Reasons Why Buying a Harley-Davidson Evolution Sportster Makes Sense

[@redr1150r]

I had British bikes from 67 to 92, then I spent from 92 to 2021 on BMWs. I even earned the BMW 500,000 mile award. I finally got on to a very nice 2011 Sportster in 21. It was spotless and garage kept. I was looking at something simple to ride an take care of into my retirement. No more parts locked up in Germany. 🙂 When I got it, it only had 6800 miles on it. I was doing a 100 mile a day commute, and in my last 2 years on the job, I put about 40,000 miles on it, and all without a peep. I'm 73 and I still ride it, but not nearly as much. I get them to ride, I've never had a garage queen, or a driveway trophy. What was it like getting the Sportster ? It was like getting rid of your high tech sports car, and getting into a used farm pickup, or an old Jeep. It took me 4 to 6 weeks to get used to it. At about 3 to 4 weeks I was thinking, "What have I done to myself !!!" . I hurt all over ! I was on it 2 hrs a day, rain , or shine, and soon the discomfort faded and it really has grown on me. I think I've really missed something for all of these years . I'm glad I finally took the step.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Similar paths although you rode the BMWs far more than I did mine. The high mileage you put on the Sportster is helpful to know. These bikes deserve credit for their longevity when maintained properly. I'm still chuckling over your "farm pickup" or "old Jeep" analogy! (Having grown up at rural Nevada, and having authored three Jeep books and three light truck books, I can relate.) Pleased that you made friends with your Sportster, I look forward to doing so with mine. Having British and European bikes in our backgrounds, any other bike is an adjustment. I think I'm ready and know what I'm getting into...Once there, like you, I'll ride it out. The Harley-Davidson technology is a shorter learning curve, and that helps!

[@redr1150r]

@@MotorcycleTechandTravel I wanted a 1200, but this 883 was so clean, I couldn't say no to it. I picked it up for $3500 cash from it's original owner, just before the covid price hikes hit hard. My BMW friends think I do animal sacrifice under a full moon. I had a 56 Willys military, ex Marine Corps Jeep. I've had like 31 bikes now. Now I'm down to 1, and life is simple. I used to work for Sid Biberman of Vincent fame for many years in Norfolk, Virginia. I did the Triumph, Norton and BSA route for many years. This being a Navy town, there was a glut of motorcycles in the area, so I could always get really good deals on used bikes that had minor problems . I also did 20 years in the Navy here as an Aircraft Mechanic, and just retired last Dec. 31st from being a Civil Service aircraft mechanic for the Coast Guard at their remaining Depot in Elizabeth City North Carolina . Thanks for your reply.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

You may know my Jeep Owner's Bible and the Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual (Bentley Publishers). I lived and breathed Jeep from taking my first driving exam in the family's '64 F-head CJ-5 through my writing career and Camp Jeep stints with Mopar. (Charlottesville, VA was fun, I conducted workshops for Mopar/Jeep Performance from the mid-nineties to 2006.) As for BMW friends, my off-road riding sidekick on the recent off-road venture to Aurora/Bodie is in sales at Sierra BMW, Reno/Sparks. He's aware of my commitment to the Sportster and still talks to me. Sportster loyalists see the model on its own terms and stop with the comparisons and pissing matches. (We're too busy riding and able to work on our own motorcycles.) I had a penchant for Harley-Davidson from my earliest exposure. Owned British bikes and Hondas from dirt enduro bikes to a Gold Wing, a BMW R80ST and a K1100LT. I know what I'm getting into with the Sportster. A V-Twin Ironhead or Evolution Sportster fits nearly everyone's shop space and budget, and the brand is about history and pragmatic technology...Yep, cheap bikes were also abundant at National City when I lived there in the late sixties then again at San Diego County in the eighties. For that matter, preowned and vintage bikes were cheap everywhere until the last decade. The cost of four-wheeled vehicles (Jeep, Bronco, 4x4 light trucks and SUVs) could be driving motorcycle interest. Though not family transportation, a motorcycle is surely a commuting alternative. I'm delighted with my lifetime interest in on- and off-road motorcycles!

