on retrofitting to mine in due time.

LOVE THE HEADLIGHT

HATE THE TIRE, we're probably going thinner when we replace it.

Or we might start with a Metzler of the stock size and see if handling improves.

I LOVE the comfort of the boneheads because my solidmount (and a couple of bud's solidmounts I rode over the years) would shake my hands and feet numb.

BUT my solidmount turned in quicker and I liked that.

Of course, I do remember the handling of the solidmount improving when I changed it to Metzlers too so that could be part of the equation.

K

Kev M, its not that I don't think that the rubber mount Sportster is no good, I know it is good. My buddy has an 05, and it feels heavy to me. For me, and me only, I like a lighter bike. It is just easier to handle, and move around. The newer Sportster is nearing Super Glide weight. I had a FLHT, and I got rid of it because of the weight. Before the FLHT, I had a 94 Sportster, and that was the best bike I ever had. I was sorry that I got rid of it. So in 2001, I bought another Sportster, and I love it.

Hey, ride what you like, but I still think you're splitting hairs over 50 lbs.

You RIDE the bike, you don't bench press it or throw it.

An FLHT is something like 750 lbs... that's 200 lbs heavier than a Rubbermount.

An FXD is only something like 50-70 lbs. heavier than a rubbermount, meaning it is still a medium-sized PERSON ligher than an FLHT (meaning 130-150 lbs.).

Plus an FXD has a lower CG than a Sporty and a lot of people think they "FEEL" ligher.

Again, IF you are THAT concerned about weight, ride a Bonnie, a Ducati, A Buell ... or any other number of 400-450 lbs bikes...

;)

LOVE THE HEADLIGHT

HATE THE TIRE, we're probably going thinner when we replace it.

Or we might start with a Metzler of the stock size and see if handling improves.

I LOVE the comfort of the boneheads because my solidmount (and a couple of bud's solidmounts I rode over the years) would shake my hands and feet numb.

BUT my solidmount turned in quicker and I liked that.

Of course, I do remember the handling of the solidmount improving when I changed it to Metzlers too so that could be part of the equation.

K


Well, I rode my brother's '01 883 and it would rattle me a lot at highwy speeds, but my 1200S for whatever reason rides super-smooth in comparison. Not sure why; the only thing I can think of is maybe the dual-pug setup runs smoother perhaps, but I dunno. Even @ 120 mph mine doesn't shake half as much as his 883 @ 70.

Well, I rode my brother's '01 883 and it would rattle me a lot at highwy speeds, but my 1200S for whatever reason rides super-smooth in comparison. Not sure why; the only thing I can think of is maybe the dual-pug setup runs smoother perhaps, but I dunno. Even @ 120 mph mine doesn't shake half as much as his 883 @ 70.

The 1200S is probably the ONLY solidmount I'd consider owning again for multiple reasons.

That could have something to do with it.

Could also be just that different motors came better or worse balanced from the factory.

Tuning plays a part in it too.

Lots of possibilities.

Hey, some people say rubbermounts shake all about at idle, but the two I ride the most seem to just gently rock back and forth ever so slightly at idle. Now my EVO RK, that 1340 used to DANCE in the frame at idle...

Why the difference, I dunno...

K

I was looking specifically for a 1999 XL1200S for a while and finally bought one 2 weeks ago. I knew that the newer rubber mounts were less of a pain (numbness) in the ass to ride, but because performance was all that I cared about I decided to go with the stiffer, lighter, and shorter rigid mount. I picked it up for 5500 at the dealership with only 8000mi on it. It had full maint. history documented at the dealership. They through in a 1 yr warranty for pretty cheap. My current goal is to try to run the piss out of the engine as much as I can for the next year and as soon as the warranty is up, I'm goin to 88". I have already purchased SE 6800 & 7500 ignitions (had to get them while I still could). My goal is to build a sleeper that the R6 riders will not see coming.

I was looking specifically for a 1999 XL1200S for a while and finally bought one 2 weeks ago. I knew that the newer rubber mounts were less of a pain (numbness) in the ass to ride, but because performance was all that I cared about I decided to go with the stiffer, lighter, and shorter rigid mount. I picked it up for 5500 at the dealership with only 8000mi on it. It had full maint. history documented at the dealership. They through in a 1 yr warranty for pretty cheap. My current goal is to try to run the piss out of the engine as much as I can for the next year and as soon as the warranty is up, I'm goin to 88". I have already purchased SE 6800 & 7500 ignitions (had to get them while I still could). My goal is to build a sleeper that the R6 riders will not see coming.


