I bought my first bike 17 years ago. Brand new 100th anniversary 883 sportster. Loved that little bike!! I couldn’t do long trips though even at young age of 19 lol 😂. The engine has more than enough power, it’s the small frame that’s hard on most men. I made a 400 mile trip one time and it about killed me. If you move up to a Dyna that has the carbed 88 engine they are also pretty fuel efficient. Mine got 45mpg most the time just running around
Charlie Steinbeck would love it! Great idea for your theme! Touring on weird motorcycles is very cool! "Hi, I'm John and I ride weird bikes to weird places." Have you heard of the FSSNOC? When you get some riding experience 😁, you can move 'up' to a 1 lung "Fizz-Knocker" (I love to say that nickname for that club). An Aussie heralded as HUGO circumnavigates Oceania aboard his hot-rodded, high-endurance, ex-postie CT110 Honda. I am actually excited about the '95 883 I see for sale here for $2000USD: solo seat and nice rear rack., primered tall peanut tank, mini-apes, "Runs Good". Should I go for it?
Hey, I'm so sorry John, I missed your message for some reason. Did you end up buying the 1995 Sportster? How was it for you? I enjoy the rubber mounted engine and the 4.5 gal. tank myself, so I'm partial for a younger, "Custom" model Sportstie, but the peanut tank is iconic for darn sure. RIDE SAFE!
C'est magnifique mon ami! Merci! I enjoyed the video and the fact that you don't need a 1200 or 1800 to tour with. I have toured extensively on my 500 cc bike, and have enjoyed the 65 MPG very much. And the bike is super comfortable. No need for 1000 plus CCs. I also agree that a Corbin Seat is a must. Best and most comfortable seat in the industry. Aloha!
Another thing totally missing in the world today is respect for others, compassion, and not enough love in the world to. To much hate, disrespect, and blaming other for your own problems. Keep spreading the GOOD and fighting the bad.
Dear Motorcycle aficionado friends: Who's into high fuel efficiency cruising and touring out there ? I'd love to start a forum, or a network, a club even to discuss about that. It is most unfortunately difficult at this point to find motorcycles that combine the style we want, the features we want AND the fuel efficiency that our time calls for. 30+ mpg belongs to the 80s, we are in 2015 in we want 60+ mpg. I'm reaching out to connect with like-minded folks. THANK YOU !
Respectful Revolution Hello, I am also into efficient touring on my motorcycle. And I also have a sportster 883 that I use for travelling. I just got back from a 700 mile trip and averaged 56 mpg, running the bike at 60-65 mph most of the time, but sometimes 75 mph for short distances. I have had my Harley sportster 883 for 15 years, and it's still running strong. Also, for shorter trips, I have a Suzuki DRZ400S, which is capable of 70 mpg, but usually gets about 65 mpg when I run it at 55-60 mph. This bike is very useful for riding in the city, and trips with a lot of unpaved roads. It is fun to spend very little money on fuel.
Trevor Jameson Hi Trevor, Thanks for the message. WOW, so you ride over long distances with a non rubber mounted engine, am I correct ? YEP, I don't really understand why not more people are paying attention: I mean filling up for say $ 15, it's like someone would be giving you back 5 bucks (do the math, if I get 60 mpg where someone currently gets 40, that works out to a 2-to-3 difference). 5 bucks on a fill up, that buys you grub on the road !!!! And this really is FREEDOM, because once you apply the idea of saving your bucks for stuff that really matters to you, that frees some of your time when you don't have to work so hard to buy whatever you don't need, excess gas for one thing. Dunno, I value my FREEDOM over anything else because what it really comes down to is OUR LIMITED TIME ON EARTH. Will I spend this precious time working for the man or will I spend it pursuing what truly matters to me ? WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THAT ???
I think that's awesome and I completely agree! It's all about Freedom! And yes, my sportster does NOT have a rubber mounted engine, being a 2000 model XL883. This means my bike is lighter and more narrow than the newer ones. The vibration is almost ZERO at 60 mph, but does become bothersome over 65 mph if you are not wearing soft gloves. Otherwise, it is not as bad as people seem to think. The 883 engine is a truly superb design, and is infinitely rebuild-able.
Trevor Jameson Yes, it is, There's a reason why the Sportster has been around for such a long time: it is a superb and highly durable design. Not pushing it also insures that all moving parts (engine in particular) won't wear out too quick. You just need to customize the hell out of it compared to a similar Japanese bikes that will come standard with far superior parts. But there's magic that comes with a Harley, and a Sportster, that doesn't necessarily comes with a Japanese clone, never mind how better engineered it is.
Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed watching it. More important, it inspired me to take same way travelling riding my sporty Iron 883. Now I see it works out perfect! thanks a lot!
A lot of us have the same passion, to ride, tour, see the whole beautiful USA. But under some unavoidable circumstances, not everyone can. Sad but true.........hopefully someday I can. I like what you do & good luck
+Willie “Buknoy” Lopez I've seen quite a bit of the world already but still, the U.S. of A is still the land that I prefer as far as variety and mesmerizing beauty. It is a dream-come-true for anyone who loves the road. And there's just no better way to experience the road than on a motorcycle.
