Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster Roadster pt. 2

The second part of Harry's long-term report on his Harley Davidson Sportster Roadster. Has it got any better? And then Mat gets on the pillion and things take a turn for the worse.

[@summerxsheng]

I rode my 2016 Roadster from Seattle to Sturgis, SD, and came back. It was a journey of two weeks. Almost at every gas station, there was someone approaching to me asking about it, because it was such a unique HD or of my weired load of tent, sleeping bag and so on. I know the Roadster is not a suitable one for road trip, but I was really enjoy riding it for 3000+ miles alone. Oh, it may be not right, I was not alone but with my roadster.

[@Mr.Libertas]

What did you do Xia to hold all your cargo?

[@tikotiko5328]

A. I own this bike and the foot pegs have NEVER ONCE gotten in my way. B. That seat isn't really intended for passengers, especially two grown men.

[@thomasmotorcycleman1175]

This is funny as hell....I have this bike....I love it....its one of my favorites of my 16 bikes.....not every bike needs to go 180 mph .

[@motobob]

I test rode one of these with my wife on the back and she said she was scared for her life! Good to know it wasn't just my riding...

[@Meinstein]

That seat is obviously not made for two people. You should be ashamed for subjecting her to it. I had a Mustang seat installed on my Sporty. Nice wide seat for me and reasonable comfort for my rider. Plus a small sissy bar to keep everyone and everything on board.

[@mattzobian]

Absolutely love my Roadster, but I've never ridden on the back.... But at the front, it's nimble, fun, ALIVE.... Put a good exhaust on it, a better intake, and spend an afternoon flying down a winding country road. You'll thank me.

[@gtx332]

This sporty looks great. Agree they are not state of the art, but as you say, with a few mods its a completely different bike and a hoot to ride. Most people don't realise that Harley, and any other old school air cooled bikes are quite heavily choked up Far more than liquid cooled machines) and require some tinker before they are truly enjoyable.

[@robertp457]

No one should have to replace the intake and exhaust on a brand new motorcycle to start to get any performance out of it. "are quite heavily choked up" That is HD fault not the fault of the way the motorcycle is cooled. Ducati's had no such issues. No one should have tinker with a new motorcycle with a premium price tag.

[@mattzobian]

Derek Jonez keep in mind, again, that it is air cooled engine. This is something that is attractive to many bikers like me (I don't want to get into the technicalities, but they're simple, easy to maintain and mod, and can make a unique sound we dig.) Your absolutes ("no bike...") are just that: yours. A Harley just isn't for you. I adore mine, and I've ridden many bikes, including Ducatis.

[@heythere6983]

@@robertp457 people do it on the triumphs all the time but no-one complains about it when its a triumph motorcycle

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

So if I'm reading you chaps right, you didn't like it then???

[@toandfro2554]

TheMissendenFlyer I think Mat should do a long term pillion review to see if he can clarify for you. :)

[@mathias6423]

Hahaha! Would never buy a bike like this even if I was the only one left in the universe!

[@splodge5714]

To and Fro . Should've made him walk.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Whatever gave you that idea...? Look, it has two wheels and an engine and it does what it says on the tin but it's just SO dated and in desperate need of replacement. There really is no excuse for it being this way when bikes such as the Bonneville range, the RnineT, the Ducati Scrambler, et al have shown that you can have the best of both worlds; retro style and excellent modern dynamics.

[@ChaohsiangChen]

Most Harleys do not make much sense outside North America. Almost nobody in the US buys that without extensive modification, and certainly Roadster is not for pillion. Sportster is, in essence, a Lego motorcycle for American male. And, with proper modifications, some women do like the vibration.

[@LooxJJ]

Been riding since I was 17 on the Japanese supers (Suzuki Gixxer and Yammies, and my pals Hondas). As I am in my mid-40s, I've been getting involved in adventure bikes and supercrosses (KTM, Yamaha, Honda etc etc - my wife works in that industry). Never rode a Harley until last month...now, somehow it hit all the right notes on me. You only live once, and life is just too short - get a Harley.