[@redr1150r]

@@MotorcycleTechandTravel One of my nephews is a noted desert racer by the Name of Ryan Kudla. That's my Sisters son. He won the Baja 1000 in his class on a KTM 350 water cooled 2 stroke. I think it's going on 8 years, or so since his win. I'm from San Diego. My Dad was in the Navy for 30 years, my sister and I each did 20, and that was enough for me. I really didn't drive a car at all from 1971 until 2022. I'll ride in the snow and on ice up to a point, or I would take leave until the roads cleared. I figured for the last couple of years on the job, I had taken way too many chances over the years, to just take it easy for the last couple of years I had on the job. We finally had 2 cars and I could use her old KIA on bad days. I have some crack ups and have had my left knee replaced because of 2 bad ones. It's cold and gray here in Virginia right now with it being about 45 F and will drop about 20 more degrees after dark. My name is Stan Ellefson and I'm on face book.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Glad to connect, Stan, we've been over the same ground a time or two! I do follow Baja and know of your nephew's successes. I have supported the Warrior Built folks since the organization's beginning, they're combat Vets, many with service related disabilities. My first meeting with the founder, Nick Hamm, was at the Off-Road Expo, Pomona, just before the group's first Baja 1000 race. Jessie Williamson, a double amputee, rode a stock controls Honda CFR450. Later, the team's Best in the Desert racer, Gio, rode most of that race with his prosthetic arm. (He finally tossed it into the brush.) They've finished some races though yet to "win", all winners!...You know San Diego culture, we lived there, two stints, a total of a dozen years, and still have family at Jamul. The East County was fodder for a lot of my eighties OFF-ROAD Magazine shop articles, I covered Ivan Stewart, Nelson & Nelson (Jon and his father), Walker Evans and others, in and out of the machine shops at El Cajon and Border Parts at Spring Valley...Anyway, your ability to ride a cycle as primary transportation for half a century is a real accomplishment and enviable! Attempting to ride year round at high desert, Eastern Sierra country is not sensible. (I did prove that a BSA motorcycle could successfully negotiate ice at very low speeds!) Riding was seasonal like it is right now. This is the time for motorcycle shop projects!...So, I've managed not to injure myself seriously or reach the point of a knee replacement from off-road pounding...knock on wood. There are many I know, including professional racers, who have done a knee replacement or simply stopped riding dirt by my age. I've tried to strike a balance. Road riding is less physically demanding than dirt as long as we stay upright and out of harm's way! Ride defensively.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Hands down the Evo Sportster was the most reliable and easiest to work on Harley I've ever owned and the only one I would buy again.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

This is a strong motivator for my choosing the Sportster. Popularity and numbers matter, but it's really a great machine to illustrate mechanical work and how-to with videos. That's where a lot of time will be spent once I bring the Sportster into the shop/studio. Thanks for sharing your experience and comments!

[@jamesbrulatour6682]

Regardless of this gentleman preaching to the choir, I listened and learned. Thank you. I am older and have been riding, wrenching, acquiring and selling motorcycles for decades. The one I will never let go is a 1997 883 (evo) Sportster. Internals are box stock. Stage one work only. It has never broken down on the road. No one would pay me what I feel it is worth, so I’m keeping it. My Evo Road King has all the creature comforts a septuagenarian guy needs to tour or, ride distances. However, riding the stripped down sporty is a raw, essence of motorcycling experience that makes me feel younger….for about a hundred miles 😅.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I appreciate your comments! Helpful to know how you value the 883. The '97 rigid mount bike is lighter and should make anyone feel younger. I'm 75 and can appreciate how you value motorcycling. I've been licensed for two wheels for 61 years and am still riding! The smaller fuel tanks make us break more often, a plus!...Thanks for your subscription and insights.

