2020 Harley-Davidson Roadster (XL1200CX ) Test Ride and Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 янв 2020
- A close look at the 2020 Model Year Harley-Davidson Roadster. H-D has shaved their Sportster offering down to 4 models this year. The Roadster is easily the most performance focused. Matt Laidlaw and Nick Culver of Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson take a couple Roadsters out for a ride and share their thoughts.
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Traded in my 2014 Road King (with suspension/engine work) after I grew tired of wrestling an 800-lb bike. Took a chance on a low mileage 2017 Roadster and I absolutely love this motorcycle. Currently in the process of installed a 4.5 gal. Custom tank/seat, 2-into-1 pipe, and converting to a Euro-style fender license plate. After 50 years of riding, I'm having fun again.
I 'm with you, Miles ! I have a Fatboy and It' s like herding around an elephant by the ears ! Currently looking for a deal on a Sportster, so I can get back to riding a motorcycle ! Sportsters yesterday, Sportsters today, and Sportsters from now on !!
BTW, I disagree with 90% of everything Matt says about Sportsters ! I suppose if I were 7' tall, and earned my living selling bikes, I would push 'big twins', as well. Why not, right?! That's where the money is. ( uhhh, did I say that out loud ?! )
I always said I'd never own a Harley until the new Roadsters came out. After owning mine for two years and 13,000 miles I'm in love with it. I get tons of compliments on it from non Harley Fans.
Cool, yea, it’s kinda a unique bike within the lineup
Is there difference with xlroadster and just normal roadster or are they the same i want a roadster as well
Is the power of the engine good? Can you go at 130km/h for hours? Is it confy on the highway for 1 or 2 hours? Thank you for the reply i was going for a triumph thruxton but now with the roadster im confused lol thank you :)
@@pepealonso7846 what did you get
The. Best. Harley-Davidson. Review. Too many motorcycle reviews are shot in a first person perspective-it doesn’t paint a clear picture of the motorcycle usage, but alas..by having TWO motorcycles, you guys perfected it! Thank you!
Thank you!!
Chase on two wheels does different shots and angles in all his reviews. Although he typically doesn't review cruisers
I am 164 cm tall and the Roadster is my first bike ever. I learned on it. I have it for two years now.. I just love it. You can drive it however you want, anywhere you want.
Is the bike comfortable to ride for your height ? Im 165cm height
Had this bike for a year now and I got a say, you can't go wrong with this one if you're looking to keep a sportster as your main transportation. A bit intimidating at first but it grows on you, and you learn to understand how much lean you got when compared to other Harleys. My only 2 complaints about this bike would be the mileage and the torque. Mileage for me was always the down side to this bike, but didn't realize it til after having some riding experience. I normally need to fill up around 75 - 85 miles, but I think that's due to my freeway riding (2500rpm - 4000rpm). But when I started off I would I would get about 100 miles but only because I was under 3000rpm. As for the torque, it's very generous "especially for a beginner", won't get bored easily with it but after riding this bike for this long, you tend to get a bit power hungry and want a bit more kick. Maybe because I'm very comfortable with it now, not sure if a Stage 2 will fill that void for me though.
Overall, it's a really unique bike that's caught between the lines of a beginner bike and a purposeful tool for expert riders looking to get a bit more nimbleness and handling when compared to the much larger Harleys.
Trask makes a bolt on turbo kit that will certainly wake up the HP curve.
Or just switch to an Indian scout bobber. That should fix your HP needs
@@dilldowschwagginz2674 yeah but it's not a sportster.
Bought mine 5 days ago and 400 miles so far. There is good and bad. The good outshines the bad. It is a little cramped for tall people. The speedo suffers from the sun blinding out out. The seat is a postage stamp. The mirrors give a good view of your elbow. The GOOD. The frame makes for a tighter rake and the front forks makes it feel like a XR1200R. It is tiny and can U-Turn in one lane. Duel disc brakes up front! Power is great. It feels like a 650cc bike. Chopped fenders! The Tank is not the FORTY EIGHT 2.1 gallon it is the King Peanut Tank that holds 3.1 gallons. It loves curves and turns. I have ridden a 2017 Custom XL and the Roadster feels faster. Go Fast Buell Parts? I don't know but if feels faster.
