2020 Harley Davidson Roadster - Test Ride Review

[@robbyclark6915]

I want one! I just bought my first bike, a 2020 iron 883, everyone’s favorite bike! To hate. I wish they hadn’t discontinued the roadster already but they have. I seriously, seriously, wish I could have gotten my hands on one of these but as a total newbie I was doing good to get the wife to agree to the “entry “ level Harley. She worries. The 1200 engine, dual discs up front, floating rotors, upgraded suspension from the factory, inverted forks and the best lean angle of all the sportsters, sounds like fun to me! Great video!

[@thomasmotorcycleman1175]

I've had my roadster for almost 3 years...15 other bikes in my collection, including the livewire....every time I ride the roadster...I enjoy it greatly!!... one of my favorites!...fun in the twisty roads....the livewire is exsilaratinging!!....roadster is soulful and fun to ride...especially in the twistys.

[@MOTOBLADE]

That is a great comparison - a bike has to have soul! Thanks for watching!

[@kamdenjericho2534]

A tip: watch movies on flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.

[@maisonterrence3177]

@Kamden Jericho Definitely, been using flixzone for months myself =)

[@neiljamie3122]

@Kamden Jericho yea, I've been watching on Flixzone for months myself :D

[@leandrogatlin3100]

@Kamden Jericho Yup, have been using Flixzone for years myself :)

[@toddwaller8951]

Good review. Can't believe Harley stopped making this model for 2021. I was able to find a new 2020 before they were all sold out. It is by far the best looking Sportster I've ever seen and the inverted forks and duel disk brakes are great extras. Honestly, don't plan to do anything to the bike for a long time.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I always hate it when companies take good products out of their lineups. I think the roadster was the best model they had in their sportster lineup.

[@mysticvision9542]

Superb review. Thank you for that. I'm waiting for my roadster to be here in 3 days. I sold my triumph street triple 765 and buying this. I've never ridden a Harley. I hope I'm gonna love it

[@MOTOBLADE]

Awesome! Congratulations on the new bike! I hope you love it too. I ride a Harley and an Indian and I enjoy both. Have fun and be safe ✌🏻

[@DonYang73]

also my fave of the sportster line up. it has both the aggression and the classic styling. excellent handling for a Harley. styling remained true to sportster family. inverted forks give it the really premium look

[@MOTOBLADE]

They are really nice bikes. I’m more partial to the look of the Iron 883 myself, but the roadster is very cool.

[@charlie-tangomotors2516]

You sir just earned yourself another subscriber and I just added this bike to my garage collection list. Fantastic!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it. My bank account will probably never be big enough for my garage collection list. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmansi1187]

I agree with you Blade, this is also my favorite Sportster, love the ergonomics & looks. I test rode it & am thinking about pulling the trigger on one, nice review!

[@tomokokishi3066]

Your microphone setup is perfect. You sound like you are recording at the studio.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thank you! There is a video on my channel of my current camera setup and the microphone I use to get the good quality if you are interested. Thanks for watching!

[@MidnightSportster]

Funny enough from the factory there is no fuel gauge, but there is. The fuel level sensor kit cost an additional $150. But it gives you fuel gauge as well as a "miles to empty" option. A must for longer trips.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Gotta love those pricey accessories.

[@tomokokishi3066]

Informative.

[@adriamillasluque]

Thank you for the info!

[@Granto-ni9qw]

How does it work??? The fuel gauge ?????

[@raybligh9896]

Roadsters rule!

[@danielherber9710]

I own a 2016 Roadster. I love it. The factory seat is good for 150 miles. After that, your butt starts to hurt. On longer runs, I swap it out for a Mustang Regal Duke. The bike handles well. You would have experienced that had you been able to find a side road with tight curves. With some slight modifications, these bikes really wake up. Good review. I join you in recommending the bike. It's a blast!

[@MOTOBLADE]

That's the problem with test rides. I need 2 hours to really go find some sweet roads and time to test the seat. Glad to hear from someone who owns and loves this bike! Thanks for watching!

[@Nouvertne25]

I have the same one--put the Vance and Hines Short Shot pipes on it. Rode it down to New Orleans from NYC to see the Stones play at the Superdome last year. After those two hours you refer to--it was nice to get off the bike and stretch it out while filling up the tank! What other modifications would you suggest?

[@danielherber9710]

@@Nouvertne25 All mods are up to the individual rider. Everyone has different things that make them comfortable, and different ways they want the bike to look or run. I recommend at least a stage 1 however, for basic performance. Sounds like you have already done that. :)

[@MidnightSportster]

Fuel level sensor is $150. Once installed reset the bike and there is s full fuel gauge. Sucks that its not included from the start.

[@velezwill]

I own this bike in a 2019 and by far is my favorite out of all my bikes. Great video. HD marketing has done the Roadster a disfavor.

[@JradKbad]

I couldn't agree with you more! I love sportsters, and though I have not been in the market to buy a bike for some time, I should have heard something about the Roadster before 2019, three years after its release. The marketing needs to be better for these. there ought to be far more of them on the road.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Glad they've done something about vibration. I rode a Sportster in the eighties. Vibration was terrible, especially after zero vibration you got off most Japanese bikes.