[@owenbruce4120]

You've gotten soft 😅

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I did the marathon riding years ago. Flew from Reno to Phoenix on a redeye to buy my preowned '96 BMW K1100LT. Thought I'd ride back as far as Las Vegas, stay overnight there, then complete the ride home the next day-fresh. Got to Las Vegas at 2 in the afternoon, decided to go a few more miles. Rode home to Yerington, Nevada. No sleep anywhere along the way, the last four hours were riding in the dark. (The K1100LT has a great headlight!) It was exhilarating but not my wisest ride.

[@isaiah7617]

"Because I want it" can be a good enough reason in and of itself.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I totally agree! That's incentive enough...

[@clintwoodruff1187]

Now that I have my rant out of the way, I have to agree with you about ' Sportsters Rock ' ! I've had 3 Ironheads & one '09 Nightster in my 51 years of riding. The only beef I have with the '09 Nightster is the lack of a trans door. But that is s BIG BEEF to me ! If I had it to do again, I'd choose a 'solid mount' to get back my 'trans door' ! '03 or earlier. I'd gladly take the vibration over 'no trans door'. I haven't had a problem YET, that required me to pull the engine. But it constantly is on my mind whenever I ride this bike. I know sooner or later something will require me to pull this engine & split the cases to fix the trans. UGH ! I'm too darn old to be doing all that. But I could manage a trans door 'pull out' if I had too. Anyway, other than that, it's a great bike & I do fully expect it to go over a hundred thousand miles before overhaul ! My Ironheads usually needed an overhaul in about 20/ 25 thousand miles. That was a "major", with a top end being done around 15,000. I was not easy on my Sportsters as a young man. I'm sure some people did better than me on that. Anyway, GO SPORTSTERS ! RUBBER DOWN THROTTLE UP !

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Agree on the trap door. In selecting the "right" preowned bike for the channel, similar to your comments, I'm painfully aware of transmission needs. Five minutes into riding the bike is not a good time for R&R of the engine/transmission unit and a complete disassembly down to bare cases. (Consider rubber mount transmission/gear work to be essentially a major engine rebuild in labor terms.) I look forward to creating how-to in video form, but replacing transmission gears in a rubber mount '04-up Sportster is not the first project I have in mind! The trap door transmission access was ingenious in 1954 and still is. I keep leaning toward a solid mount Sportster for that reason. If you need a fountain of youth shot in the arm to encourage pulling the engine/transmission unit out yourself, price the current hourly rate for shop labor. That keeps me in shape and my tools within reach. (For removing the engine/transmission unit, improvise a safe lift to support the load. We're past the stage of jackass-ing a 250 pound engine/transmission assembly from the frame.)...Pleased about your high mileage expectations, others have made similar comments. This is a tribute to the integrity of the Evolution Sportster V-twin. Later (2007-up) engines should have the edge for longevity with the precise EFI air/fuel ratio metering and no risk of fuel washing the cylinders...I'd value your feedback on the "vibration issue" with the rigid mounts. I have ridden rigid mount motorcycles for 61 years (still do with three enduro motorcycles, including a Honda XR650R thumper that makes 55 horsepower at the rear wheel). According to a popular period motorcycle review and test of a 1998 rigid mount Sportster "Sport", I'm either daft or overly tolerant of vibration. This "in the day" review makes it sound like these "hand numbing" bikes are impossible to ride at interstate speeds. How does your '09 Nightster rubber mount compare with your lifetime exposure to Ironhead and, presumably, Evolution era rigid mount Sportsters? Thanks for your comments...

[@kevincampbell3943]

Bought a new 94 sportster,$4995.Salesman told me it was bullit proof.30 years later and he was pretty much right!