You guys always do the best reviews with the most useful info. I like the Roadster, but I've had my Sportster for 19 years and have no plans of getting rid of it or trading it yet. I just recently upgraded it to 1200cc from 883 and had the heads worked, new valves, springs, lifters, Andrews N4 cams, Mikuni flat slide carb, good pipes to match the engine work, big sucker air filter, chain drive conversion. The bike is a beast now. Next time I'm in L.A. I'm going to stop by Laidlaw Harley for a visit. Last time I was in L.A. we just didn't have the time to stop by there.
I've been riding my 2016 Roadster pushing 3 years now yes I've done some customization but I love my baby and would have no other I've taken her near and far and just enjoy every moment great video I'm with you bro be blessed
Another great review from Matt and Nick! I love my roadster and I found all what you said to match exactly my personal experience on the bike. Canyon roads are really special on that bike, especially after the stage 1.
This is a very special feeling when I come out of a corner taken briskly and smoothly reaccelerate, the roadster still leaning, feeling each stroke of the pistons and the torque pushing my butt in the stock seat support. This moment when I feel I’ve done it right, the bike is happy doing her thing, I feel one with the bike, is very soothing.
It handles and brakes well too: I ride with Ducati friends and they’re always surprised how the roadster feels effortless at keeping up in our twisties.
Glad you are loving your bike! Thanks for watching!
Wow wow wow it's nowhere near a Ducati as far as experience. I love this bike but ride a monster 1200R among my 4 rides. It's a different experience on this more steel and tough tractor like which is attractive.
Good honest review. I have a 2016, which I blacked out a bit more from it's stock form, and I love it.
I've got a 2017 Roadster with a Stage 1. Brilliant bike for country road riding. Excellent handling, absolutely glorious engine sound (when you dump the stock pipes), and stunningly gorgeous in person. It's a Harley, but not a typical one; much more athletic and nimble.
I also believe the 18 inch rear wheel and the steeper rake along with radial tires help. I added a booster plug to smooth out the fuel delivery.
Great vid as usual Matt and Nick, I fell in love with Jamie's blue Hammer performance Roadster at first sight. For a Sportster the Roadster is the whole package and Matt you really don't look that bad on it, you looked like you were having fun which is what its made for. Keep'em coming guys.
Yes I have a 2018 roadster, vivid black, and overall it's great, I feel like a racer riding it, and I've had it 2 years now , learn to love and appreciate the roadster, it's cool, and beautiful
I love mine. A 2017. Perfect for my type of riding on Long Island NY.
Li represent 631 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
LI Represent too. I have a 2018.
Steven R unfortunately I’m still waiting not a Harley owner yet so one enough tho
Would someone 6ft tall be too tall for this bike?
@@rdsamfrench I am 6ft tall and fit well on my Roadster. Check one out!
Love the look and the riding position is not too radical, that one would love a place next to my tourer for buzzin around town!
This was the base model sportster we deserve. From that Harley should have made a 17” wheel cafe, 19” wheel tracker and 21” wheel scrambler.
Sweet looking bike, man! Wish I could have 2-3 Harley's, so I could have one of these too.
Great content, answered all my questions, really enjoyed the whole vid, good work boys.
Currently at my second Roadster. Great bikes, lot's of fun!! Reliable too.
This was by far the best review I saw of the 2020 Roadster here. And you guys made me fell in love with it. I am getting the performance orange one in like 3-4 days from now and am super excited. But I am 5' 11" and felt the forward lean sitting posture could be an issue. If it bothers me too much, I have planned to put on the Forty Eight's handlebars on it. Sat on the Forty Eight and felt it's sitting posture was a lot better but the seat itself was too low to the ground for me. So, I settled for the Roadster based on this review. Very nicely done. Cheers!