[@MOTOBLADE]

They are definitely much better now!

[@vanz75]

MY HARLEY !!

[@DouglasCam-v8b]

Getting one Tom a 2019 can’t wait

[@chriscagle6898]

My next Harley Davidson is a Roadster. Thanks dude. Jeff Cagle HD all the way ; mine other bike is a 2016 Lowrider and my other bike is a 1977 Suzuki GS 550b and I need new tires for that and a new gas cap as it has frozen or rusted on the tank. Thanks Jeff Cagle.

[@andydavey6613]

Always wear leather, cant understand flannel shirts on a bike, have you ever been high sided ? I have and thanks to my leathers I bounced back into the saddle off the road. Harley sporster is a great bike but check over all the nuts and bolts regularly, also lost my side stand during a ride, the cotter pin wore out, may help some one 😊😉👍 thanks for your video cheers Andy from Australia

[@mcscotty325]

The maintenance and upkeep advice is appreciated, but don't tell a grown man what to wear. Your not his mother.

[@davidknows3320]

They are on the tour card program, I'll be seeing them in the spring and let them know I saw this and you are promoting them.

[@SHIFTINGSTATE]

Love my roadster

[@sruiz5291]

I can’t decide fishing boat or Harley?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Both. Both is good :) I bought a bought for $900 that I'm gutting and restoring this spring. Will do some videos on it. Gotta have toys 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@morago8236]

Im getting this bike next month ! I just dont like the stock seat, but apart from that, it is so cool bike.

[@GroovyStyleUnbox]

That's how all should roll "direct to the bike" 👌😊

[@worldtravelstar1148]

Sweet ride bro.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks bro!

[@bigmike9527]

I personally don't see any downfall's in the bike and I wish it were sitting right here in my living room where I could enjoy it twice as much 🔥🤘🔥.

[@MOTOBLADE]

It is a sweet ride.

[@dpaul9634]

A very pragmatic, down to earth, sensible and useful review...... Thanks mate... Surprising to see some lunkheads have given thumbs down!! screw them!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks man. I appreciate that!

[@dpaul9634]

Cheerio and keep up the good work!

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@dpaul9634 Thank you, I will. Thanks for watching!

[@mysticvision9542]

The only problem I'm worried about is the heat. In India right now the temperature is 47 deg cel where I live but it's gonna rain in a few days now. People have told me Harley generate heat like sun

[@MOTOBLADE]

They do generate heat. Never had mine overheat on me but I have never ridden it when it’s above 85 Fahrenheit, because it just doesn’t get warmer than that where I live. I think that’s about 30 Celsius. Just make sure you keep good airflow around the bike in the heat. Keep it moving and always check your oil before rides on hot days and you will probably be just fine.

[@mysticvision9542]

@@MOTOBLADE I plan not to take it out during Indian summers.. Occasionally yes early morning or late nights. Is it better tah triumph street triple 765 s

[@MOTOBLADE]

I don’t know. Never rode the street triple. I rode the triumph rocket triple once. Just remember with Harley you’re dealing with air cooling vs liquid cooling. Evenings and mornings on hot days should be just fine.

[@mysticvision9542]

@@MOTOBLADE Now I have a Harley, a pitbull, a Ford truck now next thing is to see America 🙂

[@colinbriggs1307]

What about the brakes ? do they stop the bike ok?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Brakes work great!

[@colinbriggs1307]

@@MOTOBLADE Thank you, that's good to know. I had a 2007 Roadster, which despite having twin 'stoppers' up front was pretty scary to try and stop in a hurry!

[@robshepherd3263]

Made me want one. Thank you. Great video

[@tomokokishi3066]

Very nice video. Great job.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thank you!

[@Nouvertne25]

What part of Vermont are you riding in? I knew right away once the video started!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Essex Junction area. North and east of Burlington.

[@macseagle5968]

Ima gonna get this bike! 😎

[@rider14mcd63]

Macs did you get it?

[@dave6467]

Has HD done anything about the stupidly unreadable (in sunlight) speedometer? I also found the foot-pegs to be in a crazy position when I tested one. I can see that's not been fixed either.

[@ToastyClam]

Foot pegs and shifter and rear brake pedal is garbage

[@chrisnel5252]

Sunshine! What the h@#£ is that. #UK

[@dave6467]

Well, I did test it in Northern Australia :-)

[@bustanilatiff156]

Dave 646 I own this one and for me, it’s readable. I’ve no issue with its speedometer. Just disappointing it has no fuel gauge.

[@GabdobliN]

are they discontinuing this model after this year? currently in school and hoping to get a future model of this beautiful bike..

[@explorebali5337]

How fast can this roadster go

[@marioidoatelarequi2042]

Thought all HD were keyless ignition since long time

[@rider14mcd63]

If you have the alarm.

