Good choice. I rode 883's for 40 years. Bought a Dyna Glide Low Rider in 2008. Nothing wrong with a Sportster. I still have my 1997 883 Sportster Hugger, along with the 2008 Dyna. (1584 cc). I am now 61 years old, and I support your choice. Many of my friends ride 1200 Sportsters.... J. Howe, Michigan, USA.
Great choice of bike! That one looks really nice. Sportsters are the best bikes that Harley makes in my opinion; the sportster Evo engine is flawless and superior to the big twin cam. Also the sportster engine has gear driven cams, no cam chain to wear out. Plus, replacing the drive belt on a sportster is a snap. On the big twins, that job is an expensive nightmare. Oil changes are also simple on the sportster compared to a big twin bike (it's a pain!). The 1200 sportster is every bit as fast as a big twin, because of the lower gearing and less weight. My sportster is 16 years old now, with 87,000 miles on it, and still runs great, and I have had zero problems with it.
yeah good to know. Sporters are harley's most Reliable bike....everything Past that, is Pure Ego! I understand some people need a RoadKing or ElectraGlide for Cross country trips, but honestly if you're into that....there are a Million better choices...Goldwing,Concours,ST1300, Moto Guzzi, etc.....But I guess if that's All you know is HD, that's what your going to keep buying.
Great review. Very informative. I'm riding a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom (because Harleys cost too much), but the Sportster 1200 is my favorite cruiser.
The Sporster since 2005 have been very comfortable to ride on long distances I rode mine from Tx to Bermerton,Wa and back . The bike isn't really roke in til around 10 to12,000 miles, I was 60 plus years old,the one your showing would be much more comfortale to ride with that bigger tire in front
I have a 15' 1200T and I LOVE it. I highly recommend the Vance and Hines. I have the twin slash slip ons and they sound a ton better than screaming eagle. I tried out a few Dyna's and I wasn't as comfortable as the 1200. Nice bike....
I had a 2011 just like yours. Except I had the 5 spoke paddle rims. It rolled great on those fat tires. Loved it. Had to sell it over a woman. I have a 2012 streetglide and I did get a 2013 1200 xl custom to replace the one I had to sell. Had a 2007 883 also. It sounded great but too small for my 6 ft frame. It did sound great.
I really want something from the Dyna line, but they are just HUGE. I ride a Buell at 984cc so this seems like the most comfortable upgrade at a decent size (and price). Great overview btw. Very helpful in my search....
Thanks mate. As I said I would really recommend it. I haven't ridden the Dyna's but I know they won't be as nippy as this is. I absolutely love it. Done about 1000 miles now and it just keeps getting better. Booked in for the V&H so looking forward to being a bit louder on the road. Oh and if I was you I would keep the Buell if you can! Gonna be a classic in a decade.
Good review, my first harley was an 883, then a road king classic, now I'm back to a sporster 1200c after a few british, Japanese and Italian bikes, just think the harley has the best feel....wind in my face and bugs in my teeth
Age has finally caught up on me. I'm giving up my gixxer 1k for a more sedate ride. Considering a bmw r9t, ducati scrambler, or a sporster. This video made me decide. Thanks.!. 😁
I really like the look. I'm 61 and had to go on disability with a muscle skeletal issue, found the big Harley's and I had trouble getting them off the kick stand so I like what I see here and found a maroon one. Also like the bigger front tire. This solidifies my decision. decision.
In my opinion, this is the only modern Harley to considering owning, as the heart of the beast is it's EVOLUTION designed engine. Unlike, the Twin Cam engine, which uses a roller chain drive, with PLASTIC cam chain tensioners, which are designed to wear out and be periodically replaced, the Sporty engine, uses all METAL GEAR DRIVE to operate it's four cams. And the right side final belt drive on the Sporty makes it easy to change out, in minutes, with minimal downtime and at a very inexpensive cost, unlike the Twin Cam bikes, which require a costly, time consuming process, to simply change out the final belt drive. And since, '04, all Sportys come with a rubber mounted engine, to greatly dampen and reduce engine vibration. In older model, Sportys, the ride could rattle ones back molars out, but, not, todays great Sporty, one of the finest bikes on the market for its size and one still gets that great Harley single crank pin sound, from the Harleys of yesteryear.