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Helpful endorsement of a rigid engine mount model! What's your maintenance strategy for going strong at thirty years? Has vibration been an issue? Your insight is valuable to fellow owners and newcomers to the Evolution Sportster...Thanks for subscribing!

[@owenbruce4120]

Great rap...a bit of nostalgia goes a long way in an alloy plastic carbon fibre world ⏳👌✌

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I think so, too. My age is showing, but Harley-Davidson is traditional technology and a distinct culture. The Motor Company's motorcycles have been inspired by the company's history and legacy. We're seeing changes now with the Sportster S and Pan America. I would like to see all Harley-Davidson models succeed.

[@martincvitkovich724]

since 1966 I've owned about every type of bike. The most memorable times were in the 70's riding BSA Thunderbolt. Got too old to manhandle a Road KIng, so I sold it and bought a 2004 Sportster. The price of old Limeys are too far out for what you get and put up with, but the Sportster is proud to take it's place.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Fully agree...I, too, value the vintage British bikes, having owned three BSAs. The A65L was my favorite for handling, the 750 Rocket III for smooth, exceptional performance. The B44 (441 Victor Special single) taught me respect for compression release starting...They're each among today's pricy collectibles, it would have been smart to keep them. Your rubber mount, carbureted 2004 should get the job done. Looking forward to learning more about it...Thanks for your subscription!

[@Mr39knuck]

BSA’s were so cheap for so long. It’s hard for me to believe they are more expensive than an iron head or sometimes even a shovel head. I kept my 69 thunderbolt purchased in 1979 for $650 and glad I did. It is a fantastic bike.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Yep...It's unfortunate that so many vintage bikes are now considered collectible. The automotive auctions have capitalized on the profitability of motorcycles. Interest in bikes has always been driven by affordability. Now that few can afford the popular muscle cars or vintage 4x4s, motorcycles have become the collectibles and investments. Glad you kept the Thunderbolt. I should have kept my Lightning and Rocket III. The 441 Victor, too. At the time, British bikes were in abundance and inexpensive. The Evolution Sportster is in that class for now. Time to buy.

[@Fast48-1]

Another outstanding vid! And for what it's worth, my compliment is from a guy who is NOT a mechanic and understands next to nothing about engines or how they function. Terms and their definitions I can note but grasping their interconnectedness and why one design is superior to another, is beyond my comprehension. As I've long said, I'm a rider, not a wrencher. Now doubt the mechanics here will be doubly blessed as they hear an expert explain the reasons behind the design changes and improvements to the Sportster's engine over time. On a simpler subject, I've long loved the Sportster line. And after owning 3 883s over the last 2 decades, in 2019 I was finally able to purchase my favorite Sportster model; the classic XL1200X. As many guys do, I slowly began climbing the performance ladder. As she now sits, I have the Stage 3 upgrades, a V&H FP3 Tuner, and Bassani 2 into 1 Road Rage exhaust. Having recently ended a 5-year relationship, my rear seat and sissy bar has been replaced by a Harley Davidson Bobber Seat. That particular seat has been out of production for 3 years and I was fortunate to find the LAST new seat at a Harley dealer in Connecticut 2 summers ago. It's by no means the most comfortable, but it LOOKS great (Lol)!! Lastly, 2 summers ago I rode both the Sportster S and Nightster. I much preferred the seating on the S and without a doubt the bike was a missile in Sport Mode. I'm by no means a "speed racer" when I ride, but who doesn't like knowing that there's lots of ponies for a twist of the wrist? Was I tempted to trade? Maybe, until the pitiful offer for my bike was shared with me!! (A bike I recently paid off) I remain saddened by Harley's refusal to price their bikes in such a way as to make them affordable for the vast majority of their customer base. But as you aptly pointed out, good used bikes which average earners can afford will always be around. Looking forward to the next installment!! And my apologies for the chapter length "comment"!