[@syedamirhasan26]

Sir how do you suggest to sort this seat issue , i have this bike and i am facing same issue pillion seat problem very i comfortable

[@farric1]

How much is 163k rand compared to wages in south africa? Also, what extra safety measures do you guys have to take when riding any distance? I hear that SA is not very safe anymore!

[@MattHelps]

I test rode this and at 5ft10 i found the edges of that cruel seat where killing the inside of my legs at a stop. Also the brakes constantly squeal! You can hear it at 2:02 in this video. How do you release a bike with brakes like that. I also didn't like that it felt like there was nothing in front of you. I didn't like that it felt like i might go over the handle bars.

[@Land-Shark]

I'm surprised that the helmet didn't follow the gloves :) Never fun agreeing to ride pillion when the seat doesn't want you on it. Good thing Harry is such a good mate and didn't try to go all 12 o'clock with the front wheel. :)

[@Lee-in-oz]

OregonOnTwoWheels I was expecting the helmet to be launched as well...

[@splodge5714]

Great fun, tell it as you see it! In 1985 at a Harley demo day the salesman (not person back then) said they didn't like people who could only afford a Sportster taking out one of the bigger engine models. They would lose a sale. I'm sure they've improved but obviously not enough. How's Don?

[@robertp457]

1986 was the year the 1200 evo was placed in a Sportster. A fuel injected version of that same engine in still in them today.

[@jonnycando]

I'm not sure the people who buy an 883 have typically WANTED any updates. Gosh, it was a sea change when they put fuel injection on it. But, HD knows the aftermarket thrives on what they make or don't make. And there plenty you can do to a Sportster to make it better. Seats are the first thing I am sure.

[@gtx332]

Absolutely John, while the 883 is no GP bike, if you 'unclog it' it becomes far more entertaining. Straight from the showroom, it's like a sewing​ machine with a cork in it. Get a free flowing pipe and good air intake and in transforms the bike.

[@jonnycando]

gtx332 i got one i am fixing up for my nephew...you are quite right. in factory form its a blank canvas! with some tools and accessories its a new invention!

[@robertp457]

No one should have to fix a brand new motorcycle from a so-called premium manufacturer charging a premium price. The bike's pretty good once you throw $5k at it, but shouldn't Harley just make it better so people don't have to?

[@robertp457]

Blank canvas? It's over $12k with ABS it shouldn't need that much.

[@jonnycando]

Derek Jonez in America it is your God given to wrench on your bike. We all do it.

[@souljaboi62121]

Watching you try to double up on there was PAINFUL!!! LoL

[@curbjumper]

Having averaged 25,000km per year since the 1970's, and currently on bike number 29, a YAMAHA XSR900, for reference, some of the bikes I've owned have included: 3 awesome but high maintenance air-cooled 2 valve 1000cc & 1100cc Ducatis, 3 Triumphs including an 865 Scrambler and a 2016 Thruxton 1200 which had issues with not getting oil to certain vital locations, two Buell XB's, and 2 HD Sportsters. All of them were bought new and toured on (1000km days occasionally & up to 34,000km before selling or trading). I can appreciate the simplicity of the HD Sportster; I realize it's not for everyone- I personally enjoy the minimalism. If I buy another Sportster, I would need to keep the XSR900 around for the purpose of having a bike that accelerates at a decent rate- enough to punish traffic; a bike that does not drag parts on the road when turning. However, for touring at the posted speed limit, the Sportster requires no chain maintenance on a road trip, nor valve clearance inspections/ adjustments upon arriving home. A 'long term' road test should reveal the virtues of a low maintenance bike- modern Sportsters have been the lowest maintenance machines I've owned. Riding position, power to weight.. intended purpose, plus how often does one ride.. whatever ticks the boxes is subjective for everyone. But maybe we can all agree on.. no more vids featuring dudes-with-motorcycle-licenses riding pillion please and thanks.

