BBB #4: Harley Davidson Sportster Roadster Review

For some reason, one of our number has suffered from an event, and has bought a Harley. I guess the law of averages means it was always likely to happen to one of us. But it finally has. Unbelievable really.
So it only seemed fair to review it, so here is the Bearded Bald Bikers review the Harley Davidson Sportster Roadster 1200.

[@MrAlphadeltabravo]

Everyone will be pleased to learn that Scholey dodged a bullet and didn't upgrade to the 1800. The novelty of the Roadster wore off within a few months and after some group therapy he can now talk to strangers again.

[@TCGRandom-x5m]

All the reviewers seem to look at the Roadster as a cruiser. It is not.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

I think we were just looking at it as a motorbike, not a particular "type". But I agree, it's definitely not a cruiser!

[@timgibson2540]

Enjoyed another of your reviews guys , keep them coming

[@Ed-vi4rx]

But what is the alternative? Thanks for the vid.

[@robbyclark6915]

Guys are complaining about the roadster being an uncomfortable cruiser!?? The roadster is not a cruiser. I’ve ridden one a very short distance and I had no problems with it. I thought it felt fine. Very torquey engine and handles really well for a sportster. I like the peg placement as I have a bad left knee and have a very limited ROM before the pain is unbearable. I can’t ride anything with a rear set. Nothing! Not even a slight rear set like the FTR. Too much bend in the knee for my comfort level, so this roadster actually feels really comfortable to me as far as that goes. It’s not a bike made for comfort though. It supposed to be a “sporty” sportster. The fastest, sportiest, and best handling of the sportster lineup. That’s the goal. The sportster is definitely an acquired taste. You either love them or hate them I guess. I personally LOVE the Harley Davidson sportster! This one especially.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

His latest Harley is actually not bad. See more recent review.

[@philwoods2361]

If everyone bought the same bike, what a miserable boring world it could be. Each and everyone to their own, I have a Roadster which brings a smile to my face each and every time I ride it, ....yes it has its foibles which wont suit everyone, but its a motorcycle, it has a heart that rumbles and enough character to re-call our youthful experiences. I hope everyone enjoys what they ride, there is a bike for almost everyone out there that wishes to enjoy the past time. Long may it be allowed to continue.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Well said Phil - you're spot on.

[@PaulieG1]

Always enjoy your videos Andrew, you and the guys need to do more of them. I actually bought my Multistrada on the back of your review. Look forward to the next video. As for the Harley, I'm with you on the scoring out of 10.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Paulie G Thanks Paulie! Great choice on the Ducati obviously. Glad you like the videos. We've been getting some excellent feedback which spurs us on. Luckily Scholey bought a ridiculous bike for us to take the piss out of. We have some more in the pipeline - the main issue is getting us all together in one place at the same time. Thanks for the feedback!

[@PaulieG1]

You're very welcome.

[@Paul-io6dy]

Your welcome to the Multistrada Paulie G, all I'd say is people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

[@opmike343]

Yeah, the goofy as hell pegs were the first thing I noticed on my test ride. My feet naturally want to sit further inward, and that just ends up putting me on the brackets. Is it due to the stock exhaust routing or something?

[@vincentbeijing6926]

The owner says it well, it’s a bike which is rewarding as you learn to get the best of it. It takes a bit of time to drive it fast and smooth. Mountain roads are a real special pleasure on it, handling is really good, brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The engine is like nothing else, and can keep up with pretty much anything on the road. Unlike Japanese roadsters, which are really good too, it’s a bike that doesn’t reveal all its qualities in the first ride, but is intriguing and grows on its rider. It makes you want to come back to it, and makes rides memorable.

[@bfd3217]

Thank you for pointing out the problem with the foot pegs not lining up with the controls. No other review has mentioned that problem while reviewing the bike. What bikes do you and your friends enjoy riding? I'm in my mid-fifties and currently have been riding a Triumph Street triple. I'm considering going to the Triumph Tiger 800 xrx. Do you have any opinion or experience with the Tiger?Thanks

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

bfd 3 Take a look at the other videos on this channel. We have about 10 bikes between us. Mick has a Street Triple. I rode a Tiger 800 a while back. Lovely engine, but not fast enough for me (compared to the Multistrada).

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Thanks for that info. Horses for courses - as Andy said in the video, it's got 2 wheels and an engine which makes it better than anything with 4 wheels. For me it was more a problem with the bars being too low forcing you into a very uncomfortable and unnatural position with feet forward and shoulders forward, very stress inducing. If you want feet forward, bring the bars up and back. If you want arms forward, the pegs should go back. Both together didn't work for me hence the 10-mile-bike comment. I think higher and more rear-set bars would make it rather better.

[@TCGRandom-x5m]

Every review I have ever seen on it has pointed out the peg problems... Including my own.

[@mikepritchard4930]

Hi bfd, Mick here, the good looking one. As Andy states below I have the 2016 Street Triple RX as a second bike, ( Its the wife's actually but she hardly uses it). Before I got my XR I had the Triumph Tiger Sport (2013) which I loved, having previously had the ST Sprint which also was superb, great engines. I have had a Tiger 800 on loan but whilst comfortable it didn't have the top end the Tiger Sport gave. I understand now that it has some electronic gizmos on which the 2013 didn't have...would seriously recommend a test ride.

[@brilwiljeff]

I bought one. I ride with my feet on the passenger pegs most of the time. I like the roadster very much.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Excellent. The Rich has since traded his Roadster for a BMW S1000R which is an extremely amusing bike.