Merci Andre. Faire l'effort de focuser sur la beaute du monde au lieu de la laideur et la mechancete, ca fait toute la difference. Avec ma compagne, on a malheureusement plus souvent les poches vides que pleines mais on est tellement riche de cette incroyable experience. Et puis oui, la moto. ca fait egalement toute la difference. L'engagement est total. Bonne chance a vous et bon voyage............
i love it !!! ......i have a 2003 Sportster 1200 ,bored out and pistons shimmed to lower the compression ,runs great and i ride it every day ,often for work too ....i can understand your excitement totally and admire your endurance ,hope you have many more years fun on that bike and wish you the very best for your project !!!
I'm on my fourth Sportster, currently have a 2012 Iron 883, perfectly happy with it. I'm a Photojournalist I ride my Sporty to most of my gigs and assignments. Taken lots of trips on my Sporty on the open road I'm in the 53-55 MPG range, but I like to cruise around 70 myself. But have to admit if I slow down and take the back roads I enjoy the ride a lot more. Sporty's are perfect for backroad rides.:) +1 on the Michelins I got 17K on one front and 25k on my back.
Hell-A area? I'm down there fairly regularly and if you're in the area, I'd be happy to meet one of these days for a drink or a pair of tacos... Are you on FB? We could connect this way first. How's that?
Respect & Congrats for this video...and for your way to help this planet here we all live. I'm Portuguese and I also love the FREEDOM, I've a 2005 HD XL883C that I bought recently, made 10K on 3 month with her and boy...what a surprise, my first HD, i'm very happy and the low fuel consumption..wow..the average is 5.4L/100km..i ride fast and go everyday to work on city... in June I made a 5K trip from Portugal to the French Alpes and Swiss and back and made 4L/100km on some quiet days, that really surprise me...and with no problem...Regards Marco - Viking Ravens
+Marco Guiomar Hi Marco, hey good for you !!!! Thanks a lot for reaching out. Yes, the Sportster does need a bit of upgrading in the seat and suspension department, but once it's addressed, it is a great bike even for long distance. And it is CHEAP. Cheap is the name of the new game. We don't have $$$ or resources to throw away anymore, do we ? And if we can travel cheaply in style too, that's a win win. Ride safe my friend and have much fun.
One small correction, he’s not “on the back “ of the Sportster. He’s ON the Sportster. On the back in furs that someone else is riding it and he’s a passenger.
Eu tenho uma Harley 883 ano 2014 e sou apaixonado por ela, viajo todos os finais de semana, a moto é excelente peguei ela o km e agora já esta com 48.000 km sem nenhum problema só alegria
I owned a 2005, 883 custom from new, I had it 8 yrs, most of its work was two up, and I pulled a trailer behind it for a while, no problems, looking to buy mother Harley, think it will be another sportster, by the way I am selling my home and going to build on acerage and start a community living for some friends, so we can help each other.
Excellent vid and I love the set-up you got going. Very inspiring seeing you do that trip over a road king or BMW GS etc. looks like you are very happy too.
Thanks Daniel, YEP, ya got that right. I am very happy and feeling totally free on the Sportster. Personally I feel trapped and kinda bogged down on a larger bike. Plus why pay almost twice as much on freakin' gasoline??? My idea of freedom is own the least, pack the smallest, spend the least to do the very maximum you want to do.
nice going, I ride 1991 softail and 60 mph is a sweet spot on my bike, any more and there's less comfort on the bike , it seems at 60 mph and just touching the throttle the engine rev's are at a perfect place, no need for speed over here.
+jojojeep1 Totally, no vibrations, mild air resistance, superb fuel efficiency. It takes getting used to the relatively low speed (especially on the freeway) but once you get used to it, that's it, you're hooked because it is just perfect and so much more enjoyable.
When my medical formation in Italy will be over I’d like to come in the U.S. and take some motorcycle road trips to help the ones that cannot afford medical care
Hi Livermore 883, I recently passed 40,000 miles, I'm getting close to 41K now. The more I ride, the smoother the bike seems to become, but I don't abuse it either... Ride your dreams and be safe my friend.
Thanks you for the response. Glad to hear its riding smooth and getting even better.Hope to see another video of yours taking another long trip on your sportser really soon..ride safe as well and God bless.
Indeed. And you can't understand it until you ride yourself. To me, it's the most magical way to travel over land, it's like "riding the wind" and being a part of the world you're traveling through. There's nothing like it. Well, enjoy it and ride safe my friend. Hoping to cross paths with you in town one of these days... Shouldn't be too difficult.
