First I'm 65 years of age. I've been riding since 1972. I grew up when the Sportster was a "sportbike." The Sportster and the Bonneville was king for years until the CB750 Honda. I rode sportbikes up until 2014, CBR929RR, Ducati 900 Supersport and a Honda 919. I also owned a 883 and a 2004 Superglide. I now own a 2020 XL1200CX Roadster because I feel it's a return to the Sportsters original mission, a sportbike. I feel a stage 1 or 2 upgrade will be necessary if it doesn't make the bike obnoxiously loud.
The Roadster is a great platform. Great brakes, decent suspension, and tires. Because of its back tire size, it's gearing is perfect. The bike is smoothest 70 to 90 mph.
I now have an 883R. Loving it! I Sold my heavy Honda Goldwing 1800 last year. This is my first Harley after numerous other bikes over the years including Kawasaki, BMW, Suzuki, Honda and Vespa. I feel I can really throw this one around and have fun!
Just bought a used 2017 roadster. It had some upgrades done to it. Grips, foot pegs, handlebars, solo seat. I had a 2013 custom that I traded for it. I loved the look of the roadster but after I test rode it I was sold. It definitely handles better all around. The mid controls were weird at the dealer but on the road they work well for the bike. I’m 6’1” and it’s cool with me. I’m currently on RUclips looking at a stage one when I can across your video. If anyone is on the fence I can say buy with confidence. Just make sure you know what kind of riding you’re looking to do.
I first fell in love with the look of the iron but the handling on the roadster will change that after 35miles. I made a few changes to the look so it’s more upright and less cafe racer but it is excellent, better handling, more responsive so I’m am very pleased with the choice I made.
I love the Roadster, so much so that I bought a set of Roadster handlebars & put em on my bike & they were awesome, now back to 8 inch mini apes, nice comparison!
I owned a 2006 xl1200r. Just like you said... All Sportsters received the rubber mounted Evo starting in 05 I think. Mine was a 1200, dual disks, hotter cams stock, greater travel on suspension, etc. I did a stage two, bars, seat, etc. I took my pregnant wife for our last ride during her eight month, sold it (tears and all) to build a house for my fam. Great bike!
The Roadster came back in 2004 with the then new rubber mount and new frame as a replacement for the Sportster 1200 Sport. Compared to the 1200 Custom the XL1200R had dual front disc, higher seat height, dual gauge, classic 3.3 gallon peanut tank (the larger 4.5 tank was introduced in 2004 on the Custom) and the front wheel was 19'' while the Custom had the skinny 21''. Where I live (Italy) it was only available with chrome spoked wheels, while pretty much everywhere else it came standard with cast wheels powder coated silver. In '07 EFI replaced the carb. 2008 was the last year of production of the "old" Roadster and only for this year it came with the big 4.5 gallon tank (which by the way was ugly af, at least imo). If I'm not mistaken HD introduced the new Roadster in 2016, with a much more modern and aggressive look and also inverted forks.
The roadster is the “sporty “ sportster, so of course Harley killed it. I got the 883 as my first bike and wish I had that roadster now! But I love my 883! Btw, all scooters are not made the equal! I have an 04 Honda silverwing maxi-scooter with a 600cc engine and it makes as much hp as my Harley!! Come on Harley!
@@Ezekiel666 I still wish I had a roadster. I traded the 883 for my '21 FXLRS almost 2 years ago now. Wow, time flies! Best decision ever! The M8 114 is a thrill to ride, comparatively of course. I would love the roadster as a second bike though!
@@robbyclark6915 Hell yeah I've been wanting that bike but don't want to add another bike to the stable yet. My friends have that Lowrider S and absolutely love it. One has it with the new 117 engine and stopped talking crap about Harleys lol.
I've got the '20 Roadster in the same color. That seat he put on there looks comfy, but really ruins the look, IMO. But, if he's taking it on long rides, maybe it's worth it.
