THE ROADSTER (the performance sportster)

Is the Roadster the best performing out of it's line-up? If so, why is no one buying them??
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[@robinkemp1261]

Hi everyone. This is from Melbourne Australia. I'm 64yo and just brought my first Harley Davidson. Shes a 2019 Sportster Roadster brand new. Credit where credit is due. I find it to be a magnificent motorcycle with power and performance. Just a joy to ride ! Big thank you to Harley Davidson for this beautiful bike. 10 out of 10.

[@Granto-ni9qw]

I had the sport in 02 was good bike in England

[@markbeauchamp2053]

Agreed.

[@mattzobian]

I have a 2016 HD Roadster with Stage 1 mods and it is an absolute joy to ride. Comfortable, nimble handling, torque everywhere, soul-stirring sound. And stunning to boot.

[@EnGdelgado217]

I'm in the Midwest, Chicago area, and own a 2016 that I bought in July with only 15 miles on it. You're right, I don't see any of these on the road which makes me feel like I own a special bike. I absolutely love this bike especially after the stage 1 I did.

[@3.2Carrera]

I have an older Roadster and I like the look, riding position, and especially the dual disk brakes. Since this model was originally designed to compete with British sport bikes I like the Sportster with the mid controls and ~13" shocks. This is a very capable bike when sorted out.

[@daviddomingo7768]

Hey everybody , just wanted to give my input. I bought a 2016 roadster with 3,500 miles $8,000 and some change , came with a low sissy bar . Anyways , for harleys , I have owned a 2013 vrod muscle and a 2015 iron 883. These roadsters are the sh#$!! Extremely light , beautiful, get you up to speed fast, cafe racer styled . The design of the bike is not just for show . It's designed to be able to lean more and actually let's you take corners fast and hard :) There is a slight forward lean that helps with highway speeds and positioning of grips is awesome. Also the forks are different on these than any other sportster. Soakes up the bumps . Didnt feel like my nuts getting smashed like typical sporster ha ha .The mid controls help you ride these sportsters more aggressively and fun like a sport bike . I am 5,7 and with regular chuck Taylor's on , I'm sit with feet flat on ground at stops . I rode from New Mexico to Texas just fine . Just fuel up every 100 miles but I dont like riding for than 2 hours straight on any bike anyways. Everytime I'm on this baby , heads turn. If you see one up for grabs , get it. Only mod I did was the pipes. The stock air box just looks so great on these cafe racer styled sportsters .

[@Roadyster]

I love my 2007 1200 Roadster, so much so, its my daily commuter many days in the Philadelphia area.... Some of the craziest drivers... she keeps me safe and so much fun!

[@pamsimonson5500]

One of the things I like about the roadster is how little chrome there is on it... motorcycles get dirty very fast after you just finished cleaning it

[@longhornhd]

I agree! I personally like the blacked out look on it a well!

[@bobhorne5406]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the bike.That had to be the best demo bike riding video I have ever seen.Now I want one even more.Stay Safe

[@TechwheelswithPat]

Just bought one, had a Iron 883 before, I'll post a video since I made a lot of change to it, ride safe and don't forget your riding gear ;-) nice video Bro

[@lancestone4409]

I'm thinking of getting the 2020 model... always been a fan of the cafe racer style.

[@michaelmorelli4026]

Had a lot of bikes over the years but my Roadster is one of the absolute most fun. I will be buying a bagger in the next couple of months but will not be trading in the Roadster. I will probably keep this bike indefinitely as a fun little hotrod.

[@RowdyMornings]

Love how this bike looks. I wish though it had 6 gears and the nightster handle bars.

[@davidgmottershead243]

Getting one latter this month, can't wait. I'm happy they are not to common. That Stage 1 set up sounds great. One day I might do that.

[@paulhorvath9784]

I have the 2018 with forwards, short shots and a ventilator heavy breather..etc..I'm in Australia and by what you said its possible ours are geared different.. Mine has 78.9 lb @ 4.77 rpm and 79.3 bhp @ 6.02 ..It Sits on 66.87 mph in fifth at 3000 rpm..It pulls a 106 mph in third gear at 6400 rpm and pulls 125 in fourth ...I haven't tried top speed however.. I found it Brilliant especially after my 2012 883 that struggled to pull over 100 mph...However I'm looking at trading to 2020 Low rider S and really hope I won't be disappointed with its performance or reliability..

[@exexpat11]

Was going in for a used 1200 Iron with 17 miles on it. Dealer pushed a new Roadster and took a larger trade in value on my beat up Yamaha. Did not know Roadsters were not selling well. I did not even test ride it as a "Sportster is a Sportster is a Sportster". Right? No. It feels faster than a friend's custom. It loves curves and turns. It is not a relaxed riding position like most cruisers which I like. You laughing all through the ride... that is me!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Ride to survive - wear a jacket if you don't mind.