Sounds fun, keep us posted... :clap

Being a noob to Harleys I have so far ridden just 3 bikes, all Sportys, there were 2 rubbermounted bikes, and my own 1200S. I rode a 883C demo of 06 vintage, and my bro-in-law has an 883R which he let me ride thats also an 06 machine. I liked em all to tell the truth and Im not exactly a fan of vibration, (my 500 Bullet vibrates also).

I do feel that I enjoy the 1200S best of all though, I cant really say why, it just feels right! :)

By the way, all of them are smooth as silk compared to a 1974 750 Bonneville my brother in law owned before he got his 883R, that bike was just terrible, he let me try it one day when we were out riding. I got off after just a few miles and asked for my bike back!

I doubt I'lll ever change from what I have now; solid-mount engine/exhaust.

- He's already everything I ever wanted in a Sportster... for a long time.
- He's tricked-out, hot-rodded and souped-up in so many ways I would not want to try and replicate again.
- He runs like a scalded bandit and only has 4k miles since ground-up restoration & overhaul.
- I love him too much to part with him & he's paid for.
- I'm single and have no need for another bike. Don't get to ride the one I have enough on decent roads anyway.

No point applying logic to this... it's a love affair. Need I say more?

Regards,
Bob G

I doubt I'lll ever change from what I have now; solid-mount engine/exhaust.

- He's already everything I ever wanted in a Sportster... for a long time.
- He's tricked-out, hot-rodded and souped-up in so many ways I would not want to try and replicate again.
- He runs like a scalded bandit and only has 4k miles since ground-up restoration & overhaul.
- I love him too much to part with him & he's paid for.
- I'm single and have no need for another bike. Don't get to ride the one I have enough on decent roads anyway.

No point applying logic to this... it's a love affair. Need I say more?

Regards,
Bob G

you're in love with a guy? :laugh JK.

I love MY bike and have no reason to change. One thing is that I have made it MINE. The other is that I just don't have the money for another, and don't feel like going to the bank and asking for another loan for another Sporty. I guess I would go to the dealer and get another if I won the Lottery.

Don't need any more power, and my solid mount is already a handful on the fireroads. 50 more pounds ain't going to make the ride any more fun. I've also got mine set up the way I want it.

There is one feature that I LOVE on the rubbers though: the mids aren't mounted to the cases anymore. I am always worried about cracking the cases when I stand up on the pegs. :frownthre

If I had $4,000 to spend on a new (to me) bike, I'm pretty sure I would buy the Cagiva/Ducati e900 that is for sale locally. I still wouldn't get rid of the Sporty though.

For an old fart like me that cruises at 55-60 mph, vibration simply isn't an issue. And really, since I started out on Honda 305's and BSA's, my Sportster feels like a massage lounger in comparison. I do think, for whatever reason, the rigids look better. Having said that, if I bought another Sportster, it would likely be a rubber, because I'd want something newer. And by the time that happens, some of the initial teething problems with crank sensors and ecm's should be worked out. (Truth is, I never saw a Sportster of any year I that I didn't want).

you're in love with a guy? :laugh JK.

Don't ask, don't tell :wonderlan

(Truth is, I never saw a Sportster of any year I that I didn't want).

Amen to that!

I like bikes on many different levels. Doesn't matter if it is an old Harley work trike, or a FLSTABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP model. To me, the bikes are all about history, passion and innovation...

Now if I was uber-rich and rode coast-to-coast cross country 3-4 times a year, I'd be most worried about comfort, and a rigid might not work. But who the hell knows, maybe I'd even try that and see how it felt. :p

Anyways, Kev rides (or rode) bikes for a living. I know every bike has it's quirks, but I'm in Kev's camp with his argument here. I think it all comes down to loving the bikes we currently have. One last soapbox stand...at least we all get to ride (right?). So thank God, Buddah, Allah, Ozzy Osbourne, or whoever you pray to for that ;).

WTF am I doing reading in the rigid section anyways :doh j/k

-Jay

Sometimes the vibration gets to be a pain when I'm up over 65 or 70 mph, but since I ride mostly back roads and the cops around here are ticket happy, I rarely get up to those speeds.