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Thanks for the kudos! I like bringing tech stuff down to a useful level. I taught Adult Ed level automotive technology and welding to tough, former gang affiliated students. Those students made me a better instructor...I am very pleased that you have the XL1200X, a very cool edition that captures classic H-D and Sportster cues! I'm sure the bike looks great with the Bobber Seat...My search for the right Evolution Sportster is impartial, I'm leaning toward several options and remaining open. One thing for certain, once I get the right bike, the next phase will be a lot of time on the shop lift, beginning with preventive maintenance how-to. I want the projects to serve all Evolution Sportster models...The Evolution Sportster is sensible and affordable in today's market. Motorcycling should be about riding and wrenching, not payment coupons. Many enthusiasts can find their way into Sportsters in good or restorable condition.

[@Fast48-1]

@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Sounds great! I think you're off to an excellent start!! As for the bobber seat, apparently there was a final edition of a 2022 Xl1200X somewhere in Europe I believe. It actually came with that very seat. I think it was the Riding In The Ozarks channel that showcased that model.

[@Fast48-1]

@@MotorcycleTechandTravel kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5-sqWaQms1jiMk

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

You got lucky! Good choice...Looks sharp!

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I can see why you were excited to find this rare seat. How's the ride? Does the seat work well?

[@tomwhite4584]

After riding older Bonneville's for years I now own an 2008 Nightster. Reasons for getting it, fairly cheap compared to other bikes of same power, very good power to weight ratio reliability, light enough to throw around.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Interesting how we gravitate from vintage British bikes to the Harley-Davidson Evolution Sportster. Must be an instinct. Pleased to see your comment about "light enough to throw around". Thanks for the feedback and subscription!

[@BigAl53750]

I grew up on older Bonnies and Tigers of the early 1970's and I bought my 1997 883 Sportster secondhand from a friend in 2009. Since then, I've made some changes; 1275 big bore pistons and barrels from Hammer Performance, an Eagle 1 clutch, a HD 2007 upgraded oil pump, Performance fork springs and rear shocks. a 29 tooth final drive sprocket for the belt, which was standard on the 1200's from the factory, plus a 2-1 exhaust system. Altogether, that amounts to just on 90HP and BAGS of torque. The rear shocks are 1" over, which gives me MUCH better ground clearance, along with the 2-1 exhaust, so It's actually quite difficult to grind anything in the 'twisties'. I did all the work myself and down here in Australia, I've taken this bike all over the East Coast, with several road trips from Melbourne to Brisbane (about 18 hours away) and it's never let me down. The original purchase price was $7000, which is less than half what I was about to pay for a brand new Bonneville Replica ($14,900 including on road costs) and all told the bike 'owes me' about $11,500, which is not bad seeing as as secondhand 1200 Sportster Custom from a Harley dealer near me had a price tag of over $18k just recently. I have a bike that handles pretty much as well as my old Bonnevilles and has very similar power characteristics. With the 1275 pistons and barrels, the engine is just 'Square', with the forged Carillo pistons being the absolute IDEAL weight. It gives me just over 50mpg (more power, same curb weight of 485lb, equals better mileage) and is far smoother than any other Sportster I've ever ridden. I've been riding for 52 years and I don't see myself trading my Sporty for anything else.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

The 883 is a great value and obvious candidate for your 1275 or a 1250 Hammer upgrade. I'm impressed with your chassis as well as performance upgrades. Others will benefit from your formula. The relatively light curb weight is helpful, a big plus when considering a rigid mount bike. I've shared my appreciation for the A65L and A75R BSAs, your buildup and comparison to the British bikes reinforces why I'm buying an Evolution Sportster for the channel. Owners and those considering a Sportster will value your build and findings. 90 horsepower and 50 mpg are impossible to beat! The reliability is equally impressive...Thanks for sharing and subscribing!

[@duane5326]

Pre-2003 sportsters are one of the easiest & cheapest to maintain

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Fully agree...My pending video talks to the issue of rigid versus rubber mount models. I will follow that episode with a carburetion versus EFI comparison. Thanks for your subscription!