I am not criticizing the 883 (have owned one and loved it - my first HD many many years ago) but I think you will find at least some of the 1200s do very similar mpg to the 883s. I know THE most efficient bike I have ever owned was a 1995 1200 Sporty which got around 65 mpg imperial. It was definitely more fuel efficient than my 883 however to be fair my 883 was an 86...it had a chain and (I think?) a 4 speed gear box if I am not mistaken.....I know someone will correct me if I am!
I had a 1995 he 883 Sportster that was recently stolen when I was in the hospital for 6 weeks. I ride that bike everywhere and rode it to Houston Texas and back from Naples, Florida at least 15 times to visit my son in all types of weather and it never left me stranded not one time. I've also risen that bike as far as Wisconsin and back putting well over 200,000 miles on that bike never once ever having to do any mechanical work other than typical maintnance, tires and 4 final drive belts since they only seemed to last me about 50,000 miles each, I loved riding that bike and would still be riding her cross country with all my gear strapped to her had some sorry crack heads not have stolen her from me. I'm still trying to locate where they sold it and where it's being hidden. I get a little more information each week and hope that I'll soon be able to find my bike so I can start riding her cross country again and maybe reach that 300,000 mile mark someday. Sportster's are fuel efficient and practically indestructible if you do you keep your engine and transmission oil properly changed. You won't ever get close to that kind of mileage out of a big v-twin, American or metric.
I am SO SAD to hear that, Christopher !!!! I can't say publicly how I'd deal with thieves. Let's say it would be in the best "Old West Traditions..." and I'll leave it at that. I hope you get her back, or another similar one. YES, the Sportstie is a sweet, good, dependable ride. I surely love mine. The reliability and fuel economy of this bike is such that I don't give a trace of a damn about what nay-sayers are saying about its size... All bikes were that size anyway a few decades ago when it was taking so much more guts to cross countries and continents on motorcycles. VERY BEST OF LUCK to you.
What brand and model of helmet camera are you using in this video? I have a GoPro but I find that the wind resistance isn't really fun on the highway...
Hi Jean-Paul, (parlez-vous Francais...?). I keep my GoPro for the handlebar where it's protected from the wind by the windshield. At the time I was using a DRIFT "Ghost HD" camera. I like the ergonomics but all DRIFT's have iris issues (the iris goes crazy fairly often and gives footage that changes values every few seconds, that's useless) and they don't last either. I am now using a GARMIN VIRB (will probably invest at some point in a new Garmin 30HD something...?) and I love it. It isn't super stabilized but the color and definition are quite decent AND it has a slide switch on the side that allows to start recording from "OFF" and go back to "OFF" when you stop recording, all with your gloves on. It is completely motorcycle-friendly and saves the battery considerably. And the Garmin VIRB is more aerodynamic that the square GoPro's. But now ANY camera will create additional drag once you pass 60/65mph, especially if not protected by some windshield. Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK to you and ride safe.
I see you have green & red reflective tape in the rear. On my bicycle & car, I put reflective tape on the rims; gets their attention. Sometimes I get other drivers honking at me signaling their approval.
Great video. Super inspiring. Did you swap out the handlebars or are those stock? If you changed them, which ones do you have? I'm taking a trip on my Harley 883 and I'm considering handlebars that put me in more upright and relaxed position.
I got a truimph Rocket 3 touring bike looking forward to long bike trips pulling a old sears cargo carrier turned into a motorcycle trailer doing camp outs in a tent love the open road
Beautiful video, congratulations Gerard. ( I sometime go to the US to ride HD across the West). If that is possible, I'd like to know the title of this beautiful song which we ear behind all these magnificent landscapes. Thank you for all
+John Peyron Hi John! Thanks for the nice comments!! The song is called "Walk With You" by a young woman from Southern California named Kris Angelis.. here's a link to her artist website: krisangelis.bandzoogle.com/
+John Peyron Hey, New Caledonia!!! We were just watching a great BBC documentary called "How To Grow A Planet", and some of it was filmed in New Caledonia!!! WOW - is it ever beautiful! Can't wait to shoot Respectful Revolution videos there! By the way, we will soon be re-posting Kris's song on this channel, along with the road footage...no Respectful Revolution stuff, just road shots and her lovely song....stay tuned for that! Thanks John.. - Gerard & Stacey
+Respectful Revolution Hi Gerard. I don't know if we are talking about the same thing. Where I am living, is an island, french territory (so I am french), located in south pacific ocean, northern New Zealand and in front of Australia (Brisbane city). Is it that you watched in the BBC documentery ? I keep earing Kris's song and her beautiful voice !! Greetings John
+John Peyron Oh yes! It was the very same...it was a 3 part series called How To Grow A Planet...all about how plant life has completely shaped life on this planet. And evidently New Caledonia has the direct descendant of the first-ever flowering plant to appear on Earth growing in its rainforest...!
fshbon77 So far I have been using DRIFT cameras, first year was a HD170, poor quality and the thing started malfunctioning on me maybe four weeks into my journey (weird purple aberrations). 2nd and 3rd year i used the model only called "DRIFT HD". Quality was much better, only problem being that in bright sunlight the automatic iris would start "panicking" and wouldn't stay on the same value for more than a second or two, then it would stabilize and then start again later. I had to get rid of lots of otherwise great footage. And the camera finally died on me without warning. I recently bought a Garmin Vibe that seems to be the best bang for your buck at this point, especially when you want a remote control. No iris flickering. I haven't used it enough to really be able to speak about its merits, but so far, so good.
