Harley Sportster Roadster - What you may not know

[@gijoe5508]

That is my style of motorcycle, a little bit sport vintage which one can fit in an apocalyptic town. Don’t care about luggage, I strap my army bag behind.

[@exexpat11]

@SaltyDad Don't laugh. I live in the PacNW and with Seattle and Portland nearby... The Democrat Zombies are out in force. LOL!

[@thomcombes4689]

I did a stage 1 upgrade on my ’16 and added the Two Brothers Comp-S exhaust system (black version).... beautiful look and bolstered the performance. Velocity Red was my choice. This bike is so much fun, harley should have put more effort into there ad campaigns for this and really worked on the cafe racer market; I’ve heard sales haven’t been that strong. It’s unfortunate, it’s a great bike!

[@mattzobian]

Agree

[@exexpat11]

The frame is modified, it has the 3.1 gallon vice the 2.1 Peanut Tank on the 48, better forks + shocks, and something else in the engine that is unknown. I am 5'10 and I am a little cramped when sitting on the bike however I love the rake and height of this Sportster. The seat is a postage stamp. The digital speedo is unreadable at certain times of the day because of the sun. I do love how small the Roadster is and how this bike does in turns and curves. I actually downsized from a Yamaha 1700 and this bike is so much more fun to ride - full speed or in parking lots. This feels more like an XR1200R than your run of the mill Sportster. Did you say more torque? I have a friend with a Custom 2017 and mine seems to have a little more pep to it's step than his.

[@markstanley980]

Great bike mine has cams, stage 1 , two into one exhaust, foot peg rear mount kit, First Harley l ever owned, love the bike.

[@BfSkinnerPunk]

Please show the upgraded Billy Club handlebars.....I can't find images of them on a roadster

[@vincentbeijing6926]

Very interesting. I had never heard that the roadster has differences in the frame compared to other sportsters. Could you detail further the differences you noticed? Thank you. I fully agree with you about the roadster being a very enticing bike.

[@aztriumphster]

When i pulled the seat off it appeared to be different than the frame on my seventy-two. Granted its satin black vs gloss and the neck on the roadster may vary due to the inverted forks. Ive been trying to research more but haven't found anything yet.

[@vincentbeijing6926]

AZ Triumphster Thank you 😊 I researched a lot about the roadster and can’t recall having read something on this. That would make sense though, considering the difference in geometry.

[@aztriumphster]

@@vincentbeijing6926 have u ridden it?

[@vincentbeijing6926]

AZ Triumphster i bought mine new one and half year ago and rode 18000 km, mainly on mountain roads. The more i ride other bikes, with more power, better brakes, less weight, the more I return happily to the roadster. There is something satisfying in trying to make it go fast. I can’t define it. Maybe because it takes more effort than modern Japanese roadsters?

[@aztriumphster]

@@vincentbeijing6926 ya know, i just did a 2 part video on sportster vs scout and i believe some of the things i spoke to in thos videos rings true in the answer to ur question. Character. Refinement is nice but it lacks character. The way a Harley behaves nurtures a connection between rider and motorcycle.

[@mchristr]

Just bought a low mileage 2017. The bike will needs some changes to dial it in but that's to be expected. I'm installing a XL1200C 4.5 gallon tank for the range and the styling (the trad Sportster tank looks like an afterthought). A Cobra 2-into-1, some cams, and a tune should wake up the engine. Otherwise a fun motorcycle.

[@robbyclark6915]

I’m thinking about trading my iron 883 for a 2020 roadster in orange for the additional power but also those performance upgrades that are standard on this bike. The odd thing about the roadster I’m looking at is the seat and rear section are completely different from every other stock roadster. It a cafe racer or maybe even flat tracker style where the seat and tail section are kinda like one piece and there’s no hopes of ever putting a two up seat on it with this rear section. It looks fantastic but not very practical when it’s going to be your only bike. The bike only has 45 miles on it and still has the passenger pegs though. Curious? I need to ask the dealership about it, but it’s a very unique setup from what I’ve seen.