[@atomicorang]

I nominate you as a HD ambassador. I liked your attitude and enjoyment of life. Nice bike from OK.

[@arkaprestige8051]

Good review, nice bike

[@ridewithted2003]

I have been jonesin' for a Roadster since they first came out. I will get one.... I have to.

[@erabhilashkumarnayak9723]

Good Bike

[@tonytaylor5868]

I got a Roadster 2016 off the showroom floor 5 months ago, stage 1 done, clubman bars. Best sportster imo. Seems like a lot of people are put off by the more aggressive seating position?

[@longhornhd]

thats a possibility

[@eamonn104]

i bought a 2017 Street Road several months back, i found the foot controls awful. however, i did find forward controls specifically made for the xg750a Street Rod...Tarazon

[@nmarkus666]

I just want to comment as someone who has been shopping for a new bike. Visiting HD locations they are pushing the Street Rod on people, and when I mentioned the Sportster they pointed me right at the 48. Now I go in with more knowledge than I let them know, and they basically made no mention of the Roadster. So I asked and they gave me the 5sec "yeah that's a great bike too" and moved on lol. Personally I think they look great, and I get why people love the 48 so much. If it were me though I'd choose the Roadster over the 48. However for the price, i'll take an indian scout bobber with abs. I'm going back to ride another Scout tonight and might take it home so I can ride a little before snow falls.

[@longhornhd]

Thanks for the feedback! I haven't ridden the scout bobber so I wouldn't know where to begin in comparing the two, maybe that should be a video to work on for this channel.

[@nmarkus666]

@@longhornhd after further review I'm leaning toward the roadster again. the forward controls on the Scout i think are killing it for me. i'm going to head to HD on friday and ride the roadster again

[@longhornhd]

@@nmarkus666 Awesome! Let me know what you end up deciding!

[@nmarkus666]

@@longhornhd went with the roadster. we got 2 inches of snow over the weekend too so i have the worst luck ever.

[@longhornhd]

@@nmarkus666 Congrats!!! Ride a lot and Ride Safe!

[@marcohoffmann6235]

Hey , I have the same Bike! Is the best Sportster , nice video, i Have the same emotion every day when i drive this bike, man!!!

[@youjizz1991]

Are you shure that air filter is high flow? Seems like the stock box to me.

[@johncedricabad1092]

Oh my oh my. I’m jealous.

[@robbyclark6915]

They have a 20 model at the nearby Harley dealership in racing orange and it’s gorgeous! What puzzles me though is it doesn’t have the usual stock seat and fender on it. It has a totally cafe racer/flat tracker type of rear end? I can’t find it on the website but I believe it had to come from Harley? The bike only has like 12 miles on it? If anyone has seen something like this? The dealership here is absolutely clueless and didn’t even realize it was different than stock 🤦🏻‍♂️🤪

[@coastaltransplant]

You keep asking why, the reason I went iron 1200 was strictly price...

[@davot.9717]

You should check out 2016 Harley Davidson Roadster Willie G Style video, videos from Kayla clue I love my Roadster I am her uncle

[@joaomorgado6983]

woulf love to ser you do a breackout teste Ride!!

[@scottyducati35]

It’s would be perfect if it came with removable hard bags and cafe screen. Similar to the Sport Glide.

[@longhornhd]

That would be a pretty cool option for sure!

[@erikpiere8796]

I just bought a Roadster yesterday. In the Dallas area. See ya around man.

[@Ebbeebbeee]

How do you like yours on 35 during the traffic im thinking about trading my dyna for me

[@bc67]

The bike sounds amazing with the stage one, but it doesn’t seem overwhelmingly loud given you could talk at a relatively normal level.

[@paveldeveraux2729]

We would love it too but the vibration is driving crazy your GO PRO and can not keep up with it, one good thing though you have to stop for gas every 100 miles with that little gas tank.... O.K.for running up and down main street...

[@buckgreatdane372]

I would install some taller bars on it buck horns .then it would be ausome.

[@Nick76571]

How much you asking for this one ?

[@Ebbeebbeee]

Lol maverick in Carrollton, i work at Texas in bedford

[@jonr4651]

I think the answer to why they don't sell is that many people who are interested in this bike are not currently in the Harley club. I'm personally looking at one of these but I'm hesitant to buy-in to the Harley club. And when we're talking about cafe style comparisons most new offerings are around the same price, have better or comparable performance and a 6th gear.

[@aztr0zombie]

You’re 100% correct. I bought one about a month ago, my 1st Harley, I came from Brit bikes. I fell in love with the roadster when I saw and rode it. No other Harley’s interest me at all. I get what you’re saying about the Harley club, but this bike really is different and at the end of the day it’s just you and your machine. Good luck with your decision!