I'm indeed looking at smaller engines. Modern 700cc engines, especially with a 6th gear, are supposed to last much longer than older engines of the same size. I wish Yamaha was selling the XLR700 in North America, that's a bike I find appealing for instance. I do like the Moto Guzzi V7 quite a bit too. That's a proven engine with nice updates now for fuel efficiency today.
A major problem with going on long journeys on a motorcycle is that if you have a flat tyre you have no spare. You are STUCK, and maybe in a dangerous place far from help.
+Steffi Reitsch : Hi Steffi, in over 25 years riding, I had two flat tires: once in Florida, someone slashed my rear tire, I'm guessing because at the time I was riding a Yamaha ??? So, not an accident by any means. And more recently with the Sportster, I had a punctured in Arizona from Sedona to Prescott, and was caught at the same time under one of the worst rain storm, monsoon really, that I have ever experienced. I was on the freeway and I chose to ride on the flat to get off the freeway (large trucks were darting by with pretty much zero visibility). I destroyed my tire by doing that but it was well worth it. So, all in all, flat tires are extremely rare on motorcycles (if you stay on top of maintenance) and not a deterrent at all from riding long distance. Being hit by bees is much more of an issue frankly, but to me, it is STILL well worth it.
ive had one flat in 35years.i was only 17 and pushed bike 5miles home in pouring rain.i could of parked and got the bus.but it was my 1st bike ,a 125cc
Your gonna get killed going slower then traffic, you'll get rear ended. DO NOT RIDE LIKE THIS. Sure, slow down for good gas millage if you can but out on the interstate people are going 80 and trucks 75.
60mpg are roughly 4.7 litres for 100km. I had an even better result. I rode with my R1200R and had 4.5 litres consumption at this speed. 1200cc oil-cooled. This Harley is not that impressive.
Hi Ro ck, it is actually more like 3.9 liter/100K, it's not bad, we need better today but not bad. i also like that you can customize and rebuild the Sportster indefinitely, and I like the feel of it. Don't care much for the company or its image though...
i have 300,000 miles on my 1987 stroker sportster i went 50 states my bike is add on parts from a fxe shovel like bag spreaders,fron end fender windshield.
![Megan Thee Stallion - Roc Steady (feat. Flo Milli) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HozPPyqW0dY/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought my first bike 17 years ago. Brand new 100th anniversary 883 sportster. Loved that little bike!! I couldn’t do long trips though even at young age of 19 lol 😂. The engine has more than enough power, it’s the small frame that’s hard on most men. I made a 400 mile trip one time and it about killed me. If you move up to a Dyna that has the carbed 88 engine they are also pretty fuel efficient. Mine got 45mpg most the time just running around
Charlie Steinbeck would love it! Great idea for your theme! Touring on weird motorcycles is very cool! "Hi, I'm John and I ride weird bikes to weird places." Have you heard of the FSSNOC? When you get some riding experience 😁, you can move 'up' to a 1 lung "Fizz-Knocker" (I love to say that nickname for that club). An Aussie heralded as HUGO circumnavigates Oceania aboard his hot-rodded, high-endurance, ex-postie CT110 Honda. I am actually excited about the '95 883 I see for sale here for $2000USD: solo seat and nice rear rack., primered tall peanut tank, mini-apes, "Runs Good". Should I go for it?
Hey, I'm so sorry John, I missed your message for some reason. Did you end up buying the 1995 Sportster? How was it for you? I enjoy the rubber mounted engine and the 4.5 gal. tank myself, so I'm partial for a younger, "Custom" model Sportstie, but the peanut tank is iconic for darn sure. RIDE SAFE!
C'est magnifique mon ami! Merci!
I enjoyed the video and the fact that you don't need a 1200 or 1800 to tour with. I have toured extensively on my 500 cc bike, and have enjoyed the 65 MPG very much. And the bike is super comfortable. No need for 1000 plus CCs. I also agree that a Corbin Seat is a must. Best and most comfortable seat in the industry.
Aloha!
Aloha Billy! Thanks so much for the nice comments. Sounds like we have a lot in common :-)
Another thing totally missing in the world today is respect for others, compassion, and not enough love in the world to. To much hate, disrespect, and blaming other for your own problems. Keep spreading the GOOD and fighting the bad.
You're damn right man
Good job, You have the right attitude, the world needs more good thing brought to the for front, instead of neg things always being in our faces.
Thank you so much for that encouragement!! Doing our best!