Thanks, Mate - great review, mainly because I agree with you 100%. My first HD was going to be an 883 Iron but found it to be an underpowered slug that killed my hips with the riding position. Loved the pretty 48. Didn't have your handlebar problem but wasn't going to tolerate that silly 2.1US gal tank! Hence, like you, I have the best "little" Harley you can buy! Already has V&H, nice! Love the fwd foot pegs (no hip problems here). As you said, it needs a brighter headlight. And the RH indicator, I suppose you get used to it but I'm not holding my breath. Like you, I'm a very happy Harley rider and my "moped" for the wet weather is a g650gs. No disrespect to the little one, but it now feels like moped after riding the xl1200c!
You have done a grate video ...and a Very Nice Spotster 1200 .. good choice of bike.. thats what im looking at next year for my first Harley... i also like the 48 but i liked what you said about them... i think the customs got my vote.... thanks mate Steve-o Dunedin NZ
Henry Meguess: Don't know what you are referring to, cause the Sportster already comes with Metal Gear Drives to operate the 4 cams, no chains involved in cam operation. The big Twin Cam engines on the other model bikes, can be changed to gear drive, but, first one has to check the pinion shaft run out with the cam support plate removed to be sure the pinion shaft is no more ideally than still at the factory set spec of 0.001' or less or max run out or "wobble", cause if the crankshaft has begun to twist out of true, not a good idea to change out the Roller Chain drive to Gears, it can chew up the gears in about 1,000 miles, and if the gears are set to loose, it can also cause a loud whiny noise that will drive the rider bonkers.
Nice review, I bought the same bike in September, and I love it. Just put the V&H straight shots on it and it roars like a 1600+ and has a 20% HP increase. Great bike! Happy riding!
+Christian Palacios I only put the slip-ons on. There is recommendation to get the Fuel pack (a tuner sold by V&H) and the air filter to adjust the flow of air into the cylinders. But, since I didn't have the money I went with the slip-ons only and haven't had any problems at all. I am going to get them eventually, but I don't think it's critical.
+Christian Palacios I put them on, on December 24th and I've ridden about 1,500 miles since then, no problem. I'm sure there are benefits I'm missing out on, like increased HP, but there have been no negative effects at all. BTW, go to www.revzilla.com for the best prices and free shipping. I got them for about $100.00 less than the dealer wanted, and they are simple to put on, so you can save on the labor too. Overall I saved about $200.00 by doing it myself and ordering from RevZilla. Plus they have great instructional videos and reviews if you're wondering what to buy. There are about 5 pairs of slip-ons to choose from and they sound tested all of them.
+Christian Palacios I would call the customer service and have them help you out. In all my dealings with them, I have had nothing but good customer service. These guys are all bike owners, so they know what it's like to tinker on a bike. Give them a call, they'll help you out. Let me know how it turns out.
Hahaha, indicators on each side ROCK. My BMW is that way and I really like it over the one sided version like my Bonneville has....but yeah, had to get used to it. Thanks for the review. I'm in the process of selling my bike to get a 1200. Haven't done a v-twin yet and just LOVE the torque figures :-D
I appreciate it is more money, and for many that is where the argument ends and I fully understand that. But if there is any way you can finance the extra £$£ to get the 1200cc you 100% won't regret it. Superb bike.
Did you consider any thing bigger? Not that keen on the Mini apes of the Street Bob. Have you tried the 1200 2 up? I have looked at the Victory Judge and Vegas too. I have owned sports bikes, but at 35, I just want to pootle about.
+alan paice yep, not going to lie. I rode a few bigger Harley's, they felt more solid, more stable and slightly better built. The torque on the 103 cubes stuff was incredible. But (and it's a big but) the cost difference was unreal for something that to be honest wasn't that different and the sportsters are SO much more agile and flickable. Not sure whereabouts globally you are but I am in the UK and filtering between traffic plats a HUGE part in the way we ride. The 1200 is the perfect bike with enough grunt to go when you need to but also being small and agile enough to filter through any jam. The U.K. price jump up to the Dyna's is about £3,000 so it's not chump change.
