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Tramp
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 11:06 pm: | 
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how about the new ones, anyway? they don't handle as bizarrely. |
Lowelltroll
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 04:49 am: |
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Does anyone know how the 1200R motor compares to the 99-02 Tubers motor? And what's up with the "catalyst" mufflers for the '06's?? |
12r
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 06:30 am: |
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Nevar wrote:
I would have to sell one of my five bikes now to make room (most likely the 929RR).
I p-xed an RRW FireBlade for an 02 Sporty that was SE'd to the max. It was actually pretty good for a Sportster but hopelessly outclassed by all and sundry on the road. If you like your 929 think long and hard before getting a Sporty. |
Rick_a
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 08:26 am: |
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The best thing about Sporties is that they are a modern bike with classic style. I've always wanted a cafe'd out Sporty. Truly timeless.
I'd definitely put Buell first though. A Sporty might be a second or third bike... |
Mikej
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 08:49 am: |
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Tramp,
Yep, "resale" is probably the only advantage an XL has over a Buell. All the rest is simply personal preferences and lifestyle choices. And since the person in question is wanting to go with a "crusier" then a 1200C XL might be a nice way to go if he wants to go with a new/newer bike. I, myownself, am leaning towards either a Dyna, or a RoadKing, or an old Shovel, or an even older flathead. I'm even looking at some of the Polaris/Victory bikes, not sure how they ride but they seem interesting.
If I had the funds I'd just buy the relative's 1200C I'm trying to help sell. Would work for what's needed in the category it would fit into. No fighting, just yacking.
(Message edited by mikej on September 08, 2005) |
Spike
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 09:05 am: |
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Which would I buy? An '04+ 883 standard, in black. IMHO it's the only Sportster in the current lineup that doesn't look like it's trying to be something it's not. Bump it up to 1200 status, maybe throw in some hotter cams and you'd have a modest little bike that's plenty fast and oozes character.
My 2nd choice would be a hot-rod 1200S with the 4-plug heads. Those were just plain cool. |
Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 09:46 am: |
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I think Mike is sore with the resale value of the Buells. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 10:12 am: |
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I wouldn't call it sore exactly, more like frustrated. 
One thing though with the XB platform and the new Uly, it is getting more people to become aware of the brand, and that can only hopefully be a good thing. |
Kevyn
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 12:03 pm: |
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'06 883R; technology is your friend. Go for the 1200cc kit, inverted front forks, gas charged rear shocks. It will look fine and ride decent. It's the best you can hope for with a Sportster.
Or, you could go for a basic Super Glide with the new 6 speed transmission, install an inverted front end and gas charged shocks for the rear and be a huge step ahead in style and comfort. |
Taxman
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 12:33 pm: |
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ifind it funny that when he asked the question he specified he wanted to keep it stock, yet everyone is still making recomendations to mod a bike.
if you want a stock sportster i would go for the 1200. the 883 seems to underpowered. i always lean towards a new bike instead of used. to me its worth the hit you take on value to insure that it has been well treated. |
Gundog
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 12:45 pm: |
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Can the stock Sportster wheels be upgraded to 17 inch? Or does the handling get weird and become unstable? With a wheel swap, there are more tire choices.
Lately, the prices for a used Sporty is getting tempting. Could be a fun winter project.
Thanks |
Fullpower
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 12:56 pm: |
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i have a 98 sportster, it is a pretty good bike. the minuses are:
1) limited fuel capacity
2)frame flex
3) 42 pound rear wheel asembley
plusses:
1) style
2) sound
3) fuel economy
4) reliability
5) inexpensive
6) ease of maintenance
the sportster was a great bike, before they gained 75 pounds with the 2004 rubber models
now they are overwieght pigs, might as well buy a dynaglide. |
Nevar
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 01:18 pm: |
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Taxman,
Yes. I'm one of those weird guys that keeps their bikes stock. I've owned 32 bikes and have 5 now: Duc, Aprilia, MotoGuzzi, Honda, and (of course) a Buell.
I'm leaning towards the 1200 Sporty - but I'm just looking.
There has been a lot of great info supplied here. Thanks to all!
Tim |
Mikej
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 01:27 pm: |
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Tim,
I do know that one of the local dealerships just wholesaled a whole truckload or two of their used bike inventory and they are probably already at their destination in Arizona. There were quite a few Sportsters in the bunch being loaded into the trucks. Might be something to check into. |
Bikertrash05
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 09:10 pm: |
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Spike, the 1200S was quick, too. My 1st HD, a '02 1200S.
 |
Nevar
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 09:19 pm: |
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Thanks Mikej for the tip.
