best kept secret

***LagerDrinker*** · #1 06-28-2007

Is the sportster the best kept secret in motorcycling? If not, what is? and why?
Edit: Really i know the answer to that. I just wanna know what comes close.

***Mustang12*** · #2 06-28-2007

You bet it is. The rep of a "Chick" bike is not deserved. 1200cc is a big friggin' engine. The bike is thin and fast. So many things can be done to make it your "Custom Cycle". I love my XL1200C and still put up with crap from non Sporty riders. Now that HD has a 96ci engine does that mean if you don't have anything as big or bigger, you now have a "Girls" bike?

***klown*** · #3 06-28-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang12

You bet it is. The rep of a "Chick" bike is not deserved. 1200cc is a big friggin' engine. The bike is thin and fast. So many things can be done to make it your "Custom Cycle". I love my XL1200C and still put up with crap from non Sporty riders. Now that HD has a 96ci engine does that mean if you don't have anything as big or bigger, you now have a "Girls" bike?

And besides that, the best thing about the sportster is it come with a free case of tampons. I don't care what you say you can't beat that, unless you buy a miata or VW bug convertible

***PlanB*** · #4 06-28-2007

There's not many models on the market that can tout they've been in production for fifty years! That right there speaks for itself for the Sportster!

I think a couple of "sleeper" bikes that don't get the recognition they deserve are the ZRX1200, the V-Max, and the Bandit...just my opinion, which is like a bellybutton...everyone has one!

***Casper*** · #5 06-28-2007

It may be the biggest secret in this day and age, but ask any greybeard what they rode, and you'll probably find that a lot of them had a Crippler at one time or another, and they'll undoubtedly have a few "can't tell this in front of the missus" stories from it, too. It's only the current batch of riders that really mock the XL.

***LagerDrinker*** · #6 06-28-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlanB

There's not many models on the market that can tout they've been in production for fifty years! That right there speaks for itself for the Sportster!

Thats one of the things that boggles my mind, its been in production for 50 years and people still havent woken up to the fact that it's one of the most capable bikes out there. From custom to touring to racing it does it all. It's the one bike that really defines what the motorcycle is. With a very low buy in you get a bike that can be set in many different directions. Sure i like sportbikes but they arent cheap...8900. for a 600cc crotch rocket and thats not out the door, add in prep and all that and financing your looking at 10k+. in the sportster's base price range of 6600. you can get a alot of bikes but most are smaller displacement to start and can never grow. the 883 can grow to 1250cc without much hassle. As far as custom...where to start? frames, wheels,tanks, anything you want. ive found rigid rolling chasis on ebay for 900-1500 bux.
Those buying the small honda cruisers and saving 800 bucks dont have a reason not to buy anymore cause with FI the smallest of harleys has the ease of starting that previous models may have needed a stage one done. please do all who are getting into bikes a favor by letting them know the facts. im amazed how misinformed many are, they cant believe they can afford a sportster so they settle for a shadow, a great bike but...its no harley.

***jamman*** · #7 06-28-2007

a shadow is way more comfortable than a sporty, with any kinda seat.. a sporty is still a Niche bike , just like my Bob..

I did see dual purpose bikes with road racing wheels on that are way bad on the dragon.. this past weekend.

***redbeard*** · #8 06-28-2007

[quote=LagerDrinker;8499]Thats one of the things that boggles my mind, its been in production for 50 years and people still havent woken up to the fact that it's one of the most capable bikes out there. quote]

That's what i was thinking, no secret, people just don't wanna believe.

Joe

***fexlh*** · #9 06-28-2007

It's a motorcycle in it's purest form. Not the fastest, or the most comfortable, not the best handling. BUT, it does lots of things reasonably well. It is by far, the coolest. Well, MINE is anyway!

***Tinman13*** · #10 06-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

It may be the biggest secret in this day and age, but ask any greybeard what they rode, and you'll probably find that a lot of them had a Crippler at one time or another, and they'll undoubtedly have a few "can't tell this in front of the missus" stories from it, too. It's only the current batch of riders that really mock the XL.

I'm right there with ya Bro about us old-timers. What's the secret anyway? My first real street scoot was a '68 Sporty stuffed in a rigid frame. Mad Max got hold of the motor, and there wasn't a big twin around that could touch it. Was it comfy? Hell no. That wasn't the purpose at the time. Now 33 years later, still a sporty, an '02, but with shocks. Seven back surguries and you want a little softer ride.

Still not the most comfortable, but who cares. I've rode the shit out ot of it for over 60,000 miles with little to no problems mechanically.

I don't know many folks that can keep a secret for 50 years. I think a lot of newbies whine a little too much about everything.