Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster Roadster

It's easy to criticise a Harley Davidson Sportster for being extremely old-fashioned. But is there any merit in the bike whatsoever? Harry has managed to bag one as a long-term test bike to see if the numbers really do stack up.

[@mattzobian]

I've ridden many bikes over the years and wouldn't trade my HD Roadster for any of them. Fantastic on a winding country road, and that Evo V-Twin's sound when you put a proper pipe on it.... Heaven.

[@josephandreuccetti7270]

I need to test ride one

[@priestof1]

Love this fucking bike. Its fast enough for tbe streets, industructable, ride that bike in blinding downpours, snow, 10 degree Fahrenheit, this bike just won't quit. LOVE IT. Can lean on it like nuts with folding pegs, it's forgiving, I should have low sided twice so far (was begging for it) but the ass just kind of crushed and slid just a bit that was all. It isn't the fastest but it's easily one of the toughest. The speed comes at the top end of each gear. Shift at the gears red line and you WILL be kicked back. If you have new jeans on you gone. It's a SOLID STRONG AND MORE than what is needed. This bike is perfect. If you take care of it - it will NEVER let you down. Ride it responsibly and the maintenance cost is way low.

[@splodge5714]

I rearranged all the letters and came up with Davidson-Harley which is as big a change as Harley have made to the Sportster since 1957. They should make a retro like the 1st one, that blue and white one, the prettiest of them all. Love the show, keep up the humour!

[@demon817]

They did and just as bad 2020 I think, Ya the gretest Virus bike or is it the Virus can never get that right.

[@geraldscott9446]

I have been riding Harleys, including Sportsters, for a long time. I don't care about the name on the tank, and the Japanese make some pretty decent looking cruiser and retro type bikes as well. My reasons for riding a Harley are simple. There are only two. Feel, and sound. I love the low frequency vibration of the long stroke engine. As for the sound, no other bike in the world sounds like a Harley. On newer models you have to install an aftermarket exhaust to hear it. It is by far the most beautiful sounding motorcycle made, by far. It sounds like a small block Chevy with a hot cam in it. It has that wonderful loping idle, and sounds like thunder when leaving a stop light at full throttle. The sound combined with the vibration give the impression that it has several times the power it does. It is a very visceral experience. It feels like riding a jackhammer down the road. And to me, that experience is well worth giving up power and handling for. The Japanese know what makes a Harley sound and feel like a Harley. They have done their best to copy the look. The Yamaha Bolt zooms right in on the Sportster as far as looks go, but it is drop dead boring. a droning exhaust sound and no vibration. For some reason the Japanese refuse to copy that. And that is why I won't ride them. To me the main thing about a MOTORcycle is the MOTOR. And Harley builds the best motors in the business by far. You mentioned some changes to the Sportster over the years. But you missed one. A really bad one. Catastrophic in fact. In 2007, the Sportster switched from a carb to EFI, effectively destroying it as "the real thing" It is now another "computer on wheels" I own a 2006 Sportster 1200 Low. I got it cheap, near new condition, original owner, low miles. Seems everybody these days, even Harley riders, want EFI. In the U.S., EFI is just another way of saying EPA, the most dreaded federal agency in existence. You can no longer tinker with them, and retuning the EFI requires a $500 Power Commander instead of a couple of $5 jets. It's really sad to see this happen to such an otherwise wonderful bike. I wish they made a 1200cc Carbureted Iron. I'd probably buy one.

[@tomhockenberry4862]

Gerald Scott The solid mount Harleys like my 2000 Sporty 1200 Custom is just fun as hell. Yes it vibrates a little bit it's not that bad. I know the 2004 and up rubber mounted Sportys are heavier. I just love to ride and have fun so to each there own.. If it has 2 wheels ride it. Lol.

[@nubianlife8439]

Gerald Scott well said

[@ronalddauro563]

Gerald Scott Interesting comment .

[@splodge5714]

Gerald Scott. great comment hit the nail on the head. I love to ride my 2001 1200S, always puts a smile on my face and I will never part with it.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Honestly, take a spin on Yamaha’s MT-01. It will truly make you chuckle like a child. It’s so un-Japanese in its methodology. Certainly not Harley, but quite a unique furrow nonetheless.

[@werner861]

very well said!!! do HD riders want .... etc etc? NOPE they don't, All the haters will hate, all the HD riders understand what its about. Good review

[@EyeForKnowledge.]