Dear Motorcycle aficionado friends:
Who's into high fuel efficiency cruising and touring out there ? I'd love to start a forum, or a network, a club even to discuss about that. It is most unfortunately difficult at this point to find motorcycles that combine the style we want, the features we want AND the fuel efficiency that our time calls for. 30+ mpg belongs to the 80s, we are in 2015 in we want 60+ mpg. I'm reaching out to connect with like-minded folks. THANK YOU !
Respectful Revolution Hello, I am also into efficient touring on my motorcycle. And I also have a sportster 883 that I use for travelling. I just got back from a 700 mile trip and averaged 56 mpg, running the bike at 60-65 mph most of the time, but sometimes 75 mph for short distances. I have had my Harley sportster 883 for 15 years, and it's still running strong. Also, for shorter trips, I have a Suzuki DRZ400S, which is capable of 70 mpg, but usually gets about 65 mpg when I run it at 55-60 mph. This bike is very useful for riding in the city, and trips with a lot of unpaved roads. It is fun to spend very little money on fuel.
Trevor Jameson Hi Trevor,
Thanks for the message. WOW, so you ride over long distances with a non rubber mounted engine, am I correct ? YEP, I don't really understand why not more people are paying attention: I mean filling up for say $ 15, it's like someone would be giving you back 5 bucks (do the math, if I get 60 mpg where someone currently gets 40, that works out to a 2-to-3 difference). 5 bucks on a fill up, that buys you grub on the road !!!! And this really is FREEDOM, because once you apply the idea of saving your bucks for stuff that really matters to you, that frees some of your time when you don't have to work so hard to buy whatever you don't need, excess gas for one thing. Dunno, I value my FREEDOM over anything else because what it really comes down to is OUR LIMITED TIME ON EARTH. Will I spend this precious time working for the man or will I spend it pursuing what truly matters to me ?
WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THAT ???
I think that's awesome and I completely agree! It's all about Freedom!
And yes, my sportster does NOT have a rubber mounted engine, being a 2000 model XL883. This means my bike is lighter and more narrow than the newer ones. The vibration is almost ZERO at 60 mph, but does become bothersome over 65 mph if you are not wearing soft gloves. Otherwise, it is not as bad as people seem to think.
The 883 engine is a truly superb design, and is infinitely rebuild-able.
Trevor Jameson Yes, it is, There's a reason why the Sportster has been around for such a long time: it is a superb and highly durable design. Not pushing it also insures that all moving parts (engine in particular) won't wear out too quick. You just need to customize the hell out of it compared to a similar Japanese bikes that will come standard with far superior parts. But there's magic that comes with a Harley, and a Sportster, that doesn't necessarily comes with a Japanese clone, never mind how better engineered it is.
+Trevor Jameson same on my bike 0 vib's at 60 mph, as you go up in speed you really start to feel it , for me it take's the enjoyment out of the ride.
Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed watching it. More important, it inspired me to take same way travelling riding my sporty Iron 883. Now I see it works out perfect! thanks a lot!
beautiful; enjoyed it, and is surely inspiring.well done! thank you
Thanks a lot for your kind feedback, Yared, yep, we're trying...
Respect from Italy I will try and follow your example here in Italy ( while traveling on an scooter )
A lot of us have the same passion, to ride, tour, see the whole beautiful USA. But under some unavoidable circumstances, not everyone can. Sad but true.........hopefully someday I can. I like what you do & good luck
+Willie “Buknoy” Lopez I've seen quite a bit of the world already but still, the U.S. of A is still the land that I prefer as far as variety and mesmerizing beauty. It is a dream-come-true for anyone who loves the road. And there's just no better way to experience the road than on a motorcycle.
Nice man right on sounds like some fun adventures!
Super video, très inspirante ça donne vraiment le goût de découvrir le monde!!!!!!
Merci Andre. Faire l'effort de focuser sur la beaute du monde au lieu de la laideur et la mechancete, ca fait toute la difference. Avec ma compagne, on a malheureusement plus souvent les poches vides que pleines mais on est tellement riche de cette incroyable experience. Et puis oui, la moto. ca fait egalement toute la difference. L'engagement est total.
Bonne chance a vous et bon voyage............
i love it !!! ......i have a 2003 Sportster 1200 ,bored out and pistons shimmed to lower the compression ,runs great and i ride it every day ,often for work too ....i can understand your excitement totally and admire your endurance ,hope you have many more years fun on that bike and wish you the very best for your project !!!
+Michael von Pallutz THANK YOU very much Michael. I wish you many years of safe fun on your Sportster too.
Good stuff, you are great people!
Thank you so much Scott. We always do our very best. Life is too short to have it any other way, right?
I'm on my fourth Sportster, currently have a 2012 Iron 883, perfectly happy with it.
I'm a Photojournalist I ride my Sporty to most of my gigs and assignments.
Taken lots of trips on my Sporty on the open road I'm in the 53-55 MPG range, but I like to cruise around 70 myself.
But have to admit if I slow down and take the back roads I enjoy the ride a lot more. Sporty's are perfect for backroad rides.:)
+1 on the Michelins I got 17K on one front and 25k on my back.