+alan paice problem with owning a cbr600 is it is such a brilliant bike!!!! Was it an 'f' or a 'rr?' Both brilliant but the F Version is basically the best do anything bike ever! This harley will feel slow and agricultural after that BUT within a month of riding this I guarantee you you will love it. This is the genuine equivalent (in Harley terms) of a cbr600f if that makes any sense?!!!
I have the 2004 XL CUSTOM Sportster with the taller and skinny front wheel and no eyebrow over the headlight. Looks the same otherwise. I like that iconic eyebrow, and always lamented that mine didn’t come with one. I also wish I had mid controls. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.😅
Very good review ! I test-drove a 48, which is cool, but not very usable. And I drove an Iron, which looks great, but is too week. Therefore I'm looking for an alternative - perhaps the 1200 custom ? ...In reality, it is as fast as a Dyna (and a softtail too)
I really really recommend this bike. It's plenty fast enough and light so agile and nippy. The more I ride it the more I love it!!! I say go for the 1200 custom,
Great bike i had the 883 superlow, and now i am looking to go 1200 and i think this would be the one, also if you want there is a really nice group on Facebook, it's called Sportster Sickness UK i am also a member. All the best
it really is my ears,i know that;beautiful bike,and the reason i'm watching is that as of this moment i'm trying to make the all important decision between an 883 and this one
Hello mate, greetings from Chelmsford, Essex. Beautiful bike you got there can I ask how tall are you and what are the comfort levels like? I'm 6ft1 quite long legs and considering the sportster. I'm looking for a cruiser that can handle the motorway but is not too bulky to shoot around town with. Cheers.
I COULD GET THIS BIKE AND RIDE FOREVER. IT SURE IS A NEAT BIKE. FORGET THE WHOLE HARLEY THING, IF YOU COULD, FOR A MINUTE. IT'S JUST A SUPER NEAT, SUPER COOL BIKE, JUST FROM THE LOOKS.
Good choice. I rode 883's for 40 years. Bought a Dyna Glide Low Rider in 2008. Nothing wrong with a Sportster. I still have my 1997 883 Sportster Hugger, along with the 2008 Dyna. (1584 cc). I am now 61 years old, and I support your choice. Many of my friends ride 1200 Sportsters.... J. Howe, Michigan, USA.
Great choice of bike! That one looks really nice. Sportsters are the best bikes that Harley makes in my opinion; the sportster Evo engine is flawless and superior to the big twin cam. Also the sportster engine has gear driven cams, no cam chain to wear out. Plus, replacing the drive belt on a sportster is a snap. On the big twins, that job is an expensive nightmare. Oil changes are also simple on the sportster compared to a big twin bike (it's a pain!). The 1200 sportster is every bit as fast as a big twin, because of the lower gearing and less weight. My sportster is 16 years old now, with 87,000 miles on it, and still runs great, and I have had zero problems with it.
yeah good to know. Sporters are harley's most Reliable bike....everything Past that, is Pure Ego! I understand some people need a RoadKing or ElectraGlide for Cross country trips, but honestly if you're into that....there are a Million better choices...Goldwing,Concours,ST1300, Moto Guzzi, etc.....But I guess if that's All you know is HD, that's what your going to keep buying.
Harley has the BEST Chrome work, hands down, no contest.....they are cool to look at and polish up!
Great review. Very informative. I'm riding a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom (because Harleys cost too much), but the Sportster 1200 is my favorite cruiser.
The Sporster since 2005 have been very comfortable to ride on long distances I rode mine from Tx to Bermerton,Wa and back . The bike isn't really roke in til around 10 to12,000 miles, I was 60 plus years old,the one your showing would be much more comfortale to ride with that bigger tire in front
I'm going to buy one this weekend! Thrilled!!
I have a 15' 1200T and I LOVE it. I highly recommend the Vance and Hines. I have the twin slash slip ons and they sound a ton better than screaming eagle. I tried out a few Dyna's and I wasn't as comfortable as the 1200. Nice bike....
+David Hunter Got the Vance and Hines booked to go on it soon. Cant wait to see what it sounds like!!