I have 16 bike's, mostly harley and Buell....my 2016 roadster is stock and one of my favorites of my collection..over the live wire!..and 2010 xr1200...and almost all of my bike's.. although it handles very well...it is not in the class of any of my Buell"s..the xr or definitely the live wire....but something about it...the bars, stance....make it about the funnest bike I have without having to go too fast while you feel like you are!!...ride!!
I just bought a 2016 roadster. I am 54 years old. The first time I rode it, my legs started cramping in my upper thigh/ hip area. It felt like the controls were a little further back than mid. Maybe it was because of the short bars? I bought the bike because of the Cafe style look. While I probably just needed to stretch my thighs, and they do not hurt anymore, I would not suggest the Roadster for "older" riders. Maybe one day I will be able to afford a street glide! 😂
I have a 2005 xl1200r roadster,I love it I went out to buy a dyna wide glide but the problems with the twincam engine freaked me out .i bought a new twincam nightrain in 2003. But I sold it and went back to shovelhead,I still have my 1978 shovel bobber. But I wanted something to throw about a bit,so after having a lot off sportsters in my life.i had to have this one. I’m 69 now so this will probably be my last bike buy.😂👍🇬🇧
Can 11 inch suspension fit the roadster 1200? Love the look and the front inverted fork and dua disc of of the roadster but am 4.8" so just wondering if I can lower it to 11.5 inch suspension
You can not customize the Sporster very easily, not however you want lol they don't make shit for this bike, basically everything is custom made and "it feels like a sports bike, doesn't really feel like a Sporster, but it feels like a Sporster", what? Change the bars and it's an all around great bike, if the bars are your main point, CHANGE THE BARS! The Roadster was over $12.5k. This definitely handles a lot better than the Iron and leans a lot better, you can take it through the canyons and valleys without letting off the throttle and the Bob's, Baggers and Glide's will be scrapping bags when the Roadster can keep on leaning into the corners.
Roadster but the Iron 1200 with the mini apes, screen and sissy carry bar. Another Sportster I’ve seen is a Custom with a 3.5 gallon tank, fat front wheel- very nice.
A little off topic. I was going back and fourth between 3 different bikes. Iron 1200, Indian Scout and a Vulcan S. I just couldn't figure it out what I want to purchase. I went and seen and tested the Vulcan S. Comfortable and a smooth ride but didn't feel good enough to purchase, the Scout was amazing but me being 5'5 i didn't like the forward controls. The Iron was everything and more. What sold me was the ape bars and mid controls
@@Darkrider8500 but they do handle a lil worse right? I'm ok to a point cuz I like the style but I'm just curious what a difference it was from on to another
my issue with the roadster is fir 2k more you get the big v-twin. Harley really needs to sort out their pricing. Even to a lesser extent, 3k separates a big V and a Sporter 1200
Hi, do you think the iron 1200 would fit better for someone who is 6'03" 100 kilo in weight...especially with forward controls...Thanks....Great vid BTW.
2019 Roadater. V&H Tracker Pipe, Forward Controls, Raised Bars, Gas Intake (Round), Tuned. My knees were around hip level and I hated riding like a sideways v.
Both motorcycles have strengths and weaknesses, but they are good for traveling and are small in size and light in weight, so I think they are good to deal with. It's a great video. I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel. 👍🤝🤝🤝🤙👌
My 1992 Honda CB750 has 77hp weighs less and dead reliable....I just don't see the point of buying a bike with less HP and lot more money and weight.Ok I get it its a Harley........😮
I tested ride both the Roadster and the Iron1200, went with the Roadster as it fits my liking and my riding style! what a fun bike! check my ig @roadster.19 cheers bro
First I'm 65 years of age. I've been riding since 1972. I grew up when the Sportster was a "sportbike." The Sportster and the Bonneville was king for years until the CB750 Honda. I rode sportbikes up until 2014, CBR929RR, Ducati 900 Supersport and a Honda 919. I also owned a 883 and a 2004 Superglide. I now own a 2020 XL1200CX Roadster because I feel it's a return to the Sportsters original mission, a sportbike. I feel a stage 1 or 2 upgrade will be necessary if it doesn't make the bike obnoxiously loud.