Wow, Donald, sounds like we have a heck of a lot in common here.... Cool ! Where are you located?
I'm based in Southern California.
Hell-A area? I'm down there fairly regularly and if you're in the area, I'd be happy to meet one of these days for a drink or a pair of tacos... Are you on FB? We could connect this way first. How's that?
I sent you a private message
Respect & Congrats for this video...and for your way to help this planet here we all live. I'm Portuguese and I also love the FREEDOM, I've a 2005 HD XL883C that I bought recently, made 10K on 3 month with her and boy...what a surprise, my first HD, i'm very happy and the low fuel consumption..wow..the average is 5.4L/100km..i ride fast and go everyday to work on city... in June I made a 5K trip from Portugal to the French Alpes and Swiss and back and made 4L/100km on some quiet days, that really surprise me...and with no problem...Regards
Marco - Viking Ravens
+Marco Guiomar Hi Marco, hey good for you !!!! Thanks a lot for reaching out. Yes, the Sportster does need a bit of upgrading in the seat and suspension department, but once it's addressed, it is a great bike even for long distance. And it is CHEAP. Cheap is the name of the new game. We don't have $$$ or resources to throw away anymore, do we ? And if we can travel cheaply in style too, that's a win win. Ride safe my friend and have much fun.
One small correction, he’s not “on the back “ of the Sportster. He’s ON the Sportster. On the back in furs that someone else is riding it and he’s a passenger.
Eu tenho uma Harley 883 ano 2014 e sou apaixonado por ela, viajo todos os finais de semana, a moto é excelente peguei ela o km e agora já esta com 48.000 km sem nenhum problema só alegria
very , very cool !!!
+Claudemir Dias Thank you so much Claudemir!!
I found a front mud flap helps in the rain.
i like how youve set it up..and its functional!
I owned a 2005, 883 custom from new, I had it 8 yrs, most of its work was two up, and I pulled a trailer behind it for a while, no problems, looking to buy mother Harley, think it will be another sportster, by the way I am selling my home and going to build on acerage and start a community living for some friends, so we can help each other.
+jonathan smith That sounds awesome, Jonathan! We wish you luck with all of that!
Excellent vid and I love the set-up you got going. Very inspiring seeing you do that trip over a road king or BMW GS etc. looks like you are very happy too.
Thanks Daniel, YEP, ya got that right. I am very happy and feeling totally free on the Sportster. Personally I feel trapped and kinda bogged down on a larger bike. Plus why pay almost twice as much on freakin' gasoline??? My idea of freedom is own the least, pack the smallest, spend the least to do the very maximum you want to do.
Respectful Revolution that is a great definition of freedom. Keep living the dream!
awesome! subbed.
A good fairing might help your fuel mileage , afford you better weather cover and give you sign space.....GOOD LUCK
nice going, I ride 1991 softail and 60 mph is a sweet spot on my bike, any more and there's less comfort on the bike , it seems at 60 mph and just touching the throttle the engine rev's are at a perfect place, no need for speed over here.
+jojojeep1 Totally, no vibrations, mild air resistance, superb fuel efficiency. It takes getting used to the relatively low speed (especially on the freeway) but once you get used to it, that's it, you're hooked because it is just perfect and so much more enjoyable.
I live 1/2 mile from the long island expressway, most of my ride's are highway I never had a problem going 55 mph , it just feels right on a harley
When my medical formation in Italy will be over I’d like to come in the U.S. and take some motorcycle road trips to help the ones that cannot afford medical care
Amazing brother!! How do you gonna help them with a road trip? Just curious
I love this so much, you do what a lot of bikers only dream about.
just one thing I want to know where is your gun?
You seems to be a very nice man ! Keep doing what you love doing !
Raj, He's my partner, and I can tell you that he absolutely IS a very nice man! Thanks so much for watching!! _Stacey @ RR
@@RespectfulRevolution thanks for putting an effort to keep good things going . The world needs it ever more for it to sustain .
this is exactly what i want to do on my iron 883...i congratulate you... super awesome... how many miles on your sportser so far
Hi Livermore 883, I recently passed 40,000 miles, I'm getting close to 41K now. The more I ride, the smoother the bike seems to become, but I don't abuse it either... Ride your dreams and be safe my friend.
Thanks you for the response. Glad to hear its riding smooth and getting even better.Hope to see another video of yours taking another long trip on your sportser really soon..ride safe as well and God bless.
I'm with you on the gps thing I like maps, one day people will not know how to read them ha!
excellent
Oh damn! You're also from Chico! I just happened to find this video on a RUclips clickfest. Small world!
+Michael Casey Hey, good to hear from you. Yes, Chico always surprises us this way. What do you ride ? (am I making assumptions...).
I got an '09 V-star 650 last August. I've only been riding for a couple of years, but it's one of those things that gets under your skin.
Indeed. And you can't understand it until you ride yourself. To me, it's the most magical way to travel over land, it's like "riding the wind" and being a part of the world you're traveling through. There's nothing like it. Well, enjoy it and ride safe my friend. Hoping to cross paths with you in town one of these days... Shouldn't be too difficult.