The 1200S looks great. I like the wheels (tubeless tires). Really don't like tubed tires much - too hard to fix on the road...
Tim |
Kevyn
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 02:07 pm: |
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The 1200S is very nice! I thought the S model had gas charged rear shocks?
SuperTrapp makes a really neat up-swept CR style exhaust for the Sporties...
But I still enjoy the benefits of technology...FI and rubber mounted engines are very appealing.
Anyone notice that Bill Werner of HD racing fame is now working for SuperTrapp---designing exhaust systems and traveling with their race team?? Somewhere, I do recall seeing some blacked out 'Conti' style mufflers for Sporties that SuperTrapp was offering. I do like those shorty-duals though... |
Tramp
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 02:28 pm: |
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OK- I've thought it, carefully, over. I would buy (were I a Chopper...er...) whatever sportster i could find cheaply enough to prohibit my chopping of a Buell |
M2nc
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 09:32 pm: |
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Nevar,
I do not know what your tastes are, but I have to say that the '04 and up 1200 Sporties would be my choice. Two friends of mine that ride HD have compared their '04 1200C Sportster vs a '05 Super Glide Custom. They have run them side by side and they both agree that the Sportster can pull away from the Super Glide at will.
I have ridden both bikes and the Sporty feels powerful. It feels as strong as my Nighthawk 750 at full throttle and for a HD, it likes to rev. The Super Glide has more low end torque. Ride the torque curve and the bike moves along nicely, but revving an 88ci is useless, the more you rev it the slower it moves. It's like riding the first motorcycle diesel.
Dave's wife has an '05 883C Sportster. It rides just like the 1200C but does not have the power. When I rode the bike it felt just like the 1200 until I opened it up. Riding around the street the two bikes are very similar, but if you want to pick up the pace, you will want the 1200. I also like the blacked out motor of the 1200 that the 883 does not have.
Older Sportsters shake badly. In comparison, '04 or later Sportsters feel more refined. It's nice to look in the rear view mirrors and be able to make out what's behind you. Also earlier Sportsters do not have the Buells heads like the '04 and later 1200, so they do not have the power. I have run with older sporties and they can not handle the Nighthawk, but my friend's '04 can stay within arm's reach. That bike has nothing to be a shamed off, cruiser or not. That would be my choice. |
Nevar
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 09:50 pm: |
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M2nc,
Thanks man!
I posted this somewhere else - these are the bikes I'm looking at, not necessarily in this order:
- Buell XB12R
- HD Sportster 1200
- Triumph Bonneville (modern)
- MotoGuzzi Griso (not yet released)
- MotoGuzzi cruiser
- Ducati Monster 1000 (or MultiStrada)
Tim |
Gmc310
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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I'd buy the one with the slow Buell motor that doesn't handle as well , NOT , no just kidding the new rubber mounted sportys are sure nice , I like the new tank worlds better , but the one with the dual disks has the old tank , Gary |
Cochise
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 10:54 pm: |
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Buell XB12R may want to look at the Ss, don't know, but it is friggin Awesome!! |
Kevyn
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 11:35 am: |
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What ever you do, don't go near the Duc's...especially the Multistrada S!
With a PCIII/remapped ECU, K&N/BCM air filter and an after market exhaust, you'd be pushing very near 100+HP(92 stock on the dyno) with likely over 75ftlbs torque(73 stock on the dyno) in a trellis tube frame with complete Ohlins suspension riding on Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires.
Not a ride you'd likely forget or want to leave...I recall it could have been Motorcyclists DualSport BOY '05 over the BMWGS...not too shabby. |
Kevyn
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 11:42 am: |
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Oh yeah, I think Ducati is getting ready to do something with the SS and Monster designs...might want to hold off until after the new year begins or the new models are presented later this fall...If you like a 'retro' look, check out the Terblanche Classics...all the advantages of the highly refined 1000DS motor in a trellis frame with the Ohlins suspension package and jaw droppin' eye poppin' looks! |
Fullpower
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 02:56 pm: |
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wow, i see a greater depth to your new list. any dilemma between a ducati and a sportster is very easy to resolve.similar price, aircooled twins, one is overweight pig with 58 horsepower to the ground, the other one is light, quick, excellent brakes, sticky radial tires on lightweight rims, plenty of torque down low, revs 2500 higher than sporty, 6 speed trans. like comparing Angelina Jolie to Rosie Odonnell. But really, go test ride a few bikes, the decision will be easy. |
Fullpower
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 03:01 pm: |
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one thing i should add: my wifes first bike was an 883 sportster, a nice reliable cruiser, we went many places, had a good time. after 11,000 miles, i bought her a 620 Monster. she was real hesitant at first, cause it didnt "look right" after her first 300 mile ride she put the sportster up for sale.