I got my Sportster a few years ago and it's the first motorcycle I've ever owned. I've thought about maybe trading it in for a newer Sporty, but I'm having too much fun fixing this one up the way I like it.

I'll have this one paid off by next year this time. When the time comes to get another bike I'll most likely be getting a Road King but I plan on keeping the Sportster for running around the back roads and riding to work. Heck it gets nearly 50 mpg and you just can't beat commuting on a Harley.

I don't need a rubbermount, this solid mount feels fine and I figure that by the year 2003 the MoCo must have got it perfected. Nothing against the rubbermounts but there are usually some bugs to be worked out when big changes are made to an existing model of anything.

I like feeling the engine under me. I rode a friend's GoldWing shortly after he got it last fall, and I couldn't feel a darn thing - it was disconcerting! Who needs a tach when you've got engine vibrations to tell you when to shift? I think the solid mount gives it more of the feel that you're out there; it's less 'sanitized' than other rides (barring rigids).

Plus, on a purely superficial note, I get a laugh on many of the local poker runs. One of the regulars, a guy named Vic, waits for some guy to start beaking about how sore his butt is. Then Vic looks at him while pointing to me and tells him "what're you whining for? That guy's [me] got a solidmount, but you don't hear him complaining, do you?".

And, on a completely unrelated note, this is my first post in this section as the SOLIDMOUNT(not frame or rigidmount - solid) section mod! :banadanc

Plus, on a purely superficial note, I get a laugh on many of the local poker runs. One of the regulars, a guy named Vic, waits for some guy to start beaking about how sore his butt is. Then Vic looks at him while pointing to me and tells him "what're you whining for? That guy's [me] got a solidmount, but you don't hear him complaining, do you?".


Just out of curiousity, when did EVO's become cool?

Oh yeah, when they came out with TCs and Rubbermounts.... I got it.

"Hear no Evo, Speak no EVO, Ride no Evo"

ahhh, the good old days. ;)

Guess I'll never be cool enough cause I like new shyte. ;)




And, on a completely unrelated note, this is my first post in this section as the SOLIDMOUNT(not frame or rigidmount - solid) section mod! :banadanc

:clap :clap

I have an '00 custom solid mount and since I like the customs most here is what I like about the solid mounts:
1. the small tank on the solid mount custom
2. the riding position on the solid mount customs
3. the overall lines of the solid mount
4. the riser and handle bars on the solid custom better
5. the battery showing
6. the oil tank
7. the FEEL of the engine better when it is solid mounted
8. the weight advantage
9. the ignition
10. the rear fender supports
11. the frame appearance better, especially up around the neck area and under the tank
12. the 130 rear tire
13. three piece rocker covers
14. the overall gear ratio's
15. transmission trap door
16. rear master cylinder on right side

but I still think you're splitting hairs over 50 lbs.



Interesting.

Solid mount custom dry weight is 492 lbs, rubber mount custom dry weight is 562 lbs = 70 lbs difference.

Say you have 80 hp in a solid mount (1 hp for every 6.15 lbs), you would need 91.38 hp in a rubber mount to accelerate like the 80 hp solid mount provided gearing was the same.

For those of us who love the styling of the sportster, but yet want a bike that performs, those 70 lbs are not hairs.

Interesting.

Solid mount custom dry weight is 492 lbs, rubber mount custom dry weight is 562 lbs = 70 lbs difference.

Say you have 80 hp in a solid mount (1 hp for every 6.15 lbs), you would need 91.38 hp in a rubber mount to accelerate like the 80 hp solid mount provided gearing was the same.

For those of us who love the styling of the sportster, but yet want a bike that performs, those 70 lbs are not hairs.

First off you're comparing Customs and I could give two craps about customs. ;)

And if you're going to split hairs over "performance" then maybe you want to pick a model with longer suspension, mid controls and dual disc brakes eh?

Not to mention they changed the cylinder heads on the 1200s when they went to rubbermounts and increased the stock hp/torque numbers enough to pretty much offset the weight difference.

I agree with you on the trap door and the 130 rear tire. The later of course you can swap yourself and shed a couple more pounds. Plus loose the passenger footpeg brackets for another 5 lbs....