I had a 2011 just like yours. Except I had the 5 spoke paddle rims. It rolled great on those fat tires. Loved it. Had to sell it over a woman. I have a 2012 streetglide and I did get a 2013 1200 xl custom to replace the one I had to sell. Had a 2007 883 also. It sounded great but too small for my 6 ft frame. It did sound great.
This bike is incredibly beautiful.
I agree it looks better than all the other bikes IMO.
I really want something from the Dyna line, but they are just HUGE. I ride a Buell at 984cc so this seems like the most comfortable upgrade at a decent size (and price). Great overview btw. Very helpful in my search....
Thanks mate. As I said I would really recommend it. I haven't ridden the Dyna's but I know they won't be as nippy as this is. I absolutely love it. Done about 1000 miles now and it just keeps getting better. Booked in for the V&H so looking forward to being a bit louder on the road. Oh and if I was you I would keep the Buell if you can! Gonna be a classic in a decade.
Good review, my first harley was an 883, then a road king classic, now I'm back to a sporster 1200c after a few british, Japanese and Italian bikes, just think the harley has the best feel....wind in my face and bugs in my teeth
I came from riding sport bike's and now my first Harley Davidson is the 1200 custom and I am loving it.
Just bought the same bike with the V&H short straights.. Well impressed. Great review mate.
Age has finally caught up on me. I'm giving up my gixxer 1k for a more sedate ride. Considering a bmw r9t, ducati scrambler, or a sporster. This video made me decide. Thanks.!. 😁
haf piano getting the BMW then?!! 😉😂😂😂
I really like the look. I'm 61 and had to go on disability with a muscle skeletal issue, found the big Harley's and I had trouble getting them off the kick stand so I like what I see here and found a maroon one. Also like the bigger front tire. This solidifies my decision. decision.
have the same bike , it is a awesome cruiser , and with a good pipe sounds like attitude !!!
In my opinion, this is the only modern Harley to considering owning, as the heart of the beast is it's EVOLUTION designed engine. Unlike, the Twin Cam engine, which uses a roller chain drive, with PLASTIC cam chain tensioners, which are designed to wear out and be periodically replaced, the Sporty engine, uses all METAL GEAR DRIVE to operate it's four cams. And the right side final belt drive on the Sporty makes it easy to change out, in minutes, with minimal downtime and at a very inexpensive cost, unlike the Twin Cam bikes, which require a costly, time consuming process, to simply change out the final belt drive. And since, '04, all Sportys come with a rubber mounted engine, to greatly dampen and reduce engine vibration. In older model, Sportys, the ride could rattle ones back molars out, but, not, todays great Sporty, one of the finest bikes on the market for its size and one still gets that great Harley single crank pin sound, from the Harleys of yesteryear.
You can change all that out and have gears,no chain cost around 4oo
Getting a used 2016 xl 1200c on Monday. !
Good bike to just cruise around till the sun sets.
Congrats on a great vid. Very informative and I like the way you compared tutor bike to alternative HD options. Thanks
Thanks, Mate - great review, mainly because I agree with you 100%. My first HD was going to be an 883 Iron but found it to be an underpowered slug that killed my hips with the riding position. Loved the pretty 48. Didn't have your handlebar problem but wasn't going to tolerate that silly 2.1US gal tank! Hence, like you, I have the best "little" Harley you can buy! Already has V&H, nice! Love the fwd foot pegs (no hip problems here). As you said, it needs a brighter headlight. And the RH indicator, I suppose you get used to it but I'm not holding my breath. Like you, I'm a very happy Harley rider and my "moped" for the wet weather is a g650gs. No disrespect to the little one, but it now feels like moped after riding the xl1200c!
You have done a grate video ...and a Very Nice Spotster 1200 .. good choice of bike.. thats what im looking at next year for my first Harley... i also like the 48 but i liked what you said about them... i think the customs got my vote.... thanks mate Steve-o Dunedin NZ
Beautiful bike .... I have a 2003 Sportster and love it.