[@larrysimmons9732]

I have a 2004 sportster. I put a saddleman seat, an HD detachable windshield on it. a screaming seagull air breather, dynatek ignition, and better cams, Vance and Hines shorts. Up grade the suspension a little and you can ride 10-12 hours a day no problem, and i will! zero problems with thethis bike, i ride with a couple of fellows that actually like to pull 2000 mile in a week trips. zero problems and we ride kinda hard. fill up around 120miles give or take, all depends on where the gas is. I love traveling on the damn thing! I can hit 120mph when needed. yes, it happens here n there. Its been a damn solid bike.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Thanks for noting the mods you've made to your 2004 rubber mount Sportster, good to know. Your distance and long day riding on the Sportster is impressive! I've had "touring" bikes (Honda and BMW) and believe an Evolution Sportster can handle long rides. Your experience matches my expectations...Thanks for subscribing and sharing with the Community!

[@Cosmo0916]

I've had and ridden solid mount evo sportys and later rubber mount and I, personally didn't notice any real difference in the vibration.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

This is a worthwhile observation! We rode rigid mount motorcycles for decades, and nobody seemed the worse for it. Glad you shared your experience. Thanks for subscribing, too!

[@sportstermissions]

I got me a 2021 baby! The only bike I need forever! Side note, your voice sounds like A.I. LOL!

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I appreciate your comments and subscription...You'll see my lips moving, an indication that it's not A.I. Thanks for joining us!

[@605pilot]

My 2011 Nighster and Yamaha TW200 is my go to everyday vehicle for economic transportation. Unless there’s snow and ice on the ground my Ford trucks are sitting in the garage.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Great way to use these cycles. There's a practical side to riding! Thanks for subscribing...

[@tomjones7593]

Comprehensive analysis-thank you; from the UK- I'm 69 and have always wanted a Harley (new is too expensive); however the seat height seems SO low- I'm not a huge bloke by USA standards, at about 6 feet; can I seriously ride a bike with such a low ride height ? Are seats available to lift the height (I'm over in USA next week so good chance to buy any gear recommended-any suggestions welcome)-Tom

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Tom...I fully understand your point. A 31-32 inch saddle is possible with some stock models. There are aftermarket seats as well. Also, Corbin and others can build up an original seat to any standard. See what bike(s) you find of interest. Look further at the seat options and custom seat work. Let me know if questions arise!

[@randersson3672]

I just picked up a low milage 883 Iron, cant be happier...well if it was spring so I could start riding ut.😅

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Yea! Congratulations, a great bike that will do well after the thaw...The 883 Iron is versatile and well suited for a 1200 upgrade if you want it. Many owners are completely satisfied with the 883 in stock form.

[@randersson3672]

@MotorcycleTechandTravel Thanks !! That was actually what I was thinking, it has options and I love to tinker 👍

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Me, too! Tinkering rounds out our motorcycle year when the snow flies. If you got the factory service manual with the motorcycle, great. If not, the official manual is always a worthwhile investment. Enjoy your 883 Iron!

[@randersson3672]

@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Yes it is part of the fun. I have factory service manuals for my other bikes, so thanks for reminding me getting another one for the 883, I also have a little Honda CRF and a KTM 690.🤗

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I got my first factory service manual as a fourteen-year-old buying parts for a Cushman scooter from the old Al Lauer Indian/BSA/Cushman dealership at Sacramento, CA. Indian motorcycles were ten years gone, it was 1963. The parts manager insisted that I needed the shop manual to assemble a short engine correctly. He was right, and today, my automotive and motorcycle "library" is four, six-foot tall bookcases. On one shelf, I have Harley-Davidson original and reprint copies with data back to the twenties and forward through the Evolution Era. Like your approach, there's a manual for each new or used vehicle we've owned...Never at a loss for reading material!