I have owed plenty to Sportsters. Bought the Roadster when it first came out in 2016. Great bike, fun to ride.
yes,I ve fun with my roadsty too...great bike !
Great video. So nice to see how a bike looks like when someone is riding it.
Excellent review as always guys, and matt you make that bike look like a mini.
Very nice comprehensive review. +1 on the capabilities for a commuter, particularly a commuter that also enjoys other forms of riding whether distance or twisties. I have a 2018 Roadster and it's truly a pleasure to ride. I'm 6'2" and went with forward controls and a solo seat that sits a bit more up and back. I have to hug the tank with my knees a bit more when I really romp on it, but it's worth it for the extra leg room, and the seat helps me stay planted. And, for anyone in the market, the Cobra RPT Slip-Ons have a beautiful note!
Great video Matt I am sold my next bike will be a Harley these videos give a lot of great information about Harley Davidson bikes
I got mine two days ago and loving it. A bit intimidated at first while taking delivery but within 10mins of riding it, I was very comfortable. The sitting posture is not an issue at all. Plenty of power and great handling capabilities. My first Harley and only second motorbike ever.
How has it been
I own one! I like it so much I decided to do a mega engine project with it. I rode it up to 1K and turned it in to start the work. Hopefully it'll be ready this Spring. Can't wait!
NTDFMaverick please post a video to show your engine work when you have it back!👍🏻
@@vincentbeijing6926 I will try! Thank you.
Nice review as always!!!
I have an 18, and I absolutely love it. I agree with waking the motor up because I feel like it absolutely wants to go faster.
My only three gripes with it really, are the lack of storage spots on it and the fact that the front pegs push your legs so far apart that it becomes fatiguing because of it. If I could find a happy place for my feet to rest on longer rides and could shave the seat just a little narrower to make it stop spreading my hips so drastically (and also allow me to tuck my legs) it'd be perfect. I regularly did 3+ hour rides on mine, all interstate, screaming along at 90+mph (don't tell the cops).
I tried buying a sportster once apparently if you're approved for $30k and want a $10k bike it's the dealers job to not sell you a $10k bike. Guy was good at convincing me I didn't want a Sportster, he just didn't do a good enough job convincing me that I instead wanted the Fat Boy he was trying to sell me. So I told him I'd think about it. 5 years later I'm still thinking about it.
Slim Jim , yes it's like going to a Chevy dealer; they want to sell you the loaded Suburban, not the Cobalt or whatever. Also it's their mission at Harley to sell you $4K of leather and chrome made in China, winter storage contracts, etc.
Really seems to fit Nick well. Scared the hell out of me watching you film it though. I was just waiting for someone to swing open a car door on you.
Loved the review of Jamie's Roadster build awhile back. Looks like a great bike to test ride! Keep up the good work fellas
Thank you for addressing so many important areas of this partiular Sportster. I'm looking forward to trying one out at the HD dealer and I feel "armed" with the knowledge I need to look at the pros and cons when I test drive.
Good luck and I hope you make a good decision.
Looks good out the box , regards London UK 🇬🇧 , these are very popular here
I'm glad the MoCo is producing rides for the new rider. They are the future.
Strange that he said, "...the 1200 feels a little underpowered." I had a 2008 1200 Custom and I was always impressed by the power of that thing. I loved the sound and feel of the motor, as well. Quality finished throughout with nary a plastic piece to be found. I hope the next generation Sportster knocks it out of the park. I think it should, as it could open up and refresh the appeal of Harleys to new riders.
I had a '17, loved it for long hwy runs but not in town.
Sportster are so damn fun. Love my 2013 “72”...
Good effort u guys. Keep it up. I'm getting mine today. Pretty excited 😍
Love my 2018 stage 1 Roadster which pulls a 106 mph in Third gear ..One thing to remember is the Fuel tank capacity is less than 3.3 gallons due to the fuel pump in gas tank..My light comes on around 110 miles so I'm left with 3 or so liters in reserve which does me well..Easily the best handling ,stopping highway cruising bike for a 5" 9 guy..A forwards are a must tho as mids are a big pain in the ass of getting in way when placing feet down..Its Everything I'd expect from HD and %100 a Keeper.