So the difference in weight then becomes smaller and smaller, something between splittings hairs and splitting rch's

;)

I have an '00 custom solid mount and since I like the customs most here is what I like about the solid mounts:
1. the small tank on the solid mount custom
2. the riding position on the solid mount customs
3. the overall lines of the solid mount
4. the riser and handle bars on the solid custom better
5. the battery showing
6. the oil tank
7. the FEEL of the engine better when it is solid mounted
8. the weight advantage
9. the ignition
10. the rear fender supports
11. the frame appearance better, especially up around the neck area and under the tank
12. the 130 rear tire
13. three piece rocker covers
14. the overall gear ratio's
15. transmission trap door
16. rear master cylinder on right side

So Your Saying You like Solid Mounts ??? :laugh :laugh

First off you're comparing Customs and I could give two craps about customs. ;)
I figured you would go there;) But the point is I compared apples to apples...model to model. I like many appearance things on the custom best best but leveled up and so I chose that since it is the one I would buy.

And if you're going to split hairs over "performance" then maybe you want to pick a model with longer suspension, mid controls and dual disc brakes eh?
Not all performance is in corners. I am in Illinois and for me to give my bike longer suspension to be able to take that corner (few and far between) at a degree or two or three lower or a few mph quicker would be a waste. However I accelerate hard on mine regularly.


Not to mention they changed the cylinder heads on the 1200s when they went to rubbermounts and increased the stock hp/torque numbers enough to pretty much offset the weight difference.

Not exactly. The rubbermount does make slightly more power than the equivalent solid mount due to the heads, W grind cams and higher compression ratio, however it was not enough to compensate for the added weight. Also HD changed the SAE standard used to measure power. If you look at stage 1 dyno sheets for each one, you'll see the real difference. The new heads were a nice thing for all sportster owners. They are a step better than the Buell Thunderstorms and make it even easier to get into the 80 hp range witout any work on the heads.

I agree with you on the trap door and the 130 rear tire.
I am sick of fat tires on narrow bikes. The 150 on the custom (since it hase a wider tank) is about as wide as I can accept on a Sportster. HD was about 5 years late in that styling anyway. I think that fad is on the way out, but we'll see. Removing the trap door was a mistake and I think that in about 5 to 10 more years you are going to be reading a rash of complaints on this forum and others about it.

The later of course you can swap yourself and shed a couple more pounds. Plus loose the passenger footpeg brackets for another 5 lbs.... So the difference in weight then becomes smaller and smaller, something between splittings hairs and splitting rch's;)
All bike can shed weight, but if acceleration (with Sportster styling) is what you are after, why start 70 lbs heavier?

I figured you would go there;) But the point is I compared apples to apples...model to model. I like many appearance things on the custom best best but leveled up and so I chose that since it is the one I would buy.

Not all performance is in corners. I am in Illinois and for me to give my bike longer suspension to be able to take that corner (few and far between) at a degree or two or three lower or a few mph quicker would be a waste. However I accelerate hard on mine regularly.

Not exactly. The rubbermount does make slightly more power than the equivalent solid mount due to the heads, W grind cams and higher compression ratio, however it was not enough to compensate for the added weight. Also HD changed the SAE standard used to measure power. If you look at stage 1 dyno sheets for each one, you'll see the real difference. The new heads were a nice thing for all sportster owners. They are a step better than the Buell Thunderstorms and make it even easier to get into the 80 hp range witout any work on the heads.

I am sick of fat tires on narrow bikes. The 150 on the custom (since it hase a wider tank) is about as wide as I can accept on a Sportster. HD was about 5 years late in that styling anyway. I think that fad is on the way out, but we'll see. Removing the trap door was a mistake and I think that in about 5 to 10 more years you are going to be reading a rash of complaints on this forum and others about it.


All bike can shed weight, but if acceleration (with Sportster styling) is what you are after, why start 70 lbs heavier?


You make great points and I can't or won't argue with em (any but your prediction of doom and gloom on the trannys, though I'd like a trap door I'm not loosing sleep over it's absence).

still, they're all good reasons for you to be on the bike you're on (and me to be on the ones I'm on).

Agreed. What is important for one is not important for another.

The greatest thing about the Sportster is it provides a platform that can be easily adapted to what the owner find important. I say "a" platform, but in reality it provides many different platforms from years of production.

Agreed. What is important for one is not important for another.

The greatest thing about the Sportster is it provides a platform that can be easily adapted to what the owner find important. I say "a" platform, but in reality it provides many different platforms from years of production.