[@rayb7414]

If I hear"souless" describing any motorbike I'll scream. EVERY motorbike has what a motorbike needs to attract someone to live with them, are we to believe all Moto GP, Isle of Man, all moto cross/scrambler bikes are "souless" rubbish. Having been brought up on British bikes in the 60s , having owned many in the UK I was so relieved and enlightened to find a nation producing motorbikes with tolerances unheard of in Britain, cases split horizontally , engines that didn't burn oil at 10,000mils or less, that lasted well into 100,000 miles. Clocks that needles didn't flop erratically side to side making it impossible to know your revs or speed, that started wind rain sleet or snow. If that is souless I'm there. Having access to Vincents, Triumphs, Indians, BSAs, Nortons, BMWs and I revel in that I can ride them as they are part of our AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) club but I no longer wish to wrench as I have done for decades so I own and daily ride my souless modern Japanese motorbikes..

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

I had a Yamaha Super Tenere that was incredibly efficient and reliable. Rather than "souless" I'd describe it as "just a bit dull". I know what you mean though.

[@adrianrubi5012]

Maybe if you hugged the tank with your knees then your feet would be on the controls and the spine not so dislocated?

[@gtsteele6219]

Enjoyable video even though you trashed my bike. Would love to have a beer with you guys sometime! Can't quibble with your specific points......unless: you like your legs in the wind on a hot day and have grown used to the peg placement; find the seat adequate for 100 miles; realize you're not 25 anymore and maybe a scraped peg is saying "far enough". I love the looks, the sound, the heritage and the custom options. However, great to hear other viewpoints.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Thanks GT! It's all in the best possible taste of course. And even a Harley has 2 wheels and an engine so what's not to like.

[@TechwheelswithPat]

Mine will get forward control (to keep my hips in place lol) raised bars so I seat straighter, problem solved lol, nice video bro, ride safe.

[@frogmanjack8790]

I like to see these guys review other Harleys Street Glide and Dyna Low Riders

[@rhinely850]

I have a 2016. Worst footpegs in motorcycling. Right where you want to put your feet when you stop. OK though when riding. I'll try the HD rearsets one day, but over $700m is steep and excessive to fix an engineering error that shuld be an easy fix. Shifts like a Harley (clunk!). Forks make a clunk as well when they hit a decent bump. Racetech is in my future. But.....it looks great and is a hoot to ride! I'll keep her. Ride her slow and have fun.

[@markgamble8377]

Yup trashed my bike.somewhat agree.only 100 miles at a time.it loves the curves.and I'm 66.mid controls once u get used to them are fine.added front bar behind front tire for feet when want to stretch out legs.

[@Orban_rides1]

Not a bike for old Men that don't get it. Stay on your bmws

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Thanks Jonny for your excellent insight and comment. Only one of our membership has BMWs (he has a GS and an S1000R). But it's always good to get categorised by someone with your expertise and knowledge. I see you have a couple of Moto Guzzis so at least you have some taste. I like your dog videos too.

[@Ericdgarcia]

He was right to say it's a generational thing... Like a few generations before his time lol

[@chrisb2247]

You cracked me up, nothing wrong with opinions even when some replies on here seem over sensitive to them : ) Say it like ya' feel it, nobody stays 20 forever anyway.

[@leonardodahumanoid4344]

My eyes and brain are attached to a soul which is 50 years younger than my body which is 70. Therefore l love the looks of the Roadster, however like the mature gentlemen featured in the video l doubt it would suit me. The truth is l can't ride anything over 20 miles due to age related ailments but my soul loves that 20 miles and after a walk about and stretch l'm ready for another 20.

[@MyDyerMaker]

Test drive one. I love mine.

[@jimpanzer07]

The stock footpeg location is horrible! Get rear sets for a sporty ride then enjoy - fun bike.

[@dave6467]

Well, I got 4 minutes into it before I had to turn it off. I'm probably a similar age to the two guys here and have been riding for over 35 years. I can only assume these two started at mid-life crisis age, or are a couple of "born-agains"? These are the sort of guys that the likes of Suzuki 650 V-Stroms are aimed at. Honestly, I've ridden a couple of Roadsters and they're absolutely fine. Sure the foot-pegs are poor and you have to allow for them when putting your feet down, but really???? What a couple of pansies. Oh and the Roadster isn't a cruiser.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Hi Dave - thanks for watching at least 4 minutes. The four of us have over 120 years of riding experience so we know a pile of shit when we ride one.

[@dave6467]

Haha, I kind of expected that. One of the great things about motorcycling is the diversity (of both machines and riders), but if you can't get excited by getting out on something like the Roadster then that's a real shame.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

@@dave6467 Totally agree. Variety is the spice of life. OK - so the Roadster was a good laugh but not for us. Plenty of bike for others who will love it I'm sure :-)

[@jimmyd868]

I`am 5`5" and love the ride ,the roadster is a standard! Not a cruiser.

[@maxflight777]

What a vile bike ! Great video again though ....

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Haha! Thanks for the feedback. Clearly some people like them, not me though.

[@fightschool]

Very negative review with very little information given. Q. "What would you choose instead of this?" A. "Something better" Q. "Such as?" A. "I don't know". Totally pointless review.

[@beardedbaldbikers4634]

Thanks but we don’t care.

[@MyDyerMaker]

Change your tampons before reviewing a bike next time.