Henry Meguess: Don't know what you are referring to, cause the Sportster already comes with Metal Gear Drives to operate the 4 cams, no chains involved in cam operation. The big Twin Cam engines on the other model bikes, can be changed to gear drive, but, first one has to check the pinion shaft run out with the cam support plate removed to be sure the pinion shaft is no more ideally than still at the factory set spec of 0.001' or less or max run out or "wobble", cause if the crankshaft has begun to twist out of true, not a good idea to change out the Roller Chain drive to Gears, it can chew up the gears in about 1,000 miles, and if the gears are set to loose, it can also cause a loud whiny noise that will drive the rider bonkers.
Nice review, I bought the same bike in September, and I love it. Just put the V&H straight shots on it and it roars like a 1600+ and has a 20% HP increase. Great bike! Happy riding!
Wow. Sounds awesome, I'm really excited about the new exhaust and stage one system going on in March. Do you really notice the power increase?
Yeah, I noticed it right away. I'm doing a full stage one next, and I hear that will up it even more.
+Christian Palacios I only put the slip-ons on. There is recommendation to get the Fuel pack (a tuner sold by V&H) and the air filter to adjust the flow of air into the cylinders. But, since I didn't have the money I went with the slip-ons only and haven't had any problems at all. I am going to get them eventually, but I don't think it's critical.
+Christian Palacios I put them on, on December 24th and I've ridden about 1,500 miles since then, no problem. I'm sure there are benefits I'm missing out on, like increased HP, but there have been no negative effects at all. BTW, go to www.revzilla.com for the best prices and free shipping. I got them for about $100.00 less than the dealer wanted, and they are simple to put on, so you can save on the labor too. Overall I saved about $200.00 by doing it myself and ordering from RevZilla. Plus they have great instructional videos and reviews if you're wondering what to buy. There are about 5 pairs of slip-ons to choose from and they sound tested all of them.
+Christian Palacios I would call the customer service and have them help you out. In all my dealings with them, I have had nothing but good customer service. These guys are all bike owners, so they know what it's like to tinker on a bike. Give them a call, they'll help you out. Let me know how it turns out.
Yes sir I’m the same way I’m 48 and 155 lbs 1200 Sportster is enough for me.
Thanks for the review - looking at buying a custom early next year. Very helpful. Best wishes Dunc.
Hahaha, indicators on each side ROCK. My BMW is that way and I really like it over the one sided version like my Bonneville has....but yeah, had to get used to it. Thanks for the review. I'm in the process of selling my bike to get a 1200. Haven't done a v-twin yet and just LOVE the torque figures :-D
My dads got one very similar, the only difference is that my dads one has the back rest and I love it.
great bike for a smaller rider like myself, been looking at the 2015 for a while
Love the review. I was thinking of the 883, but I think after seeing this I am sold on the 1200c
I appreciate it is more money, and for many that is where the argument ends and I fully understand that. But if there is any way you can finance the extra £$£ to get the 1200cc you 100% won't regret it. Superb bike.
Did you consider any thing bigger? Not that keen on the Mini apes of the Street Bob. Have you tried the 1200 2 up?
I have looked at the Victory Judge and Vegas too. I have owned sports bikes, but at 35, I just want to pootle about.
+alan paice yep, not going to lie. I rode a few bigger Harley's, they felt more solid, more stable and slightly better built. The torque on the 103 cubes stuff was incredible. But (and it's a big but) the cost difference was unreal for something that to be honest wasn't that different and the sportsters are SO much more agile and flickable. Not sure whereabouts globally you are but I am in the UK and filtering between traffic plats a HUGE part in the way we ride. The 1200 is the perfect bike with enough grunt to go when you need to but also being small and agile enough to filter through any jam. The U.K. price jump up to the Dyna's is about £3,000 so it's not chump change.
Edinburgh mate. I used to ride a CBR 600. Just want some thing to cruise about Scotland on, and may be do longer trips to see family down south.
+alan paice problem with owning a cbr600 is it is such a brilliant bike!!!! Was it an 'f' or a 'rr?' Both brilliant but the F Version is basically the best do anything bike ever! This harley will feel slow and agricultural after that BUT within a month of riding this I guarantee you you will love it. This is the genuine equivalent (in Harley terms) of a cbr600f if that makes any sense?!!!