I have a Harley. And hate it. So tell me: What am I missing? What I think it’s about is going super slow, being super heavy and looking really goofy riding a bike that was designed in the 1920’s.

[@Toni62R]

In reality the 1200 evos have plenty of power in the mid range, good vibrations, and they sound great - one of the last air cooled adventures on two wheels !

[@jonnymac8925]

10 years from now when HD hasn't made an air cooled Sportster for a while (talk is 2020 is the last year for the Sportster, to be replaced by the new 1250custom for 2021 which is a liquid cooled revolution motor, Cousin of the vrod motor) everyone and their dog will be trying to find old 1200 evolution Sportsters. Having both a 1340cc evo and a 1200cc evo, I will not ever get rid of them!

[@3.2Carrera]

I have (and had) plenty of sportbikes and the like and also a 2004 roadster. They are excellent standard bikes. They require almost no maintenance so it's like a lawnmower sitting in the garage. Less performance, but fun to ride and requires nothing of you but keeping the battery on a float charger and changing the oil. Highly recommended.

[@bobgibb2781]

I could have written that word for word myself . I've turned 60 now so the GSXR 1100 had to go . After much research , I also chose the 04 1200 Roadster .

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Having ridden a Sportster 883 with a 1200 conversion with some aftermarket goodies I can tell you dont let the numbers and all the shit talking fool you - these bikes are a lot of fun to ride on their own way.

[@LuziannaBoy]

DJ MotoVlogs Thank you!! Everyone is so worried about the criticism of riding a Harley Davidson that they won't even give one a try. I have two Bikes myself, My '15 Yamaha Star Bolt R-Spec and my '17 HD Roadster which I trade in my Iron 883 for and haven't looked back since, I love it.

[@filoIII]

Do the 883s have lighter weight materials that'll be damaged w/ a 1200 convo kit?

[@scottstambaugh8473]

I've always been a sport bike guy, and then as I got older a sporting standard guy. My last bike was a ZRX1200R, and I now have a Triumph Thruxton R... and, recently, a Harley Road King that I got for my wife to ride on. To my surprise, I kinda love it. It's a different riding experience, but a valid one regardless. I'm not buying all the Harley swag, tho. I'm not a particularly tough guy, and not gonna wear a costume pretending to be one. I just like the bike.

[@RyandKyHarleyGuys]

The Roadster was SICKK! Super fun one to ride.

[@LuziannaBoy]

3:05 The Host looks exactly like Frank Zappa right here lol

[@maxxis2112]

So far I’ve spent 8000 very interesting kilometers on mine in just over 6 months of ownership. Couple of opinions, pros and cons but I’ll wait for the rest of the review series to flow in and then comment again.

[@gray09r56]

alright, so its been 8 months since this post - I'd like to hear your pros, cons and indifferences - since I am comparing a Roadster and 883 to purchase!?

[@ophrasbankaccount7716]

Vince B what happened!!??

[@ophrasbankaccount7716]

maxxis what happened !?

[@stillbill6408]

The second Blue bike you showed is a late 70's (I think 1977) FXE Superglide (not an XL Sportster).

[@Bazza47]

Looking forward to hearing what you think of it after 3 months and if you've been "converted"

[@CrazyGreek80]

I have a 2021 Honda Goldwing bagger and went on a trip with my buddy who has a 2019 Streetglide special with a stage 3 and that bike sounded like it was struggling clanky shifting and just loud. My Goldwing was light-years ahead.

[@edgarescobar2788]

Hey everyone who reads this. I'm interested in getting a motorcycle and I love this style, but as I would be a beginner I want to ask if you guys think this is a good choice or what would you recommend? Possibly a similar style in look.

[@Orban_rides1]

Ive never wanted to own a harley,,, but I love my Roadster. This fellow made a great video until the other 2 chimed in. Should have ended the video there.