[@inkalankala7106]

Can I go cape town with roadster harley?

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Only if you like pain! Seriously, of course you could but you might not enjoy the ride unless you had two weeks to spare.

[@kylemoore9626]

😂 does the roadster come with passenger pegs though? That doesn’t even look like a passenger seat.

[@johnDukemaster]

Yep, 20 years on Harley's, 10 years on Triumph's and now a BMW RnineT Pure. Best bike ever! I don't even look back! :-)

[@gtx332]

would be hard to compare this with a nine T. The nine t may look retro-ish but its a modern bike whereas the Sportster is pretty much as it was with some minor update along the way. I still like the Sportster for its old-school​ cool, but it is old, heavy, bad brakes and underpowered. Still fun though. Like you I also have the nine T, 2017 top spec. Love it.

[@Steve-vm1fi]

Had a sportster, then a dyna and now my R NineT. Best decision I ever made

[@I_am_Thursday]

Wait til you try Japanese then...They'll blow your mind!

[@johnDukemaster]

Tried that. No, they didn't. Sorry!

[@angelocardoc]

John Mård 20 years on a Harley 10 years on a Triumph.....WOW! Thats a looooong learning curv

[@shawnkclark]

I had one of these for a very short period of time. I traded it in because my son suddenly took an interest in riding with me and the rear accommodations just weren't good enough. I absolutely loved this bike and I think it's the best Harley in the lineup. It's an honest Harley and you know exactly what you are getting into when you buy one. OK, well maybe the new Softtails are better but at 2x the price? Probably not.

[@robertp457]

A motorcycle that's nearly unchanged in the past 10 years with a price tag well above what it should be isn't an honest motorcycle. If it had premium components and a reasonable amount of power and or torque it might be, but it's undertuned and underdeveloped which is shocking for a motorcycle so old.

[@oldbuzzard76]

Gotta be Frank Zappa's brother !

[@rzu7120]

Maybe the pillion seat just needs a seat belt?

[@jimmansi1187]

I agree, I'm 55 & switching from a supersport to a cruiser I decided to test ride one & for street riding it had enough power but the foot pegs stuck out way too far & it just had a strange feel to it. I liked the handlebars & it was smooth for a Harley but didn't buy one, instead I found a 1995 1200 Sportster with 1,500 orig miles for $3000. Pretty bad when a 23 yr. old bike is better than a brand new one!

[@robertp457]

I don't there is much difference between the two. At least you got a reasonable deal, though no ABS.

[@Meinstein]

I bought the same bike used 5 years ago when I was 62. It has a kit that moves the shift and brake forward and a wide aftermarket seat. Runs and handles great. The only reason I would want a newer one is because newer models fixed the vibration that plagues all the older Sportsters. Long distance rides are numbing.

[@jimmansi1187]

Bad Axident I 100% agree, the only issue I have with this bike is the vibration. I've just embraced it & learned to deal with it. The positives outweigh the negatives. 491 lbs, 78 lbs lighter than new ones, that's huge to me. Also handles better than current ones & I don't mind carberauted bikes, I love my 23 yr old bike, it's just a blast to ride fast or slow

[@Meinstein]

Exactly so. Well said. Ride on.

[@jimmy9577]

I own a 2019 version of this and I've never hit my legs on it but I'm 6ft and I rode in the back I found it pretty well actually I liked the back foot pegs and you can get a sissy bar to make it more comfy

[@noaddiction3194]

I reckon the rear seat would be very comfortable with a sissy bar.

[@a.s.5280]

u guys are so great, always a pleasure to watch

[@Dej808]

Doesn't really look like a Bike fit for (2) in the first place tho eh

[@adityabeatz]

Spot on review

[@ravenousbean7048]

As a Roadster owner I’ll say this: 1. The pillion is suppose to be paired with a sissy bar, but it sucks and fuck HD for that. 2. The foot pegs ARE way to wide for being a “canyon carver.” 3. The HP is kinda meh for the amount of cc’s it has. With all that being said, its still a nice bike for what it is: a retro bike. Will upgrade to a T120 when I sell it and acquire more funds.