Stage 1 or 2 could be a cool idea 🤟
Most Harleys are obnoxiously loud
The Roadster is a great platform. Great brakes, decent suspension, and tires. Because of its back tire size, it's gearing is perfect. The bike is smoothest 70 to 90 mph.
Definitely a cool ride.
I now have an 883R. Loving it! I Sold my heavy Honda Goldwing 1800 last year. This is my first Harley after numerous other bikes over the years including Kawasaki, BMW, Suzuki, Honda and Vespa. I feel I can really throw this one around and have fun!
That's a good one 👍
Just bought a used 2017 roadster. It had some upgrades done to it. Grips, foot pegs, handlebars, solo seat. I had a 2013 custom that I traded for it. I loved the look of the roadster but after I test rode it I was sold. It definitely handles better all around. The mid controls were weird at the dealer but on the road they work well for the bike. I’m 6’1” and it’s cool with me. I’m currently on RUclips looking at a stage one when I can across your video. If anyone is on the fence I can say buy with confidence. Just make sure you know what kind of riding you’re looking to do.
That's awesome. Yeah I think the height, lean angle and inverted from forks probably make a big difference for handling
What kind of ridin is this best for city?
@@SMELLSLIKENIRVANATRIBUTEit’s ok for city but definitely best in cangons
I first fell in love with the look of the iron but the handling on the roadster will change that after 35miles. I made a few changes to the look so it’s more upright and less cafe racer but it is excellent, better handling, more responsive so I’m am very pleased with the choice I made.
great comparison! so many different types of sportsters to choose from!
Great bikes! Thanks for watching
I love the Roadster, so much so that I bought a set of Roadster handlebars & put em on my bike & they were awesome, now back to 8 inch mini apes, nice comparison!
Nice! Always fun to swap stuff out.
I have 2019 Roadster and like its handling & performance. But I like the stance of Iron 883 & Iron 1200..they are iconic of sportster model.
Nice! Thanks for tuning in. Interesting how they can switch up the same bike to make it fit and ride for a different experience.
I owned a 2006 xl1200r. Just like you said... All Sportsters received the rubber mounted Evo starting in 05 I think. Mine was a 1200, dual disks, hotter cams stock, greater travel on suspension, etc. I did a stage two, bars, seat, etc. I took my pregnant wife for our last ride during her eight month, sold it (tears and all) to build a house for my fam. Great bike!
The Roadster came back in 2004 with the then new rubber mount and new frame as a replacement for the Sportster 1200 Sport.
Compared to the 1200 Custom the XL1200R had dual front disc, higher seat height, dual gauge, classic 3.3 gallon peanut tank (the larger 4.5 tank was introduced in 2004 on the Custom) and the front wheel was 19'' while the Custom had the skinny 21''. Where I live (Italy) it was only available with chrome spoked wheels, while pretty much everywhere else it came standard with cast wheels powder coated silver.
In '07 EFI replaced the carb.
2008 was the last year of production of the "old" Roadster and only for this year it came with the big 4.5 gallon tank (which by the way was ugly af, at least imo).
If I'm not mistaken HD introduced the new Roadster in 2016, with a much more modern and aggressive look and also inverted forks.
Nice history of the roadster right there. I like the one that had the dual gagues.
The roadster is the “sporty “ sportster, so of course Harley killed it. I got the 883 as my first bike and wish I had that roadster now! But I love my 883!
Btw, all scooters are not made the equal! I have an 04 Honda silverwing maxi-scooter with a 600cc engine and it makes as much hp as my Harley!! Come on Harley!
Yeah sad to see it go.
I had the 883 and traded it in for the Roadster a year later. I highly recommend getting one!
@@Ezekiel666 I still wish I had a roadster. I traded the 883 for my '21 FXLRS almost 2 years ago now. Wow, time flies! Best decision ever! The M8 114 is a thrill to ride, comparatively of course. I would love the roadster as a second bike though!
