I took the new (to me) Sportster out yesterday

[Clifton]

I recently picked up another 2008 Roadster, one that is in nicer shape than the other, so I'll eventually sell the first one. I moved the roomier seat I'd put on the other one over to this one and planned to move the stock silencers too because the V&H slip-ons on it seemed pretty loud even just running while parked. I put a new battery in it last week and yesterday, while it's not registered or insured yet, I just stuck a plate from another bike on to take it out for 40 miles or so to get it hot before changing oils. Pumped up the tyres which have good tread but are original and took off for leisurely ride.
The bike fits me well with the new seat which moves the rider both back and up 2". The FI engine starts right up and runs w/o a hiccup. It rode surprisingly well on the gravel roads and once I got on pavement and up to speed it was delightful gliding along around 65 mph at 3,000 rpm watching the scenery go by...... except for the way too loud exhaust! Even though I was wearing a full face helmet and ear plugs the noise was just awful, especially under throttle accelerating or up a grade. It's probably why the thing had low mileage, the original owner simply couldn't ride it very far.



Today am pulling those V&H mufflers the hell off and moving the stock ones off the other bike over to this one.

 

[walkingpictures]

Somewhat different to the Stelvio!! Hope you enjoy both bikes

Kimbo

 

[Clifton]

Indeed very different.... the spice of life, thanks Kimbo.

 

[Bubb]

Photos of the new toy….we all like photos

 

[brut33]

It looks like it has the bigger fuel tank than the peanut tank which is a plus regarding range. Is it an 883 or 1200?
I have a Road King but would downsize if the right Sporty came along. Since HD ended production of the Sportster, they've started rising in value in the UK.

BTW, nice bike.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Photos of the new toy….we all like photos

Yeah come on Clifton, pics please!

 

[Clifton]

Yes good eye, 4.5 (US) gallon tank on the 2008 model XL1200R, which was one of the things I was hoping for, along with the bike being stock. I wanted an XL1200R which were made 5 years (2004-2008) to get mid pegs, lowish bars, cast wheels, and dual front disc. And preferred FI which started in 2007, but the 4.5 gallon tank was only for 2008. Paul these pics were right after I unloaded it so still with the stock seat.

 

[TIJ650]

That’s a really cool looking sporster. I’ve heard the new one is shit - so the older ones are probably the way to go. Leave the V&H on and get some earplugs

 

[solidstate100]

Nice ride. As a recent "convert" to HD and the sportster (I have a 1982 ironhead) I must say I have a new appreciation for the honest simplicity of the sporty and the older big twins etc. I can see another one in my life in the not to distant future - a slightly more modern one like yours for a daily rider as the ironhead is frankly a bit brutal/unsophisticated

 

[Clifton]

Thank you TIJ650 and solidstate100. The 2004+ rubber mount bikes are heavier but are noticeably smoother at speed and I plan to ride this one. I worry that my hands would go to sleep riding a solid mount very far. The V&H slip-ons are quite loud and not in a good way, kind of raspy loud. They are essentially straight cans, when off I can look straight through them. I'll see how the stock ones sound but I think they'll be what I want. If not, it's a bit of work, but I can cut out the baffle tube, enlarge the holes, than have it welded back in.

 

[The Other PaulG]

That's beautiful - those handlebars are exactly what I'd want on a bike like a Sportster (or indeed a Bonneville). Less is more, with these bikes I think. It looks like a great example, I'm glad you found just what you wanted.

Re the brand new Sportster, my neighbour bought one 12 months ago. It looks and sounds very sanitised. Since the first week he had it, I have not seen him out on it once.

Yours, on the other hand... that's a keeper!

 

[Clifton]

Thank you, Paul. RE the bars; while the bars are the height I wanted, initially the seating / bars just didn't fit me very well. The stock seat had me too low and close to the tank which may have been the case for the PO as well because the bars were rotated forward quite a lot which also angled the grips up. Replacing the seat with one that moved me back and up meant the bars then were too forward with the grips up at an awkward angle. Rotating the bars back made everything (seat, pegs, grips) fall into perfect position. It's amazing how small changes to something like bars, seat, or pegs, can make such a difference.
It's a drizzly day so ideal for working on stuff (after Sophie's vet appointment in 2 hours). After I get the new panniers, mounts, and locks, on the Stelvio I can get back to this bike. The rear wheel is off, cleaned, polished, waxed, and balanced, so I just need to mount the tyre, balance that then do the front one. I spent about 2 hours polishing that rear wheel so I imagine the front will take the same, but no better time to do it than when changing tyres.

I've already changed the (likely original) brake fluid as well as engine and transmission oil so once finished I'll set sag as close as I can get it and it'll be ready to go.

 

[ATT]

I cannot see the pics, download them or anything...I must be on a steam operated computer here!

Anyhow, enjoy the new bike to the max.

 

[Clifton]

I can't recall how I posted those pics, I think just added them as attachments so I don't know why they don't show for you?

But thanks I think I'll enjoy it.

 

[The Other PaulG]

I cannot see the pics, download them or anything...I must be on a steam operated computer here!

Invisible on my old iPad, fine on a recent MS PC. Hope that helps.