Paul Horvath , it needs rear set controls to complement the handlebar position instead of forward controls.
@@Dave-sw2dm Personal preference.. It's same as Vrod..I'm never going to scrape knees or race it but even with forwards its legit lean capable..
@@paulhorvath9784 , your more flexible than I am. When I am on a cafe style bike I like my feet in the sport bike position. I got to sit on a roadster with the RSD rear sets and it was awesome! Just what a canyon carver needs.
Great Video and Review Matt and Nick...This Bike Was on My Top 3 Bikes To Buy This Year(1200 or 48) Now its #1.....Am Waiting To Do The Rider Academy When You Start Your Class !! Also i am 5'11 and about 170 so i Should Be Good....Poor Matt Too Tall LOL.
I ride my iron mostly on the countryside of germany. Think the sportster is the perfect bike to ride on european roads. And I'm about 5'7, fits perfect 😁👍
Spangdahlem Air Base 1979-1982. Love Deutschland!
It sucks here in the D.C. Metro area I couldn't find a dealer with one of these in stock (at the time). I ended up on an iron 1200. I already put taller shocks on the rear. Now I will have to do the front suspension as well. At least with the taller factory bars I was able to install 14 inch T-Bars with the factory cables and wires. I love my iron 1200.
I love my 1200 too. I am in DC area too in Northern Va. I love riding out into the wine country. Beautiful scenery.
Tried and true, just like your videos. Another great one! Keep em´coming guy´s!!!
Thanks man, we will keep em coming!
So which bike performance wise is best? Lean angle etc. The roadster, 2020 streetbob, lowrider S, or fxdr? And which is best of the softails with lean angle and all around use? So many to choose to from now which is great!!
I had the roadster and loved it, but two things made me trade it in : the 6th gear, and the fact that I'm 6"2.
6"3 here, what did you trade it in for? Considering the Roadster atm.
@@70m7E I took a softail low rider 2018 (FXLR). A second hand one with 3500 kilometers on it. I was tempted by a brand-new sportglide or lowrider S, but it was a bit pricy for me at the moment. Why are you tempted by the roadster ?
@benbenthepenguin Mainly due to looks, riding position (riding a Fazer right now), and usage profile (Singapore city only). I won’t do long highway rides and city driving requires a smaller bike for lane splitting and parking.
@@70m7E well I feel you, I'm in Tokyo, and traffic here is the reason why I didn't get a bagger. I know it's worse in Singapore.
Then maybe roadster is the bike you need if you want to go to HD. Just try to test ride one if possible. I put forward control on mine and I changed the bars, it was confortable in traffic. The bike is nimble, lane splitting is totally doable (not impossible with my fxlr now as well) not super torquy as the M8 engine but still fun to ride. You'll find tons of aftermarket parts (at least I could in Japan) and the Evo engine is reliable. One more thing , with your size, duo ride will be a pain in the A.
@benbenthepenguin thanks for the insights. Test ride is the way to go. I was thinking about forward controls, couldn’t find many pictures or videos of that on a roadster though.
I just bought a 2020 Roadsters and love it. I started with a 69 Sportster in 69 and now after over 50+ years of Harley with over 20 different bikes and turning 70 my Ultra just is getting to heavy. I am not ready for a trike and this Sportster lets me stay in the wind!
How do you compare the seat on the roadster to the 2019 iron 883 seat. How is the comfort and the position on the roadster seat?
Are you guys still updating that Roadster build series?