@@robbyclark6915 Hell yeah I've been wanting that bike but don't want to add another bike to the stable yet. My friends have that Lowrider S and absolutely love it. One has it with the new 117 engine and stopped talking crap about Harleys lol.
I've got the '20 Roadster in the same color. That seat he put on there looks comfy, but really ruins the look, IMO. But, if he's taking it on long rides, maybe it's worth it.
Your being polite, he made it ugly.
Its a good day... I'm picking up my 2019 Iron 1200 Twisted Cherry todsy and right before I head to the dealership a Motojawn video.... 😎
That's awesome congrats! Great purchase. Ride safe.
Almost went with the Roadster. The Matt black version with red stripe. The Iron 1200 for me was just a better fit all round. Cool video.
It's a great bike just a little too high for me.
I have 16 bike's, mostly harley and Buell....my 2016 roadster is stock and one of my favorites of my collection..over the live wire!..and 2010 xr1200...and almost all of my bike's.. although it handles very well...it is not in the class of any of my Buell"s..the xr or definitely the live wire....but something about it...the bars, stance....make it about the funnest bike I have without having to go too fast while you feel like you are!!...ride!!
Wow 16 bikes! That's got me jealous
@@TheMotoJawn well...I'm 60 yrs old...and motorcycles are my drug of choice!...I do consider myself fortunate for this collection.
I'm a fan of those inverted forks and dual disc brakes.
Definitely wouldn't mind seeing something like that implemented across the line up.
I'm 63 years old and I'm on over a dozen motorcycles. I've never owned a Harley. Thinking about pulling the trigger finally.
Go ahead and give it a try 👍
Def depending on the rider they offer some pros and cons but both very solid bikes. Good video brotha
Roadster is great seat height is just a little too high for me. Thanks bro!
I just bought a 2016 roadster. I am 54 years old. The first time I rode it, my legs started cramping in my upper thigh/ hip area. It felt like the controls were a little further back than mid. Maybe it was because of the short bars? I bought the bike because of the Cafe style look. While I probably just needed to stretch my thighs, and they do not hurt anymore, I would not suggest the Roadster for "older" riders. Maybe one day I will be able to afford a street glide! 😂
I have a 2005 xl1200r roadster,I love it I went out to buy a dyna wide glide but the problems with the twincam engine freaked me out .i bought a new twincam nightrain in 2003. But I sold it and went back to shovelhead,I still have my 1978 shovel bobber. But I wanted something to throw about a bit,so after having a lot off sportsters in my life.i had to have this one. I’m 69 now so this will probably be my last bike buy.😂👍🇬🇧
Love a good shovel
Great Video I'm a few blocks away with my custom 2016 iron XL883N South Philly Set Up A Group Ride 🏍️🤟😎💯
No doubt definitely setting up rides this year.
I love my Roadster. I came from a sport bike background so it was an easy transition. My 2017 is stock and I think it looks great. And it is a Harley!
Definitely a great bike
Roadster I feel is more cafe racer vs the iron which is more og cruiser. Good one man
Thanks man! I agree 100% the roadster seems like the forgotten sporty sometimes too.
Can 11 inch suspension fit the roadster 1200? Love the look and the front inverted fork and dua disc of of the roadster but am 4.8" so just wondering if I can lower it to 11.5 inch suspension
Yeah it could be lowered.
Great video! How tall are you if you don't mind me asking? Curious to understand height relation between flat foot vs tippy toes.
I'm 5'6. I flat foot my iron but not quite on the roadster
You can not customize the Sporster very easily, not however you want lol they don't make shit for this bike, basically everything is custom made and "it feels like a sports bike, doesn't really feel like a Sporster, but it feels like a Sporster", what?
Change the bars and it's an all around great bike, if the bars are your main point, CHANGE THE BARS! The Roadster was over $12.5k.