[@brilwiljeff]

I quite like the the roadster I bought last year.

[@robertp457]

I think you need some perspective. I recommend you ride a BMW RnineT pure. It's the same price, but includes ABS as standard and it weights nearly 100lbs less while producing 10ft-lbs more torque and a lot more horse power.

[@brilwiljeff]

Derek Jonez I very much like the gray r nine t. I'll bet it runs better and will last longer. It would look awesome in my garage.

[@johnrocker2986]

Guys, do remember this machine comes from a country where most people wear baseball caps with the letter C on the front?

[@WalkingHeadPro]

yea we don't care what other people think about us or our garb, unlike your pompous stuck up euro ass

[@robertp457]

Do you really think you told him off with your poor capitalization and your line of insults? How can you come someone pompous: affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important. That's what many Americans are and I should know I'm an American. Clearly you care otherwise you wouldn't have felt the need to take and give insults.

[@Meinstein]

Not all of us. Some of us wear caps with the letters FU on them.

[@johnrocker2986]

Good to know the US, still has a few knuckle draggers riding motorcycles, tell me do you ride in Platform boots?

[@Meinstein]

Actually I ride in steel-toed work boots. All the better to kick an arse should it need one.

[@splodge5714]

Love the review and also quite like the bike! The pillion seat/position also applies to 90% of sports bikes. As a rider you wouldn't get me on the back of one!

[@Brgnalf81]

FINALLY a pillion review, also. DO THEM MORE!

[@SmokinZen]

I owned a Sportster and I loved it but it was only good for 20 minutes tops. I road the BMW scrambler and it was even worse. Pretty bikes are nice to look at but when they are hard on you to ride them it really isn’t worth having one.

[@robertp457]

"I road the BMW scrambler and it was even worse." The BMW's suspension is adjustable. The HD's is not.

[@Steve-vm1fi]

I went from a Sportster 1200 to a Dyna Street Bob to a BMW R NineT. I'll never even look at another MoCo bike until they start thinking things through. I test rode the Roadster as well and shared a lot of the same arguments. HOW ON EARTH do they put out a bike that makes you hate it every single time you put a foot down. Unreal....

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

Steve I went from a GSX-R 1000 to a GSR to a Roadster - and I'll never look back. If you get a Harley for going really fast, you need your head checked. No bike is better for going slow and for customizing than a hog.

[@Steve-vm1fi]

absolutely agree that no bike is better for going slow and customizing than Harleys. I didn't get the R NineT because of speed, if I wanted that I would have gotten a GSX-R like you used to have. I just get very frustrated with Harley because if they invested more in R&D instead of clothing, the bikes would be amazing but the fact that they can continue putting out over weight, under powered bikes without much consideration to function is beyond me. Sadly that is starting to show in their sales. I hope they turn it around because I would like to own another one some day

[@playbravo]

Are you happy with R Nite T? Maybe i will also trade my roadster for one R nine t

[@timothy9596]

As someone who used to work for HD I can tell you people are starting to get sick of most of the Sportsters save the 883. Unlike a lot of HD sales staff, I was very honest with my clients. I would try and talk them out of a Sportster, again save the 883 and would tell them you could get a used Dyna that was around the same price of a new Sportster with a hell of a lot more power and an all around better bike. Sometimes I'd lose a sale but I also knew that I was doing the right thing. And now that HD is losing market share, not to mention closing plants here in America for cheaper labor overseas, I'm glad I quit.

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

TJ Was the Roadster around when you quit? Dynas have a worse power-to-weight ratio, and worse suspension and brakes. If you tried to talk me out of a Roadster (which is really an XR 1200 incarnate) in favor of a Dyna, I would've had a word with your boss.

[@timothy9596]

Well I'm glad I never helped you because your stupidity would have caused me some greif.