When the roadster came out I wanted one soooo bad but then I bought a Buell XB12R and love that wheelie machine. And the evo sound is to die for especially the carbureted ones like my 94 1200
@Bunnyshooter 223 I have the last year of carburatored Xl 1200 2006 and yes the sound is amazing
still loving my 05 xb12r
Wake cool Sportster is a nice hot rod Thanks for the video Matt Nicholas Take Care
It also has a keyless keyfob? and security features like most of the cruisers? or it only has a traditional key on it? thanks, matt
I just bought a 2012 XL1200C....and yes, there aren't many Customs around. This bike only had 1904 miles on it. What a find. This is a Sportster that has that big cruiser bike look. I am an urban rider, so this fits very well. And like you said about gas capacity......this bike has a 4.3 gallon tank. Hard to beat. But the Roadster does look great. Lots of performance features that make sense. Nice review.
Do you have photos of your bike?
@@leonelvalente8732i traded my 2012 Sportster Custom in for a 2014 Sportster Custom A, or the “Police” model. It’s a little more updated and came with a full Stage 1. It only has 5000 miles on it. Rides a bit nicer, and a bit more responsive.
One of the best review I’ve seen of the Roadster. I own one, and everything you said is true. Keep it up!
Thank you!!! Thanks for the validation coming from an actual owner.
My first bike ever was a '17 roadster, stage 1 and tons of updates later and i absolutely love riding it. Plenty of torque and power, no problems gettin up to 100mph+ on occasion. I had planned on getting it for a year and then upgrade to something else. Im doing stage 2 in the spring, I might get another bike to go with this one but its so fun to ride i dont want to trade it anymore.
Watched this video on July 27th then bought the the next day had already picked it out. And wow it lives up to everrry thing yall say nice job
Thanks for the validation 👍🏻
What model was used for the AMA road racing spec class?
love your reviews man!
I have had a chance to ride one several times now and I would love to own one. Definitely will when I hit the lottery...😁
@gemini232003 I don't need the bike i would however put one in my collection if i hit the lottery... along with several other bikes.🤠
does Harley make a long range fuel tank for this model?
Love the upright riding stance. Hate the knees higher than hips. Love the front forks absorbing the road. The rear shocks still kick you in the kidneys. The front tire is the perfect size - not too thick or thin. The spokes make it harder to put air in the tires. My Roadster can go for 110 miles before the light comes on and it is gasping on fumes. Love my Roadster.
Can you fit a larger gas tank and performance Stage 3/4 kit. Also heavier fork oil, stiff Springs? I rode one in the eighties - didn't enjoy the vibration. Has Harley done anything about that.?
I've had 3 Sportster's I don't really find them underpowered. However the early rigid mount engine models have carbs and generally mediocre heads. The rubber mount models generally have EFI and Buell type heads but are heavy with an extra 20kg's on the frame, as well as often having the heavy cast iron mid-mounts foot controls that double as an engine guard, (I found that out on my '10 Iron) and the over-engineered 13 spoke oxcart wheels. The modern Roadster has nice light wheels, with some aluminum mid-mounts, (I don't need the engine guard now) the new lithium battery and a Hammer 1275 kit I'd happily own it. From experience you have to have twin front discs to make the most of a Sportster. Of course ditching the weight of the stock exhaust with a stage 1 is a given.
1200S...enough said!
Is that the largest tank you can fit? Down the track, can you add say a stage 3 kit. As a round town town, commute bike I think the Roadster has a place in the line-up. I like the mini ape hangers.
The intro song needs more cowbell.
Ill try and get some more on the next vid for you :)
RoadRash We need more cowbell more cowbell
Its like a copyright free version of this song xd Queens Of The Stone Age - Little Sister
Anyone know what gloves Matt wears?
whats the riders height on the white one?
I love my 2001 Sportster 1200S. Great on the roads upto 70 MPH here in England. Stops and handles well with no bad vibes, who needs rubber mounts.
Splodge...I have a 2000 XL1200S in purple. Love it. I cruise at 75 mph all day on the Interstate!
Yes, well they've lost a lot a sales on Sporty's over the years because of the vibes, and for not upping the power a little. They could have made the engines smoother without the stupid rubber mounting, and given them 80HP easily, but they refused.
Great review... thx !
I test ride one and hated the foot position. It needs to come with rear set foot controls. RSD made some, but it put the price into the dyna range.