[@neilhedley6080]

Due a radical change, been on the go since 1984.

[@davidinghram2494]

I have an 09 XR 1200 with only 4K on it. Thanks for describing some of the upgrades that have happened to the Sportster.

[@HittoTheAssassin]

AZ Triumphster... Where you able to flat foot it? I'm 5'5 and not sure if I'd be able to fit in one

[@aztriumphster]

I was not able to flat foot it, but I could one foot it pretty well. It might be worth it for such a fun ride. I have a fat bob now, which i can't flat foot but its worth it.

[@thomasbroadbent1]

Do you know what mirrors you have on? I have a sportster and want these on mine

[@aztriumphster]

Those are the factory mirrors just turned under

[@Bernievids]

Without sounding like a smartarse, I have had everything including the latest s1000RR and I purchased this because I caught a story that explained the exact points and some, mainly the better suspension including USD forks and orange circle rears. The bike is a weapon, for a Harley. OK OK, sounds rude, but a Harley just has to be accepted as a Harley. It’s 250kgs for Goodness sake! Now, here is the good bit which I will not back away from. My nephew, with about 7 years of riding experience on Jap 600s bought a new Fat Bob and when all run in with same amounts of Kms on each other’s bikes went for a 40min run through a National Park in Australia. We both had V&H short shots and FP3 and needless to say we went berserk. Now, I’ll be first to admit that I’m more experienced and obviously I’m a better rider but the Roadster was new for me and the Fat Bob was owned from new so he had more HD experience. Let’s be clear, the Fat Bob has way more technology compared to a humble Sportster given some sporting Roadster credentials. So what happened? Well we kept it civil and then because we could hear when each other was pushing with the pipes it was easy to hear when and to lift for the younger rider, so I lead and gave him the good lines, all the while I was thinking, 350kg smashing into was going to hurt, so decided to drop the hammer and frankly, I was gone. I lost him in a matter of 30secs. Either he chickened out or whatever but we were climbing a steep constant incline and that 1200 blasted the sound or thunder and spent dinosaurs our the pipes and I finally got her in a real rhythm. The speeds were not that high on paper but considering the road, it was basically 3 times the speed limit and frankly that was a feat for a fairly antiquated piece of kit (compared to almost anything of same basic age eg: 20-30 years, remembering the sportsters originally hark back 60 years. So we all need to keep this things traceable roots in mind. Certainly fuel injection got her pumped up again and I’d say that’s it in terms of development apart from perhaps some weight reductions. Sadly this bike will be a thing of the past as they didn’t even bring it in for 2020 in Australia. They realised people were wising up and first time riders often bought the Roadster over new releases. I did ride the FXDR and Fat Bob and liked them but I think for most riders who have ridden very well engineered machines, the HD experience is more than satisfying from a Sporty or if riding is actually preferred instead of just relaxed HD Cruising, the racy twin disc style Sporty’s handle and perhaps cater best for most. I hear all this girl bike horseshit but realistically, I don’t know too many chicks handling 250kgs easily and even I feel like she is a strong heavy bit of steel and still can’t believe the smile it’s putting on my face. Is it comfortable....not really but maybe another seat, I got the RSD big bubble rear cafe looking seat and allows me to sit further back. I wanted the clip on bars but never did it. I’m happy for now. To those on the fence, this guy is right. Listen to him and understand the importance of what he has identified. Why Narley doesn’t talk this bike up or why North American audiences just discount her, I will never know. It also has taller gearing, so at highways speeds, I’ll be under the fat bob while he is in 6th and I’m in 5th! I’m telling you, do yourself a favour. I will keep this forever and buy a shit sporty to do up like a queer idiot or whatever the rage is called with the wacky seats and stuff like when I was a kid and bikies had these sorts of bikes. Peace. Nice video. Thanks.

[@exexpat11]

The Sportster is a preferred woman's bike in the US and they handle them well. I would not say it is a "Woman's Bike" though as some do. I own and ride one and it is the Harley Grom of their line up. Fun! Fun! Fun!