[@dennism1919]

Nice review. As to whether the bike has any merit, well, that is a pretty stupid question! Of course it does. There is still a place in the market for a bike of this type, and Harley has kept the Sporty in the lineup as long as it has for obvious reasons. Other manufacturers have been breaking their necks trying to build in "heritage" that seems very popular these days... The Sporty IS heritage! Compared to others in this class the Sporty stands pretty tall: - Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, 942cc air-cooled SOHC, single disc front, conventional fork, 542 lbs............. 103,734 Rand - Yamaha Stryker, 1,304cc SOHC liquid-cooled, single disc front, conventional fork, big rake, 650 lbs...... 146,957 Rand - Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom, 903cc SOHC, single disc front, conventional fork, 610 lbs........ 104,969 Rand - Suzuki Boulevard M90, 1,462cc Liquid-cooled, dual disc front, USD fork, 723 lbs............. 139,547 Rand - Polaris Indian Scout, 1200cc OHV liquid-cooled, single disc front, Conventional fork, 550 lbs.......... 141,924 Rand I have had a go on most of these and they were all pretty horrible compared to the Harley, really. Plus the number and quality of the accessories for the Harley are staggering. Only the Bolt has a decent set of accessories in comparison, and none of them even come close in terms of fit and finish with the exception of the Scout. But besides being a tiny thing, the suspension and brakes on the Scout are especially bad, and the cost to upgrade is harsh. If I had to pick one of these over the Sporty it would most likely be the M90. Bare in mind I am not a Harley fan boi, nor do I own one. I am just offering a fair and reasonable perspective in doing an honest apples to apples comparison of its competition. SO what is the point of this? Let's not be so quick to bash the Sporty. In my mind only the Scout and the M90 stack up, and I personally don't fit on any of them, including the Sporty! Let's allow Harry to do his test and we'll see how things go.

[@dennism1919]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Haters gonna hate. That's OK. As mentioned, I'm not a Harley fanboi nor do I own one. But I have ridden one and it wasn't all bad. Not good enough for me to consider one, but not all bad either! Cruisers in general don't make my heart go pitter pat, but I can still ride and enjoy them if the opportunity arises. I love bikes - all bikes. I have my preferences of course, but I love 'em all. Peace!

[@tomhockenberry4862]

That's why all the other bike makers try to copy A true American bike a Harley .

[@the8jrfan]

60 bhp. Breathtaking.

[@the8jrfan]

Tom Hockenberry Oh I get torque. My bike has 100 foot pounds also... but it also has *200* horsepower. Proud of my “Jap” 2015 R1.

[@tomhockenberry4862]

200 HP and 100 foot pounds of tourqe at 9000 rpm. Lol. Yamaha R1 . it would be fun but I doing got the cash for the tickets and don't try to be a track star on the road. So I'll stick with what I got. I have fun and everyone has oppinions that why everyone likes what they like. I figure if it has 2 wheels enjoy. And be safe.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Yamaha makes nearly 80 hp with only 689cc.

[@franmitch3589]

Any bike is fun sport bikes get anoyin after a short time due to never being able to ride them to thier potential round here there is a cop or sheriff on every road possible

[@atomicgrasshopper4391]

Why would anyone compare an R1 with a Sportster? Damn, most bickers are retarded...

[@djohnson3678]

259 KG = 571 LBS. awsome vlog!

[@bivanfilms]

Good one

[@wrzl1675]

It makes 74 hp and 77 lb ft of torque to be exact. I just watched it on the dyno last week.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

so, gain some, lose some!

[@georgeyjoshy921]

Hi, is it worth to buy a 2016 for 80000 rands..plz reply how is the bike for beingner?

[@raywite6665]

Best bike Harley produces.

[@dave6467]

Have they actually listened to their customers for 2018 or does it still have the stupidly place foot-pegs and in-readable speedo?

[@MrCyclee]

Stunning stunning bike but leaves much to be desired

[@FastRu-kl7iy]

Looks like Harry is under the great punishment for something we all have no idea. 3 month on such a retro bike is going to be painful enough

[@Brisco1983]

I like this bike. How tall is the rider?

[@edgarmartinez3907]

I think so 1.94 mts he is tall for the most of the bikes

[@Hotxnick]

1:50 Rearrange the letters to spell v-twin? wow did know there was so many extra letters in Hawrley Davitdson

[@rdsamfrench]

How tall are you??

[@thebb0777]

please do a video on the 2018 fatboy

[@RufusCapstick]

Had a 2010, totally reliable but it's a 60 year old bike and rides like one, simply not good enough. Upgraded the front and rear suspension which made for a comfy ride but it still handled like a bag of shite.

[@floridamankyle5461]

My 09 XR1200 has 15 more BHP Stock than this New Roadster?! What in the Hell is Harley Doing? Bring Back the XR.

[@KevXRDuke]

I own an XR and I love it.

