New to me motorcycle..maybe..

[ddrumman2004]

Well I got the bike home and man what a rush! Power galore for a 1200cc engine....but it Screamin Eagle pipes and parts in the carb so it will get up and go.

As for as driving it, to me, it seems lighter than my V Star. I can push this Sportster a lot easier than the Star. There are handling differences but nothing I can't handle. Best thing is...I can flat foot the bike!

Now....what oil do you recommend for a 1200 Sportster? Aren't they a shared sump....engine and transmission? What filter would you recommend as well?

 

[Robenstein]

Valvoline VR1 works very well according to used oil analysis posted on here and if you like synthetic, VR1 synthetic works awesome also. And yes the Sportster does share the engine and primary oil, but the transmission is still separate. For filter you can use an off the shelf wix from your local parts store.

The sportster should have a slightly shorter wheelbase and that makes them very nimble bikes. You are probably seeing about 73 to 75 HP at the rear wheel. The 650 you rode around on whas probably closer to 45.

Happy riding. Happy to see someone enjoy their purchase.

 

[ABerns]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Valvoline VR1 works very well according to used oil analysis posted on here and if you like synthetic, VR1 synthetic works awesome also.


I'll second Robenstein.

 

[Errtt]

I use Amsoil 20-50 all around. But when I run out of it (have about 2 more years worth), I'll be trying the VR1

add - and I use the stock chrome filter. If I recall correctly, the sportster filter micron rating is different then the other Harley's. And if your going to use another filter, check into the micron specs.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: ddrumman2004
Well I got the bike home and man what a rush! Power galore for a 1200cc engine....but it Screamin Eagle pipes and parts in the carb so it will get up and go.


I get a good chuckle whenever I hear about someone whose impressed by the power of a Harley...don't get me wrong, the 1200 Sportster IS peppy for Harley, but when you become a more experienced rider and you ever get the opportunity to ride something REALLY fast like any size crotch rocket, a V-Max, a B-King...you'll be amazed at just how slow Harleys are and you'll find yourself laughing at yourself....everything is relative...anyway, enjoy the new ride!

 

[BigCahuna]

You'll never get tired of riding a Harley. And if you need a good laugh, call your insurance agent and ask what the difference in cost of insurance is between your Sporty and a Hyabusa.,,

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
You'll never get tired of riding a Harley. And if you need a good laugh, call your insurance agent and ask what the difference in cost of insurance is between your Sporty and a Hyabusa.,,


How do you know what he will or won't get tired of? Since you can see into the future, will I win the lottery?

 

[Robenstein]

True, a Busa, B King, V max...ect will beat a Sporty on the track, the 1200 has more than enough to get around and twisting the throttle still sets you back. Its a good combo of a user friendly powerband, still sporty(hence the name), and moderately decent on gas, and most of all its a time tested and reliable bike.

 

[cbear]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
And yes the Sportster does share the engine and primary oil, but the transmission is still separate.


No, the engine oil is seperate and the primary and transmission share fluid. Any good 20w-50 is fine for the motor, the transmission can be picky. I typically find the HD SYN3 has worked best for my transmission. They use to make a Sportster specific fluid, but it was discontinued.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
True, a Busa, B King, V max...ect will beat a Sporty on the track, the 1200 has more than enough to get around and twisting the throttle still sets you back. Its a good combo of a user friendly powerband, still sporty(hence the name), and moderately decent on gas, and most of all its a time tested and reliable bike.



On the track? They will beat it bad anywhere...

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
True, a Busa, B King, V max...ect will beat a Sporty on the track, the 1200 has more than enough to get around and twisting the throttle still sets you back. Its a good combo of a user friendly powerband, still sporty(hence the name), and moderately decent on gas, and most of all its a time tested and reliable bike.



On the track? They will beat it bad anywhere...


Not at the gas pump. The new sportsters especially get great fuel economy, which for some is a plus. It is a fun, economical, and fun ride.


And yes, forgive my brain [censored] on the shared trans and primary oil.

 

[hal2626]

Harleys are all about low rpm torque...Stump-pulling bottom end right off idle.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
True, a Busa, B King, V max...ect will beat a Sporty on the track, the 1200 has more than enough to get around and twisting the throttle still sets you back. Its a good combo of a user friendly powerband, still sporty(hence the name), and moderately decent on gas, and most of all its a time tested and reliable bike.



On the track? They will beat it bad anywhere...


Not at the gas pump. The new sportsters especially get great fuel economy, which for some is a plus. It is a fun, economical, and fun ride.


And yes, forgive my brain [censored] on the shared trans and primary oil.