I think it's true that most Harleys provide a platform to adapt since the accessories and aftermarket have historically been so crazy strong and diverse.

But there is something about the Sportster family in general, something so simple and basic that lends itself to that even more.

It's one of the things I love about em, solidmount or rubbermount alike.

Kev

All bike can shed weight, but if acceleration (with Sportster styling) is what you are after, why start 70 lbs heavier?

FWIW...every road test of the rubbers, at least by the leading Cycle rags (Cycle World, Rider), have confirmed the fact that the additional horsepower did not offset the additional weight, at least as far as 1/4 mile et's. The rubbers, in stock form, are slower. (not including the '07 883 FI of course). While that fact does not really mean squat to me personally, (and there is certainly more power to be had from the rubbers with a little work), it does show that weight matters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeMgEuf30G4&mode=related&search=

Whooa !!! That link to the Honda 750 Four K0 model just gave me a giant flashback. I had one of those puppies in 1969 when I got back from Vietnam. Engine #000000327.

It was the first thing that satisfied my need for excitement and adventure after a year with the SF II Corps Mike Force :). That rascal was FAST and didn't need any sissy rubber mounts, either. VERY smooth vibration-free machine.

Kept it for years. When taking it to a Honda shop for tire changes, etc, the shop mechanic would always ask me "Who tuned your bike... that sure is fast."

Well, I was always proud to tell them I tuned it myself without the aid of those wimpy 4-Vacuum Guage tools, either. hehehehe.

Thanks for the posting. Many happy memories of that machine. Still wouldn't even think about trading my Sportster today for one. Rare, collectable and expensive as they are these days.

Regards,
Bob G

Yeah, vibration hasn't really been a problem for me either on my 1200S. I ride at all speeds and it just isn't an issue unless I get bad gas :censor like I did a few weeks ago; It was premium , but something in it wasn't right 'cuz my bike vibrated like crazy between 3K and 4K rpm until I ran through it and filled up again. One example of how smooth it is - I got a speeding ticket the other day for 115 mph in a 60. Bike ran 5500 rpm and I hardly felt anything. I was fortunate the guy gave me a break and didn't take me to jail. I was pretty stupid to say the least.

I can only relate my experiences with Nortons here and never having ridden on a rubber-mount Sportster. The Norton engineering with rubber-mounting was absolutely superb.

In typical Britt fashion, they called it their "Isolastic System". They took their Norton Atlas design and went back to the drawing board. First, they inclined the cylinders forward, rather than vertical.

Then, they seperated the entire drive train from the frame and passenger contact areas and reassembled it with serious rubber mounts at every point of contact between the two sections.

It worked like a champ, too. The old Atlas was one serious shaker and Britt vibrator. The newer rubber-mount Commando felt like a 'Beemer in comparison. Yes, the engine would sit there shaking in the frame at an idle, but when you sat on it, you couldn't tell. I thought it was kinda cool, though.

Now, they did this without compromising weight back in 1969 without benefit of today's modern materials. The dry weight was 375-380 pounds according the owner's manual. They were VERY light & small for their 750cc engine size.

That's why they always won the 'superbike shootoff' tests in the motorcycle magazines back then. Hot engine, small size, and light weight. Compared to the previous Atlas, it was a total no-brainer back then.

Methinks that HD engineers could learn a few things today from that old Norton design and engineering.

Just my two Piaster's worth.

Regards,
Bob G

http://www.greenberet.net/ScrapBook/3-bad-boys.jpg

PS: I still love my current street-figthin' Sportster best of all. Real men still drive solid mounted engines... :roflblack :sporty:

i posted that link cause one thing the guys mentioned is it was too good, which to them was boring. could the sporty be heading to being too good?
new ones are less vibrations, fuel injected, computer controlled fuel and spark. soon watercooled, self adjust primary, self adjust belt. i see less input from tinkering types.
we'll just buy them and consider the chrome packages available and then just ride. one thing comes to mind...honda accord, great car but no fun at all.

damn, i just realized i blame everything on honda...bastards:laugh

In all honesty, if I had the option for a rubber mount on a stripped down 1999 XL883 I would have taken it. However, I'm very happy with my rigid mount, and won't be changing it.

I like my solid mount because it is lighter and easy to work on.I do all my own work and do not want to split the cases just to get to the tranny.I will keep my old solid mount because it gives the feeling of what a Harley should be,if I wanted smooth and cushy I would get in my car.