Loved your review
I push my Sportster too I actually bought a set of these rear shocks to put on my 2013 custom just to see how it'll go actually going to increase the front shock length too with a longer damper tubes this winter I just hope The rear is not too stiffly sprung like I've heard
Hi, Does the 2020 Roadster have a fuel shut off
So how whats the height and weight of each of you? Would be damn helpful
Do you think its possible to get a more 883 look? Like lowering the bike
Did they raise the handlebars for 2020?
I traded my 16 fatbob for a 19 roadster and haven’t looked back. At 5’6 the fatbob had me too spread out. I did cams and chain drive and the bike is amazing in the mountains
You must have some tall boots or dropped the rear suspension which they didn't really cover.
There's between five and six inches of play in the rear suspension, -4.7" +1.4", that's a lot for a factory set. The bars and exhaust had to go, I still haven't put the new bars on after 6 months and after a 2 hour ride and 2 hours back it's really not that bad, but I'm about to put some 8" bats on it and I think it'll be perfect for me, as I am only 5'9" 160lbs and if I don't wear my boots I don't sit flatfooted.
is a 6speed gbox available?
Luckily in the UK we can still get the 1200 Custom. Hoping to get mine ordered in the next week or so in Midnight blue 👍
Enjoyed the video. Like the Sportster. Much like you do more highway and travel.
Nice bike...gas tank is way too small. Is there an optional touring tank?
I love the aesthetics of this bike, I want to get into riding (at 30) but this is most likely not a starter bike. I was leaning onto this bike or the Honda Rebel.
Great video!
Cant go wrong on a street 750 or an iron 883 both great starter bikes though the 883 has a lot more long term customization options all in you'll enjoy then whereas the Rebels tend to be outgrown quick
I’m 5’6 would you recommend this if not can you recommend me any other Harleys
Damn...I’m liking this. I said I wouldn’t buy a Harley...but this is 🔥🔥
I have pretty much wanted one of these since they came out I just don't know if I could see myself spending that kind of money I know it's not terrible but I wish it was a little cheaper
Could u put that front end on an iron
Still got mine. Put a screaming eagle stage four on it along with a bassani two to one. Beefed up the suspension as well, and the clutch. Its an awesome bike. Sounds like the banshee itself issuing from the gates of the netherworld.
I miss the 72. Good deals out there on used ones.
Have they completely stopped the previous roadster with a black tank ?
I used to want to get a roadster.. but bought a 2019 Fatbob 114 instead
i used to own a sportster for two months....but traded in for a 2019 Fatbob 114 instead
@@UnrulyRider I love my Sportster and fxr but I will definetly be picking up a Fatbob and a FTR1200 in the next year or two. Those ftr1200s look amazing!
Same. The Fat Bob is an incredible bike, but if I had room for another bike, the Roadster would be near the top of the list.
Inverted is the correct name for the forks , great bike to hustle around on
Love this bike
One of these with a Trask turbo kit would make for a lot of fun. Especially if you showed up to a track day with it.
How’s the seat ? Is it comfy?
Is it true Harley is discontinuing the Sportster?
I'm not gonna lie the street rods still outperforms the roadster The only reason im consider roadster Is because the customization options!!!
Like the clours and the bikes
I bought a 2017 roadster just because I got a good deal on it. I don’t care much for the looks, I’ve always been more of a fan of the traditional cruiser look with higher bars. I feel like if I swap these stock bars out for something higher I’ll catch a lot of flak. Also it’s pretty hard finding a fairing for these because of the inverted forks.
Hey Matt so I'm going to get my motorcycle course done this in October of this year so I'm in the market once I'm done with the course so I'm looking for a good beginner. However im also a big guy length wise I'm 6,4 228 lbs I was wondering would this bike a good fit.
You’d be okay with a Roadster. I wouldn’t really recommend any other Sportster though. If you end up riding your bike a lot you’ll probably want to get into a softail or a touring chassis in a about a year or less. It also depends on the type of riding you’ll be doing