[@freddiehoward4634]

I have a 08 roadster, what is the difference between the 08 and the 2016 model if any ??

[@aztriumphster]

I'm unsure of the the specific differences offhand but by looking at pics of an '08, it appears to be more closely related to recent Sportster Customs.

[@m_to_the_s1050]

Where can i buy that same exact saddle?! I really like it

[@aztriumphster]

Its the stock harley roadster seat

[@m_to_the_s1050]

@@aztriumphster thanks I found it, bought myself a roadster 2016 yesterday, but this seat in tje video is way nicer! 👌🏿😁🔥

[@dipjothipaul5868]

I'm 5'7, are my legs going to touch the ground flat or I'm too short for this bike?

[@aztriumphster]

Its going to be close. If you have the opportunity, swing by your local dealership and throw a leg over one. Riding boots/shoes will help

[@chopperking007]

I own one and love it but it needs another gear on the highway....

[@funguseater40]

I had same colour, 2016 Roadster. Loved it. Just that stock seat, so bad for the butt! I used to call it Numb Nuts. I went with a Le Pera Stubs Cafe seat and made a world of difference. Now I own an Iron 1200 2018, and of course I kept the Le Pera for that!. Looking under the seat, isn't there mean't to be a large bolt in the middle that kind of connects to the stock seat?

[@aztriumphster]

Just looked up that LaPera seat. Its pretty cool. I there us supposed to be that bolt. What have u done to ur Iron? Checkout the couple videos i did on my buddys iron 1200. Cheers

[@funguseater40]

@@aztriumphster Engine and pipes are all stock. Fitted HD mustache bar, QR tall sissy bar, and larger Kuryakyn Heavy Industry footpegs. Apart from that, it's pretty stock ! Le Pera do some cool seats, and so comfortable 👍

[@aztriumphster]

@@funguseater40 if ever in the market, Dean-speed Customs makes some cool stuff for the sporty.

[@funguseater40]

@@aztriumphster yes, I've seen some of their products but not sure if I can get them in the UK?

[@aztriumphster]

@@funguseater40 certainly can

[@jeffchilders236]

That Sportster would look so wicked bobbed out and another thing it's made for a big guy

[@traceydevlin7066]

Yeah mate , its called the 48🤙

[@PeterthePiper777]

I'll never ever use a magetic tank bank on my bike again, it picks up metal particles and what not and ruined my tank finish

[@vanz75]

I ve a roadste too...modified..look how I drive on italian mountain passes

[@aztriumphster]

Beautiful scenery, good riding, doesn't get much better than that.

[@davot.9717]

Go to KZbin Type in 2016 Harley Davidson Roadster modified Willie G Style by the way bro hot tip the Dunlap tires are awesome but they wear out really fast and because of the 18in rims in the rear you might want to check out scorpion Trail to dual sport tires have them for quite some time now and I actually like them better than the stock Dunlap tires for many reasons

[@aztriumphster]

Yeah i looked up the vid, that bike is clean! Thanks for the good advice on the tires.

[@davot.9717]

@@aztriumphster my pleasure and honor brother ride Safe Ride With God be blessed and enjoy

[@exexpat11]

The 2019 1200 Roadster was issued with Michelin Scorchers. Some complain that it isn't a sporty enough tire. Mine do fine so far.

[@davot.9717]

Check out Harley Davidson Roadster 2016 Willie G Style

[@aztriumphster]

I searched that on google and it took me to u tube video. Roadster with a 48 seat and a ton of willie g stuff. Is that the one?