I am not criticizing the 883 (have owned one and loved it - my first HD many many years ago) but I think you will find at least some of the 1200s do very similar mpg to the 883s. I know THE most efficient bike I have ever owned was a 1995 1200 Sporty which got around 65 mpg imperial. It was definitely more fuel efficient than my 883 however to be fair my 883 was an 86...it had a chain and (I think?) a 4 speed gear box if I am not mistaken.....I know someone will correct me if I am!
I had a 1995 he 883 Sportster that was recently stolen when I was in the hospital for 6 weeks. I ride that bike everywhere and rode it to Houston Texas and back from Naples, Florida at least 15 times to visit my son in all types of weather and it never left me stranded not one time. I've also risen that bike as far as Wisconsin and back putting well over 200,000 miles on that bike never once ever having to do any mechanical work other than typical maintnance, tires and 4 final drive belts since they only seemed to last me about 50,000 miles each, I loved riding that bike and would still be riding her cross country with all my gear strapped to her had some sorry crack heads not have stolen her from me. I'm still trying to locate where they sold it and where it's being hidden. I get a little more information each week and hope that I'll soon be able to find my bike so I can start riding her cross country again and maybe reach that 300,000 mile mark someday. Sportster's are fuel efficient and practically indestructible if you do you keep your engine and transmission oil properly changed. You won't ever get close to that kind of mileage out of a big v-twin, American or metric.
I am SO SAD to hear that, Christopher !!!! I can't say publicly how I'd deal with thieves. Let's say it would be in the best "Old West Traditions..." and I'll leave it at that. I hope you get her back, or another similar one. YES, the Sportstie is a sweet, good, dependable ride. I surely love mine. The reliability and fuel economy of this bike is such that I don't give a trace of a damn about what nay-sayers are saying about its size... All bikes were that size anyway a few decades ago when it was taking so much more guts to cross countries and continents on motorcycles. VERY BEST OF LUCK to you.
What brand and model of helmet camera are you using in this video? I have a GoPro but I find that the wind resistance isn't really fun on the highway...
Hi Jean-Paul, (parlez-vous Francais...?). I keep my GoPro for the handlebar where it's protected from the wind by the windshield. At the time I was using a DRIFT "Ghost HD" camera. I like the ergonomics but all DRIFT's have iris issues (the iris goes crazy fairly often and gives footage that changes values every few seconds, that's useless) and they don't last either. I am now using a GARMIN VIRB (will probably invest at some point in a new Garmin 30HD something...?) and I love it. It isn't super stabilized but the color and definition are quite decent AND it has a slide switch on the side that allows to start recording from "OFF" and go back to "OFF" when you stop recording, all with your gloves on. It is completely motorcycle-friendly and saves the battery considerably. And the Garmin VIRB is more aerodynamic that the square GoPro's. But now ANY camera will create additional drag once you pass 60/65mph, especially if not protected by some windshield. Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK to you and ride safe.
I think the bike fits him pretty good.
I see you have green & red reflective tape in the rear. On my bicycle & car, I put reflective tape on the rims; gets their attention. Sometimes I get other drivers honking at me signaling their approval.
+sdimas73 We love when that happens! - RR
Great video. Super inspiring. Did you swap out the handlebars or are those stock? If you changed them, which ones do you have? I'm taking a trip on my Harley 883 and I'm considering handlebars that put me in more upright and relaxed position.
Good morning, sorry for the delay, I hadn't seen your reply yet. I installed a "Mini Ape" bar and I love it !!!! Was well worth changing the cables.
Respectful Revolution thanks, yeah, I was wondering the brand of your miniapes. I've since installed Biltwell Chumps on my 883.
love how this guys name is Ungerman
+Der Kerl Haha...how come? Because he is so obviously NOT German?? :-) Or?
I got a truimph Rocket 3 touring bike looking forward to long bike trips pulling a old sears cargo carrier turned into a motorcycle trailer doing camp outs in a tent love the open road
Beautiful video, congratulations Gerard. ( I sometime go to the US to ride HD across the West). If that is possible, I'd like to know the title of this beautiful song which we ear behind all these magnificent landscapes. Thank you for all
+John Peyron Hi John! Thanks for the nice comments!! The song is called "Walk With You" by a young woman from Southern California named Kris Angelis.. here's a link to her artist website: krisangelis.bandzoogle.com/
+Respectful Revolution
Hi Gerard ! Thank you so much. It's very nice of you. I like her voice.