her little monster, with leo vince hi mount exhaust weighs 405 pounds full of fuel. that is a full hundred pounds less than the sportster, and the ducati makes 50% more power. it is damn near a perfect mid size bike. |
Nevar
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 04:32 pm: |
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FP,
Yes. I have a soft spot for the air-cooled Duc Monsters (1000, 800, 620).
You know what my problem is? I want them ALL!!!
Tim |
Cliffb
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 04:58 pm: |
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In 2002 I bought an 883R. Very cool looking with the orange paint and all but pathetic performance, even after a Screaming Eagle muffler and air cleaner were added.
I soon did a 1200 conversion consisting of Buell TS heads, new cylinders and Weisco TS forged pistons. Turned it into a whole new animal.
Problem for me was the seating position. I felt like I had to hang on for dear life whenever I rode on windy days. My M2 is much more comfortable at speed and in wind. |
Nevar
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 06:43 pm: |
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Cliffb,
Yeah, I'm not too keen on cruiser ergos - the 'parachute effect' when out on the highway is pretty miserable. Most of my bikes over the years have been standards and sport(y) bikes, which I prefer - especially when you have to raise up off the seat and absorb bumps with your legs - tough on a cruiser. With forward controls it's even worse.
Tim |
Fed
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 08:21 pm: |
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1200S nice bike. let it breath,do both carb kits w/light weight slide and ignition and they rock.
mine before my XB9S |
Fed
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 08:33 pm: |
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oooops |
Nevar
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 09:37 pm: |
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Fed,
Nice looking bike! That's a sporty-looking Sportster.
Tim |
Wyckedflesh
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 09:51 pm: |
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I rode a Monster 620 at Firebird and was sorely disappointed in the power delivery. I actually enjoyed the 'Zuki SV650 over the M620, but that is my personal feeling. Handling wise, the M620 was more like my XB then the SV was. I did think about getting an M620 about a month before my wreck, and building it out like a Supermotard, throw some Scorp Syncs, KTM forks and Swingarm...yeah I know its a sickness, I just can't leave anything alone...its a damn good thing the car belongs to her or who knows what it would look like... |
Aesquire
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 12:48 am: |
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My 2 cents.
Guzzi's have improved, but price & parts availability is bad where I live, plus a Guzzi is on the 7 worst handling bike list in the Sept. Bike (uk). The XB12R is the best. Ducati's don't suck. A Bonnie is neat.
The pre rubber (2004+) Sportsters vibrate like hell. the newer ones also use an engine derived from the one developed by Buell for the XB's and are much better. ( the OLD 883's are a good bargain though, & respond well to the 1200 conversion. Otherwise, underpowered. On the 2004+ Sportsters, the 883 head being better than the 1200 does not apply. They use the Buell type heads. )
The New XB12Ss Lightning Long is roomier than the XB-R or XB-S Buells and from your list, would be a better personality fit. It's the best new rendition of a classic standard IMHO.
Last, perhaps a M2 Cyclone? there is still a new one sitting on the dealer's floor in Rochester NY. I ride one, and it's the easiest bike in the world to ride fast. ( IMHO, & sure the Xb's handle better, but not much & give me a break eh? ) |
Fullpower
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 02:49 pm: |
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wycked: the little M620 has 2 problems . stock gearing is a bit tall, and the catalyst exhaust weighs 20 pounds too much. some leo vince high mount silencers, and a 14 tooth front sprocket makes it a perfect bike. |
Knotrider
| | Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 08:41 pm: |
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i would look for a CR1000 or an old dry clutch 900 if i were buying a sporty. |
Kevyn
| | Posted on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 11:27 am: |
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"...an old dry clutch 900..."
...The seals will leak, the clutch will slip.
However, an old 900 is an excellent idea! IF, you like to wrench and feel those solid mount vibrations!!
Personally, I ditched a battery operated XLCH and went with a magneto'd XLCH. Oh what fun that was and still is!!!
For Sportster riding fun, I still say the '05 and later 4-cams are a nice piece of HD design and engineering at a reasonable price...883R! |
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