This definitely handles a lot better than the Iron and leans a lot better, you can take it through the canyons and valleys without letting off the throttle and the Bob's, Baggers and Glide's will be scrapping bags when the Roadster can keep on leaning into the corners.
Oh
Love the fairing on the black one . I just bought a 2021 iron 1200 and I hate the factory fairing
Memphis shades Cafe fairing. 😎
Roadster but the Iron 1200 with the mini apes, screen and sissy carry bar. Another Sportster I’ve seen is a Custom with a 3.5 gallon tank, fat front wheel- very nice.
A little off topic. I was going back and fourth between 3 different bikes. Iron 1200, Indian Scout and a Vulcan S. I just couldn't figure it out what I want to purchase. I went and seen and tested the Vulcan S. Comfortable and a smooth ride but didn't feel good enough to purchase, the Scout was amazing but me being 5'5 i didn't like the forward controls. The Iron was everything and more. What sold me was the ape bars and mid controls
Nice! Mid controls definitely feel right for me being only 5'6
I just traded a perfectly fine 2022 Bonnevillle T120 for a 2020 Roadster. Love it to death, and Fly Eagles fly, do the parade again
Hell yeah! 🤟
I'm thinking of doing the same with my Bonnie, how much worse is the handling on the roadster
@@jetmoseby5149 I like sportsters and their character, try a test ride
@@Darkrider8500 but they do handle a lil worse right? I'm ok to a point cuz I like the style but I'm just curious what a difference it was from on to another
my issue with the roadster is fir 2k more you get the big v-twin. Harley really needs to sort out their pricing. Even to a lesser extent, 3k separates a big V and a Sporter 1200
That's a really good point. Weird price points. You can get into a more powerful softail for a little more money.
@@TheMotoJawn then that softail can go to a 124, Sporty's aren't doing that anytime soon
Did you swap the seats?
If I had to trade my Sporty for another one, I’d definitely get the Roadster.
Very solid bike. Sad to see it go from the line up.
Hi, do you think the iron 1200 would fit better for someone who is 6'03" 100 kilo in weight...especially with forward controls...Thanks....Great vid BTW.
Thanks for tuning in! Yeah I think at 6'3 you would most likely find it more comfortable with forward control.
Luv the roadster.... best harley bike ever
Love my roadster.
Nice 🤟
What seat do you have on your sportster?
The roadster has the throwback seat by mustang and the iron 1200 has the saddlemen step up seat
@@TheMotoJawn thanks for your reply
2019 Roadater. V&H Tracker Pipe, Forward Controls, Raised Bars, Gas Intake (Round), Tuned. My knees were around hip level and I hated riding like a sideways v.
Bro where did you get the seat for the roadster?!
Throwback seat by mustang
Both motorcycles have strengths and weaknesses, but they are good for traveling and are small in size and light in weight, so I think they are good to deal with. It's a great video. I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel.
👍🤝🤝🤝🤙👌
Very cool thanks for stopping by!
I like the center controls!
I took the Iron 1200,that was the bike for me
Love my 2020 Iron 1200
Double disc also means twice the unsprung weight up front.
Compensated by the inverted forks.
Good job 👏
Thank you sir!
Please take that stupid seat off the roadster.
Thumbs up buddy!
Thanks for stopping by!
The roadster has an ugly seat. but it does look comfortable. thank you for sharing.
Very unique seat
Burly moto bars and cobra 2-1 exhaust
My 1992 Honda CB750 has 77hp weighs less and dead reliable....I just don't see the point of buying a bike with less HP and lot more money and weight.Ok I get it its a Harley........😮
Best cheesesteak sandwich?
Delassandros or Jim's
Had one for two years. The footpegs were not placed too well by the factory. Otherwise it was a bargain with no ABS. 2016 bought new.
Nice cool bike 😎
The seat on the roadster looks like shit🤮
Ducking you rosted the roadster look
I tested ride both the Roadster and the Iron1200, went with the Roadster as it fits my liking and my riding style! what a fun bike! check my ig @roadster.19 cheers bro
Yoooo right on!