[@davot.9717]

@@aztriumphster if you search under the name Kayla kluth oh, that is my niece she made some videos the most recent is the Willie G update and it is a la pera solo seat I've had it for pushing 3 years now love it it's my baby ride safe be blessed and by the way I've got a bunch of spare parts if you need

[@davot.9717]

@@aztriumphster if you go on KZbin and look up videos from my niece Kaely kluth then you will see the videos she made about three of them

[@davot.9717]

My apologies you know how talk to text can be? You can look up the video by typing in Kayla kluth

[@davot.9717]

@@aztriumphster that was most likely the one brother

[@simplybiking]

Nice new additions that appear to make a huge difference, cause the older Sportsters I’ve ridden handled heavy and poorly. I’d have to go with the 48 though. I just subbed your channel ! 👍✌️

[@ccooper8785]

I love the looks of these bikes 😀 I am 6'4'' tall 😠😡😖

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

Have a 09 nightster that I'm getting ready to convert to a cafe sporty ,clip ons, longer 13"rear shocks ,roadster seat and rear passenger pegs for rear foot position but am keeping my mid controls instead of the new rear controls for the sole purpose of being able to stand up on the bike ! See that Harley discontinued the roadster! maybe Harley will be coming out with a full blown crotch rocket ? HARLEY and BUELL BIKES AGAIN 🤔 ??? guess we'll all have to wait and see but if so sure hope that Harley wont disappoint people like Indian did with their release version of their FTR-1200 and NOT the Prototype FTR-1200 version !!!

[@joyshreemondal5160]

Hey guys what is the top or max speed of this bike ? Also I'm a newbie so how can I increase this bike's top speed more than it's stock speed, please answer me !

[@aztriumphster]

Im reading that the top speed is about 125. U may be able to install a tuner that allows u to remove the limiter.

[@joyshreemondal5160]

@@aztriumphster thanks a lot !!!!

[@YasselAlvarez33157]

Sporsters are so good looking.

[@aztriumphster]

And they sound good too

[@Paul-dz7xi]

I had one, sold it after 4 months.

[@saadman4023]

wow,, thats encouraging...

[@ihateemael]

are you going to keep us guessing?

[@Paul-dz7xi]

Richard drum 🥁 roll - A Sportster

[@rider14mcd63]

Good job.

[@XCVi_MAC]

Good first bike ?

[@aztriumphster]

Depends, do u have any motorcycle experience prior to ur first street bike?

[@XCVi_MAC]

AZ Triumphster none what’s so ever. A dirt bike lol.

[@aztriumphster]

@@XCVi_MAC how much dirt bike experience?

[@XCVi_MAC]

AZ Triumphster very little.

[@aztriumphster]

@@XCVi_MAC any prior motorcycle experience, especially dirt bike, will help acclimate u to street riding. Ive seen guys who were avid dirt rider, jusp on a 1000cc crotch rocket and feel right at home. On the other hand, a friend of mines first bike, after his rider course, was a harley iron 883. U knowing how to operate a clutch, throttle, and gear shift, is a big part of the equation. I would recommend getting to ur local dealer and sitting on the bike, seeing how the weight feels etc. Even better if they let u demo it.

[@ianosborne188]

Cool Bars..

[@johnhannon7318]

He didn't say much about the bike, and what he did say I couldn't hear. I think you need a better mike. Peace.

[@madsbuhris]

You forgot to fire it up!

[@aztriumphster]

We r doing bars and a tank lift soon. Ill do a walk around and fire up for ya. Stay tuned.

[@aztriumphster]

Just uploaded a video with some Roadster sound. Enjoy.

[@madsbuhris]

@@aztriumphster Great!👍

[@exexpat11]

@@aztriumphster My OEM pipes on the Roadster are very mild. Almost Japanese Cruiser OEM quiet.

[@John-td5lu]

This engine does not produce more power. Inside is the same exact parts. Same everything.

[@benkrom2737]

You think that bike is nice ! Try taking those junk Dunlop tires off and put a set of Metzeler tires on it ! Bike will feel so much more surefooted, will feel like a whole new bike and I don't mean just this model and brand, I mean any brand of bike . I'm picking on Harley's cause they either come with Dunlop tires or have Harley Davidson tires made by Dunlop on them. Tires seam Ok till you get into an emergency situation where they fail miserably. Look for someone who has Metzger tires on their Harley and ask them, you'll get the same answer !

[@Apuuuurrrrvvvvvv]

Metzeler tourance next! Scrape the pegs with confidence now. Haha!