[@robertp457]

"which is really an XR 1200 incarnate" The Sportster has a fuel injected version of the same engine put it in back in 1986. No one should buy one and no one should buy one for $11299. That's way too much money for a motorcycle that needs thousands in parts to make it right.

[@davide2938]

Your commentary on the Harley-Davidson XL1200CX Roadster was both professionally informed and hilarious! And it was right on target both in your praise and critism. I have appreciated the look of the bike for some time now, so much so that I recently bought one fully aware of its shortcomings. First, I went in knowing this is a one rider bike - tail bag yes, passengers NEVER. Second, I immediately moved the stock rider foot pegs because, as you pointed out, they stab you in the leg whenever you come to a stop. But for all its warts, it's a Harley-Davidson and I bought it for the reasons you clearly pointed out in the first segment. My one real complaint with Harley-Davidson is the complete lack of options on the front end, especially considering the premium pricing of their motorcycles. Essentials such as foot peg position should be offered during the purchase phase rather then marketed as upgrades after the fact. Clearly Harley-Davidson anticipated that the stock position of the footpegs was going to be an issue for some riders as they designed and manufactured three optional sets - rear, further forward, and forward - available for purchase at substantial additional cost. But this is a theme with Harley-Davidson, one they continue to successfully pass off under the "Make it your Own" mantra. Considering what I have spent on "make it my own" parts for the three Harley-Davidsons I have owned, I must admit to closing in on that point where enough is enough. Have you seen the new Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sport bikes? Great looks, great technology, great ride, half the price . . . has me thinking my next MC may not be a HD, even while admitting there is a certain mystique to HD that no other motorcycle manufacturer can touch (and probably why I currently have two in the garage)! Cheers, Dave Virginia, USA

[@frednouvertne4216]

Rearsets and no passengers worked for me.

[@georgecostanza2695]

"I'd rather walk!" Omg that was hilarious!!

[@randylivengood36]

F-150 Raptor in the UK? See to believe at 2:06

[@rizzzzzel]

Um, they aren't in the UK, nor is that a Raptor, or an F-150

[@marinegordon]

You guys are as they say in England puffs.

[@idioself]

Finally!!! A review of the back seat. I will never be buying a street bike that only sits one. So what is the worst sportbike pillion seat? I feel it's unfair to bash only Harley on this, especially when you could probably get a better seat from them.

[@_GRVR]

In America I dont think I've ever seen anyone actually riding two up on a sportster unless they get the sissy bar. It's a solo bike imo.

[@cloggsy1971]

😂 Brilliant review 👍🏻

[@jonr4651]

What are you talking about the only thing the V-Rod did was take off? It’s problem was it couldn’t turn! This is 100% a sarcastic joke don’t @ me

[@WalkingHeadPro]

I bet if you put a sissy bar on the back it wouldnt be so bad riding on the pillion

[@robertp457]

Or HD could just put a real seat on the motorcycle.

[@motomario7094]

The Roadster 1200 is not a motorcycle for everyone. To have such a motorcycle, you need to know what you want from the machine.

[@alca4340]

those who buy it get 'used' to the position of the foot pegs

[@elvislives-gl4rv]

The "pillion" is designed for 105 pound girlfriends who hold on tight. Be real. Its just a style point.

[@thehowlingterror]

:-)

[@kungfupanda5705]

😆😂🤣😭kkkkhahahaghgh. I never expected this from a motorcycle video. I’ve never seen a motorcycle video like this. My tummy aches from the laughter.

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

No Roadster owner will EVER ride with a fat, angry old man on the back. It works just fine for a girl. Even better if she has nothing to hold on to than me... Why no word about the upgraded suspension? Adjustable rear shock, upside down forks, double disc brake!

[@disekjoumoer]

Possibly because the suspension is old as the hills double shocks, just about every other bike on the planet has had usd forks for a while now, and the harleys only got abs because Euro4 enforced it. They're crap.