[@ritzdeep]

Right around 6:30 minutes the left mirror starts to get some crazy vibrations, but the right one remains fairly steady. Although the vibes seem to disappear after while, I wonder why they appeared in the first place.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Notice at 6:30 I took my left hand off the handlebar. Your body absorbs vibrations from the bike. Happens to whichever handle bar you take your hand off. Try it on your motorcycle. I didn't realize it thr first year of riding a motorcycle and I thought something freaky was up with my mirrors on every bike I rode until I figured it out. 🤣

[@ritzdeep]

@@MOTOBLADE Got it, that makes sense. One thing I cannot stand is shaky mirrors and high frequency handlebar vibes. I was doing some research on the Roadster and the Super Tenere with the idea of getting one to go on long adventure riding trips. Wonder if I should even go for a test ride of the Roadster.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@ritzdeep Didn't have annoying handle bar vibrations if I remember correctly. They just do that to the mirrors if you take your hand off. You can literally rest a finger on the bar and the mirror will be fine again.

[@pyromanandyomama]

I can't tell if you were being facetious about it "rocketing you to 40 MPH"

[@growlers90]

Love the review and I’m not a hater of US bikes, but how can you say the handling is good by wobbling side to side on a straight road ????? Show us when you ride through a bend or two !

[@MrBlack1272]

Nice relaxed ride! ...and 1st!!!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@itsrorlax7373]

How tall are you Moto? I'm looking at a 2020 Iron 1200 rn because I'm 6' 3" and I feel comfy on that, but my dealership doesn't have a Roadster to sit on... Do you think the seating (aside from the bar difference) is similar to the Iron1200 on the Roadster?

[@motohead4034]

I was their a few days ago

[@MOTOBLADE]

One of these days we will finally meet 🤣

[@crypto_creep8222]

802 baby

[@WalkingHeadPro]

I'm 6'2'', i love the way this bike looks and want it. Though after a test ride, it seemed it was a bit too small for me, and I got cramps in my inner thighs. Could I do something to it to make it better for a taller person? Or is there a harley kinda like it though built for someone my height?

[@MOTOBLADE]

You could put forward controls on it to stretch your legs out. That would probably help a lot. A 'similar' bike might be the FXDR (I have a video about it on my channel). It's a bigger bike with a lot more power, but it has a similar sporty feel to it. Hope that helps!

[@chrisnel5252]

I’m 6’ and just fit with rear sets and clip-ons. Well, I have a long back so perfect from seat to clip-ons but with 31” inseam, it is a bit tight. Then I am 62... 😉

[@RoadRashHD]

The one thing i didn't like when i test rode the Roadster. Every time i would put my feet down the pegs would catch my pant legs, It is the tallest of all the sportsters

[@MOTOBLADE]

Happened with me as well. Had to have a wider stance so as not to catch my pant leg. The peg position was nice while riding though I thought.

[@chrisnel5252]

The rear sets will fix that, although very expensive if you go HD. I got mine for a third of the cost as our local dealer had a set sitting on the shelf. Most Harley’s go for or stick with forward controls.

[@manuelcavazosmartinez8526]

Whats your hight?

[@MOTOBLADE]

5' 8". 29 inch inseam.

[@davidknows3320]

I just looked at the specs. I think the loss of Flickability is the 19" front wheel vs the smaller wheels on the iron.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Makes a lot of sense.

[@Lexx1976]

You got to love the brand tho. Because in this segment there are a lot of other, way better bikes. HONDA cb 1100 or cb 1300. Yamaha xjr 1300 or SMC 950. BMW RnineT or R1200R. Indian FTR 1200 or Scout. Even the Triumph 1200 lineup is better for less money.

[@daviddomingo7768]

Hell man, even the Ducati scrambler cafe racer stock ,only 803 cc, makes more horsepower 🙈.

[@jamesc6137]

and the Kawasaki z900rs.

[@jamesc6137]

It'd be damn helpful to list your weight height and inseam…Like in your “comfort” thoughts…what the heck does that mean to the viewer with no height, weight or inseam to reference to.

[@talkingrock7011]

The fuel tank does have a stylish look it just sounds like a sewing machine

[@MOTOBLADE]

Agreed. Some Vance and Hines short shot pipes and it would rock.

[@Scarmo21]

@@MOTOBLADE no no no no my friend. A Fab28 2 to 1 w/Arlen Ness big sucker and TTS Mastertune. Bruh

[@KSMotoCafe]

new to the channel and landed on this when I wanted a roadster review. Great content man, I just started my motovlog and got lots to learn from your channel. Subbed! if you got the time, come by my channel, would love a feedback

[@MOTOBLADE]

Been there, subbed that 😎 Ride Safe brother ✌🏻

[@darrenditmar2991]

Both the roadster and iron have the exact same engine 🙄

[@vincentdavidson755]

I have a 1200 Sportster the moter will last forever . I have broken two clutch cables. My back tire bearings in the wheel lock up and I hit the pavement layed it down , My leg gets to hot from the moter. The service department in Vegas rip me off and give me defferent prices to service it depends on who's at the counter. I would much rather have to travel cross country a kawaski 900 SE they are smooth and fast and handles and will out last any Harley .🧝⚡💤

[@MOTOBLADE]

Good insight to hear from an owner. Thanks!