Kind regards from New Caledonia
+John Peyron Hey, New Caledonia!!! We were just watching a great BBC documentary called "How To Grow A Planet", and some of it was filmed in New Caledonia!!! WOW - is it ever beautiful! Can't wait to shoot Respectful Revolution videos there! By the way, we will soon be re-posting Kris's song on this channel, along with the road footage...no Respectful Revolution stuff, just road shots and her lovely song....stay tuned for that! Thanks John.. - Gerard & Stacey
+Respectful Revolution
Hi Gerard. I don't know if we are talking about the same thing. Where I am living, is an island, french territory (so I am french), located in south pacific ocean, northern New Zealand and in front of Australia (Brisbane city). Is it that you watched in the BBC documentery ? I keep earing Kris's song and her beautiful voice !! Greetings John
+John Peyron Oh yes! It was the very same...it was a 3 part series called How To Grow A Planet...all about how plant life has completely shaped life on this planet. And evidently New Caledonia has the direct descendant of the first-ever flowering plant to appear on Earth growing in its rainforest...!
What camera are you using when you ride?
fshbon77 So far I have been using DRIFT cameras, first year was a HD170, poor quality and the thing started malfunctioning on me maybe four weeks into my journey (weird purple aberrations). 2nd and 3rd year i used the model only called "DRIFT HD". Quality was much better, only problem being that in bright sunlight the automatic iris would start "panicking" and wouldn't stay on the same value for more than a second or two, then it would stabilize and then start again later. I had to get rid of lots of otherwise great footage. And the camera finally died on me without warning. I recently bought a Garmin Vibe that seems to be the best bang for your buck at this point, especially when you want a remote control. No iris flickering. I haven't used it enough to really be able to speak about its merits, but so far, so good.
Much respect Mr. Revolution but man, doing 60 m.p.h. is just a little to slow for my speed..80-85 on the interstate...
Johnny video seed
Hmmm
LOL!!
Ttppthuuurpht.....Furrrrr...... THuuuuu,,,Frrrthuuu, sput sput ................THuuurrrrrpupupupu
an xs400 or similar would be a hell of a lot more economical.fast enough to.
I'm indeed looking at smaller engines. Modern 700cc engines, especially with a 6th gear, are supposed to last much longer than older engines of the same size. I wish Yamaha was selling the XLR700 in North America, that's a bike I find appealing for instance. I do like the Moto Guzzi V7 quite a bit too. That's a proven engine with nice updates now for fuel efficiency today.
right-lane blocker, lol, 60mph, but good riding, anyway,
A major problem with going on long journeys on a motorcycle is that if you have a flat tyre you have no spare. You are STUCK, and maybe in a dangerous place far from help.
+Steffi Reitsch : Hi Steffi, in over 25 years riding, I had two flat tires: once in Florida, someone slashed my rear tire, I'm guessing because at the time I was riding a Yamaha ??? So, not an accident by any means. And more recently with the Sportster, I had a punctured in Arizona from Sedona to Prescott, and was caught at the same time under one of the worst rain storm, monsoon really, that I have ever experienced. I was on the freeway and I chose to ride on the flat to get off the freeway (large trucks were darting by with pretty much zero visibility). I destroyed my tire by doing that but it was well worth it. So, all in all, flat tires are extremely rare on motorcycles (if you stay on top of maintenance) and not a deterrent at all from riding long distance. Being hit by bees is much more of an issue frankly, but to me, it is STILL well worth it.
+Respectful Revolution First year I rode I had 4 flats, all on paved roads.
+arcticwanderer2000 That's definitely worth an "unlike"! That's terrible!!
Not if your like Nutnfancy who takes tyre's, wheels, food guns knives & the kitchen sink!!!
ive had one flat in 35years.i was only 17 and pushed bike 5miles home in pouring rain.i could of parked and got the bus.but it was my 1st bike ,a 125cc
I have a 2k xl1200 but I just wanted to say that chick Stacey is hot!
Can't agree more, Chopper Chill. This HOT BABY captured my soul on the road 12 years ago and that's that !!!
fehlt nur noch das vergolden.
THEY KEEP SAYING HES ON THE BACK OF THE HARLEY?!?????? ITHOUGHT SHE WAS DRIVING? HES NOT ON THE BACK HES DRIVING THE HARLEY ????
When we say "he's on the back of the Harley", we mean, he's on the bike. He is indeed the motorcyclist of the family! :-) -RR
Your gonna get killed going slower then traffic, you'll get rear ended. DO NOT RIDE LIKE THIS. Sure, slow down for good gas millage if you can but out on the interstate people are going 80 and trucks 75.
Way too much talking not enough action for me
60mpg are roughly 4.7 litres for 100km. I had an even better result. I rode with my R1200R and had 4.5 litres consumption at this speed. 1200cc oil-cooled.
This Harley is not that impressive.
Hi Ro ck, it is actually more like 3.9 liter/100K, it's not bad, we need better today but not bad. i also like that you can customize and rebuild the Sportster indefinitely, and I like the feel of it. Don't care much for the company or its image though...
1 US gallon is 3.7 liters. You might have converted Imperial gallon (which is 4.54l).
ew just speak in french and sub title it for us!
i have 300,000 miles on my 1987 stroker sportster i went 50 states my bike is add on parts from a fxe shovel like bag spreaders,fron end fender windshield.