[@robertp457]

"Why no word about the upgraded suspension?" Because while HD calls it premium it's not. The riding position is stupid. Half sporty and half standard. No one should get a pat on the back for putting dual disc brakes on a motorcycle nearly 600lbs. And they aren't even from a premium brand. Upside down forks from a house brand manufacturer? Who cares? It's a shit motorcycle for the price. If it was $8k there would be less to complain about, but it would still need thousands thrown at it to make it good. The engine is a fuel injected engine from 1986!

[@Meinstein]

That little back pad should only be used in an emergency. Shame on you for subjecting your woman to a ride like that. She was probably half scared to death. If she hasn't already left you, you'd better buy a decent after market seat before she does.

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

None of the above can justify the price tag. You can literally get a better machine from any other motorcycle manufacturer, including Indian for that money.

[@AlienApe.]

very funny intro XD

[@3.2Carrera]

LOL with the bitching about the pillion. It's a good thing a quick search of online shows this model may have literally a thousand touring 2 up seats and backrests to choose from.

[@CrazyGreek80]

#mattlaidlaw

[@marvelharris9540]

I'm so glad guys like this will not be buying a Harley....

[@rider14mcd63]

You 2 were a show for sure. You talked for 10 minutes about a 2 up seat that really is not.

[@cafesportster642]

thats how they sell custom parts for comfort :))

[@pengpeng3327]

hahah

[@craigpennington1251]

I do not blame him for being upset. It really is a disgrace. I H.D. doesn't get with the program, that company will fail, like in the AMF days gone by. Those bikes were trash.

[@fredoc9125]

I think they meant to summarize this thing on wheels as a proper piece of shit.

[@oursonvie]

it seems harley really put some effects in making something new, its their customers who to blame. I mean, i like the fxdr, fat bob even the new adventure bike coming out next year, but their hardcore fans really dont like those new bikes, lol.

[@rockymnthodad3047]

HAHAHAHAHah , come on gents... that there 'pillion' you getting all troubled with ain't designed for you bloke !! it's for the petite bird that might want a quick trip on that there rumble seat ... seriously, there are two-up version sportsters and seats to go with,,, this here be the 'roadster' ..she ain't a two-up design you know... Something original would be a review of what you like in a bike like this,... such as, nice riding torque and feel while you're in the speed limit still... how old and predictable is it to rag on a Harley for lack of space age features and triple digit insanity still.. yet, you bemoaned her in good style and it was entertaining... thank you.. The ton-ten is still easily and predictably doable with a machine such as this ( uncork the intake/exhaust of course)... after all, that is / was the Vintage Spirit and your local constable might even think to pass you by and entertain the GSXR, CBR..etc..etc.. folk instead... Ride on.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

^^this guy gets it.

[@heythere6983]

@@SuperSnallygaster its because they think dragging a knee while passing the local Home Depot is practical and being in the fetal position at all times is comfortable, or a bike that isn't fun till you're about to lose your license makes sense, or a triumph with equal or less horsepower never gets called dismal lmao.

[@kcfox3130]

lots of bikes have shitty pillion seats ,lots worse than that

[@grayghost1423]

Talk about drama queens....

[@moefapie]

redo this video, this is by far the worst review I have seen of a bike. What was the criteria it was compared to? was the seat ever intended for two people? is there 2 person seats available? what exactly is the point of this video? you testes a roadster........why not test it again with a superlow? or a custom? or a modified sportster that can accommodate 2 people? i might as well go and review a ninja 400 for offroad capabilities and judge it for not having storage space..........

[@craigpennington1251]

For one thing the V Rod is uglier than a bucket of shit. Two thing, it's over priced and really not that fast.

[@khristoffersonalcachupas7536]

not worth of money...better to buy Kawasaki z900rs..power and comfortably guarantee.

[@WillPower46]

Good channel, good journos, good quality production but a shit shit shit bike and brand.

[@roundingcorners]

the contradicting commentary is horrendous although . . .

[@AlbionSupreme]

Sorry to hear about how SA is turning more and more "Peoples State". So what are you guys going to do when EFF seizes your assets or replaces you with darker skinned presenters?