[@brucekendall52]

I think you are better off with a Royal Enfield?

[@Autospherechannel]

Amazing motorcycle and nice video let's join us and get more information about motorcycle

[@DB-sd3cw]

Autosphere "let's join us and get more information about motorcycle".....are you an alien trying to communicate?

[@taariqmanuel4128]

Harry's hairstyle n stache needs an update now.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

But where does he go from there?

[@taariqmanuel4128]

Maybe go full beard or change the super saiyan hairstyle to topgun..maverick seems to be a sure thing these days. Dont go over bored, it needs to still be harry but we need to look 3 or 4 times to notice the update..just like a harley.

[@HotRodTypewriter]

I’d buy another sportster if it had the Bonneville bobber’s frame.

[@Lee-in-oz]

I dont know... Can you put your updates on here please Harry so we can keep up?

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Will do. Just filmed the second one and it will be up soon.

[@Lee-in-oz]

The Bike Show brilliant. Thanks.

[@michealabrahamson2677]

the only issue I have with this bike is after a long while the position you sit in can be uncomfortable

[@craigpennington1251]

Yes I want handling,horse power,lots of it. That bike should have no less than 100 horse power. Those bars need to be up by 4". Needs a tach and speed o raised up so you can read it in bright sunlight. Put a full rear fender on-current one looks like shit. and brighten the whole bike up so the cage drivers might actually see you. And don't forget the triple chrome plated spoke wheels.

[@timospeck92]

2:25 i knew Frank Zappa is still alive WTF

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Put any other name on the tank, and it would be laughed out of the country.

[@johnDukemaster]

You're absolutely right!

[@jonnymac8925]

So you have experience driving them and working on them, right? Nah, didn't think so.

[@iamiliusamthatiam1887]

I ride one and i love it.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@jonnymac8925 I have experience driving well over 50 other bikes from various brands, genres, and I work on my own stuff. I don't care what you think is so, or not so.

[@keithdrummond1003]

You're right. HD has been asking, "what's all the fuss about. " They have been making retro. Just nothing retro with current technology.

[@josephandreuccetti7270]

I mean the 48s are a premium bikes still

[@LookingForEntertainment112]

Yeah, after having owned HD products in the recent past I'm going to have to disagree with you on the oil leaks and dodgy electronics being a thing of the past.

[@maxxis2112]

Wes Ness mine was in this morning with dodgy electronics that needed sorting out 😂

[@frankmalone236]

Wes Ness I'll never own another Harley again.

[@maxxis2112]

Frank I’m with you. I’ll keep this one for as long as possible but next bike will be Japanese or European.

[@timothy9596]

After wanting a Harley most of my life I finally bought a used 2007 Dyna Wide Glide from a close family friend that took meticulous care of it. It had every service done on time according to Harleys service manual. Within the first two months of owning it, I had to replace the entire charging system (stator, battery voltage regulator, alternator rotor and battery) for $1000 USD. Then after that, I had to fix the fuel pump for another $800. Along with the expected 20K service and new tires, I spent $2900. After I had everything fixed I immediately put it up for sale. I'll never own another piece of s#it Harley again.

[@frankmalone236]

maxxis keep miles low on it, trade asap

[@alfajuj]

0:38 to 0:42 isn't a Sportster, it's a Superglide

[@davidknowles3459]

I had a 1980 Harley Roadster 1000cc.A smaller version of the then new Harley Low Rider.The 1980 Roadster looked much better than this!

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

For 10k I'd give it a shot, but for 15 it's just not worth it. So many better machines you can get for that kind of money.

[@bobgibb2781]

I can't disagree with a single word of that but I don't really give a shit when I'm out on my beautiful 2004 Roadster .

[@hermanstokbrood]

I wonder how tall he is. The harley looks very tiny.

[@johnrocker2986]

Hardly able son.

[@antsquirly7654]

No T & W in HD.

[@Tuesdaysgonewtw]

I'm sorry but heavy and slow never appealed to me, yet my friends keep telling me to "get a Harley"..

[@filoIII]

I just don't like the thought of a fuel injected Sportster.

[@neemguy81]

Harley-Davidson to V-twin... common core math?

[@EyeForKnowledge.]

Let’s pay $12000 for a bike with 100 year old technology. Suckers born every day. And if you rearrange the words Harley Davidson, you do not by any means get the word V Twin.