[@TomSarracino]

Sounds healthy 😊

[@silverado123]

i have a 48 and i hope the suspension is better than that. man it is harsh!. that bike looks cool but it dosent look comfortable for a 40 year old. great video

[@longhornhd]

the suspension on the roadster is way better! If you want a good set of shocks I would look into Progressive suspension, they're not the cheapest but you get your money's worth!

[@silverado123]

@@longhornhd thanks for your reply. I will take a look at some

[@vanz75]

I also have a roadster and if you notice the frame is different from the sporster. you can see mine on my channel

[@stephenc5087]

Howdy y’all, can someone give the breakdown stats on the roadster vs the iron 883. I want final drive belt, good lean angle, best gas mileage, enough highway get up, I’m 5 6’ -7. Thanks in a advance for the feedback ;)

[@vincentbeijing6926]

Stephen C both have a belt drive. For other criteria you mentioned, to me it’s roadster all the way. Even the mileage, as the gearing is longer, and the 1200 low end torque is good for fuel efficiency.

[@thomcombes4689]

Stephen C - I got about 43 mpg stock; starting to make modifications and that has dropped some but not bad on the stage 1 tuned. I also ride hard enough to have fun, which doesn’t help mileage. I’m 5’ 8”, you may find the Roadster a bit tall when backing it up if you’re sitting on it over the iron, but the lean angle is far superior. I took a 48 out after having mine over a year and when I scraped the pegs I was shocked, never would have happened that soon on my bike. Overall, HP and torque you’ll be happier with the Roadster over the 883. I only thing I will say is HD now makes the iron in a 1200, so ride them both and get the one that you feel the most comfortable on. Enjoy the ride.

[@sivaraj3312]

Hi bro. My height 5ft 5inch is comfort to ride this HD roadster bike ?

[@michealjohn8863]

It is the highest sitting sportster at 30.9 inch. I am 5'3 with a 27-28 inseam, i can perfectly tiptoe both feet and reach the mid controls easily. You should have no problem! It is completely comfortable.

[@joelarmstrong4157]

Can you put taller bars and a wind screen on this bike

[@jeremybroderick9465]

Yes

[@joelarmstrong4157]

@@jeremybroderick9465 thanks

[@SavenLandry]

How tall are you I like this bike

[@longhornhd]

I'm right at 6 feet

[@SirLongJohnsBlack]

Hello, tall people that fit? (I'm 194 cm)

[@raygixxer89]

6 feet tall and my 2019 Roadster fits me like a glove. I love riding it, a big change from my 1989 750 GSXR!

[@joaomorgado6983]

sorry for the wrong words... my corrector thinks he knows better!!

[@red2432]

ill tell you why, its soo good looking people are scared they are not up to par. it looks like something a model would be driving, or some bad ass mother fucker

[@carlosaquiles99]

This is my favorite Sportster, but I think It's because they can be overpriced for a 5-speed bike. I have seen them going for 12k (specially with the fees and taxes). For that amount some might prefer a street Bob

[@longhornhd]

I think that is a valid point! I guess it boils down to what your priorities are; Cruising or aggressive riding, regular vs inverted forks, etc etc. I do wish that sportsters were a little cheaper

[@vincentbeijing6926]

In my opinion the 5 speed issue is not so relevant on the roadster as the gearing is much longer than other sportsters. The bike runs low rpm at highway speed, and you could run forever, apart for the lack of wind protection, as the chassis feels very stable at high speed. 110 mph on long distance is no issue at all. Still expensive though...

[@robinkemp1261]

Three major faults ! Fuel tank is far too small in holding capacity, left foot controls inhibit access to side stand operation, and three, the pillion seat is extremely uncomfortable and cannot be used for long distance. It's a disappointing let down and something that Harley Davidson should have known better. Apart from those bad short comings this motorcycle is magnificent ! I would say the engine and gearbox are practically bullet proof.

[@robinkemp1261]

@@kal-px7qd what a load of crap. The Roadster is built to handle a two up ton up situation anyday. Handles beautifully with mountains of grunt coming from 1200cc of slog. Obviously you haven't got a clue what you're talking about.

[@robinkemp1261]

@@kal-px7qd No mate. I am a slim person of average hight and speaking from experience the Roadster is magnificent long distance two up. I had a customized seat made for absolute comfort, rider and passenger. If you care to notice the older Sportsters had good comfortable seats for two people. But this new Roadster pillion seat is atrocious. It's got the looks but no practicality. If the Sporter wasn't meant to take a passenger they wouldn't build them with twin seating and rear foot pegs.

[@WalkingHeadPro]

it sounds like you want a cruiser/ridiculously giant motorcycle. Thats fine, but don't ruin the nimble roadster with your, in my opinion, lame preferences

[@vincentbeijing6926]

Robin Kemp l agree, this bike has the potential to be a good two up long distance bike. Would you mind telling me about your new seat? I’ve been looking everywhere a seat to make my girlfriend enjoy the ride as much as me.

[@georgevenckus]

Wear some gear mate