If someone is so broke that the difference in fuel economy between two motorcycles is the deal maker, you can't afford a motorcycle in the first place...

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: hal2626
Harleys are all about low rpm torque...Stump-pulling bottom end right off idle.


Yeah, but they won't rev, which is why they don't make much HP...try riding a bike sometime that has both, but if you're used to riding Harleys, you'd better put a diaper on first 'cause you're gonna mess yourself...

 

[ddrumman2004]

I didn't mean my post to become a "which bike is faster" thread.
One of the fastest bikes I ever rode was a 72 Honda CB 450...the other a Honda 750 of the same era. Not to mention a Kawasaki 500 triple!

The 1200 has really great low end torque...just ease the clutch out at idle and off it goes. At 60 mph, sounds like the engine is loafing, compared to my high revving V Star 650....which...other than power...is more 'refined' in my opinion.

Maybe it's not the fastest bike but then I'm not into speed. I just wanted to satisfy my desire to own a HD....one that I feel like I sit on and not in. The Goldwing I owned turned me against the big touring bikes...as I don't tour. Just weekend rides.

Anyway, thanks for all the replies. This is a great forum!

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
True, a Busa, B King, V max...ect will beat a Sporty on the track, the 1200 has more than enough to get around and twisting the throttle still sets you back. Its a good combo of a user friendly powerband, still sporty(hence the name), and moderately decent on gas, and most of all its a time tested and reliable bike.



On the track? They will beat it bad anywhere...


Not at the gas pump. The new sportsters especially get great fuel economy, which for some is a plus. It is a fun, economical, and fun ride.


And yes, forgive my brain [censored] on the shared trans and primary oil.


If someone is so broke that the difference in fuel economy between two motorcycles is the deal maker, you can't afford a motorcycle in the first place...



It was something that made me get my Triumph Speedmaster over the Harley V Rod I was looking at. I paid cash for mine, but looked at long term cost. Bang vs Buck. I get 54mpg average on the backroads after putting better exhaust and tune in the ecm. Am I too broke to own a bike?

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein

It was something that made me get my Triumph Speedmaster over the Harley V Rod I was looking at. I paid cash for mine, but looked at long term cost. Bang vs Buck. I get 54mpg average on the backroads after putting better exhaust and tune in the ecm. Am I too broke to own a bike?


Only you know that...I was just making the point that if gas mileage is a major factor when choosing a bike, considering that ALL motorcycles are easy on gas, maybe you should consider not spending the money on a motocycle at all...

 

[BigCahuna]

Originally Posted By: grampi

maybe you should consider not spending the money on a motocycle at all...
So, now your trying to belittle the guy because he's trying to enjoy his brand of bike for his own reasons? I guess you just can't stand it when everyone doesn't like what you like.Why is there always someone waiting to pee on someone else's parade?.,,

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Robenstein

It was something that made me get my Triumph Speedmaster over the Harley V Rod I was looking at. I paid cash for mine, but looked at long term cost. Bang vs Buck. I get 54mpg average on the backroads after putting better exhaust and tune in the ecm. Am I too broke to own a bike?


Only you know that...I was just making the point that if gas mileage is a major factor when choosing a bike, considering that ALL motorcycles are easy on gas, maybe you should consider not spending the money on a motocycle at all...


All bikes are easy on gas? Funny since I have seen some that get worse than my car with half the engine displacement.

I just do not see the reason I need to buy something that is harder on my pocket book than it needs to be. I can go get a 28 mile per gallon V max for 19k that can go 3x the speed limit...which I cannot legally do. Or I can spend 8k on a Triumph that goes 2x the speed limit but gets 54mpg and saves me hundreds on insurance but its still a nice bike to ride. Guess for my age I am an old timer in thinking since I look for value in a product.

We guys who like cruisers generally like to well...cruise. We don't require something with ridiculous power. If we twist the throttle and it sets us back....good enough.

 

[Errtt]

I don't ride bikes because they are cheaper on gas, insurance or anything - I ride bikes because I like to ride bikes.
We ride in a few events a year.
We ride to some off beat town just to check it out
We'll ride to some town to get a nice lunch then ride back
I'll ride around to check spots - fishing/metal detecting/river or lake levels etc.
I'll ride with no intent sometimes but just to ride around and who knows where I'll end up and which route I'll get back
I'll ride early or late in summer just to cool off
I'll ride to check mail at the post office
I'll ride to go use a ATM
I'll ride because I'm bored and just feel like it

Recently we rode almost a hour & half from home just to go get a ice cream and to ride back