[@craigpennington1251]

With that color scheme, it looks like Japanese plastic. The only thing that looks H.D. is the fuel tank. They were getting real close back in 2006, but have veered off again,badly.

[@alwynmcmath]

I could enjoy the styling, the heritage, the ‘scene’ if they weren’t such a blatant rip off. Cables everywhere. Look at the swing arm, lol! Thin chrome, nasty switchgear. So disrespectful to their customers churning out this shite.

[@nickprice3605]

Slow as f*ck Should be called Hardly MovinSon

[@demon817]

Fuc-en T-SHIRTS I SAY

[@chrisholmes6311]

HD have only left 60hp in the pots. Who stole the other 100? HD riders are true suckers 😆People wouldn’t buy Morris 1100’s these days but HD can sell the equivalent and they keep lining up for more 🤔😳

[@splodge5714]

I'd love to be able to buy a Morris Traveller. Anyone selling?

[@dmaxcustom]

Are you purposely ignoring the fact the people who wants a simple old school bike with noise rumbling v-twins are actually dying of old age?

[@tomhockenberry4862]

Someday you britts will learn If it works don't Fuck with it ! Harley forever. Computer not needed.

[@LoudValves]

Bullshit.... I own a Harley because I wanted a Sportster I don't own a Sportster because I wanted a Harley..

[@StonyRC]

I'm sure there's plenty of bickering going on between the "bikers" and the "motorcyclists" - you simply cannot compare the two breeds of machines because they have completely different roles to play for completely different customers. Everything that the "bikers" belittle about the Sportster represents a SELLING POINT for those that love the Harley-Davidson. Everything that "bikers" crow about their speed machines represents a DOWNSIDE for the Harley buyer. You simply have to get over it, climb on your bike and speed off!

[@TheRavinoth]

Being stuck on a Sportster for 3 whole months... That sucks.

[@tomhockenberry4862]

TheRavinoth ever ride one? Doubt it.

[@spacemarine8289]

Looks comfortable, yeah right. The ride is very stiff from the rear suspension, vibration through the pegs is bad, oil leaks remain, 260kg for what is supposed to be a Cafe Racer is absurd. Better of with the new Milwaukee 8 which is smoother and more refined, these Sportsters as good looking as they are are true dinosaurs and will soon be extinct.

[@vincentbeijing6926]

I rode 43000 km on mine and there are no vibrations on the pegs, nor the bar when you ride. And no oil leaks either

[@shawns.6185]

no matter how much rearranging you do to harley davidson you'll never spell V-Twin.

[@jamesphillips6441]

You can't write a good review on a brand/bike you already dislike. Period.

[@jonnymac8925]

OmG it only makes 60Hp (actually its closer to 70) it must be sOoOoO slow compared to my Yamaha R1. This comment is repeated so many times by insecure losers. I don't know, 4.2 second 0-60 and 12.2 second 1/4 out of a stock 1200cc cruiser isn't exactly slow and there are plenty of go fast parts for Sportys. Why do guys that ride sport bikes love talking shit about bikes that aren't even made for the same purpose of riders? It's like watching that 5 year old kid say "my dad will beat your dad", only older and dumber.

[@GhostWhoWalks14]

Biased nonsense, what are guys trying to do? Emulate top gear for bikes. Epic fail. If you had done any actual research, the sportster development has been yes slow, but unrelenting. The reason the XL platform has the same look has been intentional. It is considered one of the best motors for modifications and performance upgrades ever designed by any manufacturer. Proven, solid and reliable. Also great sound, great usable torque and when modified correctly, 160 hp is very feasible. The review reinforces the fact the motorcycles are now viewed as instant gratification from a dealer, like a social media post. Motorcycling is being destroyed by this “Snapchat” mentality. The “best” motorcycle is the one you are riding. Ignore this shit, go ride a bike

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Triumph is 100x better

[@WillPower46]

zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@demon817]

The only thing Harley makes that is good is T-shirts "mmmmmm" Ya T-shirts that's it and there over priced.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

Was hoping there'd be an actual review of the bike, but nope, just another Harley-Hate video. Yawn. Why even bother?

[@darthrevanthegreat4189]

Lol.....WHOOOOOOOO CARES!

[@best1yet]

you cannot spell vtwin very well

[@flytoday]

Mediocre

[@paultansey8706]

Very poor review, what a waste of time watching it.