I have the 2004 XL CUSTOM Sportster with the taller and skinny front wheel and no eyebrow over the headlight. Looks the same otherwise. I like that iconic eyebrow, and always lamented that mine didn’t come with one. I also wish I had mid controls. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.😅
Very good review ! I test-drove a 48, which is cool, but not very usable. And I drove an Iron, which looks great, but is too week. Therefore I'm looking for an alternative - perhaps the 1200 custom ? ...In reality, it is as fast as a Dyna (and a softtail too)
I really really recommend this bike. It's plenty fast enough and light so agile and nippy. The more I ride it the more I love it!!! I say go for the 1200 custom,
I got the XL 1200 Low perfect choice mate!
toss a screaming eagle top end kit in hang on this little thing moves with a 110hp !!! torque is unbelievable
Mate thanks for the review. Best I've seen
Great video! Test rode one today and hoping to buy it!
I have a great piece of advice from someone who has been around Harley's all his life put rinehearts on it for exhaust
What do you think after 8 years? Was it worth to switch to Harley from Japanese bikes? Would you buy Sportster 1200 again?
Great bike i had the 883 superlow, and now i am looking to go 1200 and i think this would be the one, also if you want there is a really nice group on Facebook, it's called Sportster Sickness UK i am also a member. All the best
Radu Golici I got a 1200 sposter 2014 trying to sale
Very cool enjoy that HD "
I just bought one for my wife 2015 model with only 1600km on the clock.
I have this bike too, it is epic! Mine is a 2014
it really is my ears,i know that;beautiful bike,and the reason i'm watching is that as of this moment i'm trying to make the all important decision between an 883 and this one
the 1200 mike the 883 wouldn't pull the cock of a chocolate mouse
Great Choice.... Nice Bike.... Tell the haters to piss off!!! :)
Hello mate, greetings from Chelmsford, Essex. Beautiful bike you got there can I ask how tall are you and what are the comfort levels like? I'm 6ft1 quite long legs and considering the sportster. I'm looking for a cruiser that can handle the motorway but is not too bulky to shoot around town with. Cheers.
cola poker hi I'm a mm under 6 foot and it's very comfortable. Like very comfortable. Would be great for motorways and around town.
I COULD GET THIS BIKE AND RIDE FOREVER. IT SURE IS A NEAT BIKE. FORGET THE WHOLE HARLEY THING, IF YOU COULD, FOR A MINUTE. IT'S JUST A SUPER NEAT, SUPER COOL BIKE, JUST FROM THE LOOKS.
Nive bike ...but not a fan of stock pipes! Put straight pipes on mine and much better! #AmericanMade 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hi I believe at one point the leader of the Hells Angels rode a sportster anyway. So I bet they would never have said anything to him. 😂
I just bought one myself
A European that actually likes Harleys, interesting.
Start the darn thing
PAL Outdoors why don’t you start yours?
jackwednesday shortly
Contemplating different pipes, just want to hear different configurations
Great vid but please speak louder next time. I have my laptop speakers turned all the way up and the youtube volume to max and its hard to hear you.
The audio is so low. difficult to hear most of what you are talking about. Also the video looks distorted throughout. some problem with the lens?
Oh I thought it was because I was drunk!
Would you recommend this over a roadster?
Basically the same bike mate
Whats the XL stand for?
Extra light
Beautiful unpretentious cruiser.....some harleys try too hard to impress..
Did you record the audio on a lego phone?
Why didnt you start it up !!!
He did at 12:40
Can I wheelie this?
Nuclear ADHD if you are a good enough rider yes.
Bon, tout ce bla, bla, c'est bien, ..mais elle roule ta bécane ?
i really wanted to hear this video,but i just can't; i can decipher a British accent fairly well but need to be able to hear it to do so
Michael Hutson literally got no idea what your on about mate. Maybe try turning it up? Your computer or phone is obviously fucked.
turned off all extraneous noise and was able to hear the last part pretty clearly!
Your voice is like a 125 not convinced you can roll with a HD
Shut up fuckwit.
Congrats on a great vid. Very informative and I like the way you compared tutor bike to alternative HD options. Thanks