[@theodavies8754]

My first Harley was a new 1988 hugger. Tank range didn't work out.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

An important consideration...I live east of Reno, Nevada. There are great rides in the region with many miles between towns. Carrying extra fuel canisters has become popular, especially for off-roaders. I'm not a fan. Carrying extra flammables on a motorcycle just doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather have a motorcycle with range, like you share. Thanks for your comments and subscription!

[@theodavies8754]

@MotorcycleTechandTravel At the time, everywhere was shut on Sundays, It's probably easier to live with now. I'd had an FZR1000 and got bored of fast and replacing the rear tyre every 1k miles. I have a 1999 FXDL with the original paper labels inside the fenders. It was a lucky find. I'd had a1995 FXDL in black for 8 years but wasn't able to keep it in the house with a family. Terrible image quality short on my channel for addicts, another thing that needs fixing. Fueling 525 and V&H straight shots.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Great bikes, lucky find! Would like to see them. Is there a link to share? Thanks for subscribing!

[@danhansen9340]

What was the best year to buy a Sportster?

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

My pending video breaks that down. There are variables that you can consider in that video, which will be available soon! I can build a case for several years and models. The video helps here. Thanks for subscribing!

[@danhansen9340]

thanks

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Watch for the video's release. If questions arise, please ask. Glad you're interested!

[@SilentAlchemy1333]

1999.

[@peterrestaino7047]

Wow he sounds like AI. Good clear info.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

My wife says that, too! Too many years of classroom instructing and long form writing...Thanks for your subscription and feedback...Stay tuned!

[@peterrestaino7047]

@@MotorcycleTechandTravel your welcome

[@JanneOksanen]

Is it just me or does this voiceover track sound like a speech synthesizer?

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Direct recording to a mic, video is live and sync'd. No voiceover on this video, and there's no speech modification. Just me. Thanks for listening.

[@robertwhite2032]

Harley really screwed up when they discontinued the evolution Sportster.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

There was an obvious loss here. Next generation emissions requirements played a large role. The Sportster S is a complete departure from the Evolution Sportster. The "S" will meet pending European and EPA standards while competing with other global brand sport cruiser bikes.

[@robertwhite2032]

@MotorcycleTechandTravel yes sir, I understand that. I spent over 40 years in the motorcycle industry and about half of that with Harley. But, Harley could still sell them here and other places like Asia. It was their most reliable engine and most affordable. I've seen Sportsters with 400k on the clock. I've been building hot rod Sportsters since the mid 90s and it really is fun beating up on Ducatis, BMWs and the like on back roads with a Harley.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Valuable insight and shared experience. Longevity of motorcycles is always a big question. Your comment about 400K miles is a testimonial to the Evolution's integrity. Many are uncertain about reliability, and other motorcycles wear out much faster. The Sportster's legacy is proven, time-honored engineering. Aside from your obvious riding skill, what tuning and upgrades can improve a Sportster's cornering on the back roads? Which Evolution era Sportster model do you like most?

[@robertwhite2032]

@MotorcycleTechandTravel for me, the 91-03 5 speed, non rubber mount. The 04 and up bikes are just too heavy, and there's nothing you can do about that. My current bike has a Buell engine. 93 frame. The Buells had a lighter crankshaft and rev quicker than a regular Sportster, not to mention the Buell heads had better porting. Carl Marrow from Carl's Speed shop was close to Harley Davidson of Westminster, and Carl used to come in from time to time when he needed OE parts. I got to know him, and he shared some porting and assembly secrets that REALLY improved how a Sportster makes power. I have fully adjustable Works shocks and GSXR 750 forks in Buell triple clamps and Sportster hub adapted with many hours on lathe and mill to make it all fit with laced wheels. I did all that just to do it and have fully adjustable front forks with radial calipers. But you can go very fast on a Sportster with the stock forks that have heavier oil and springs...and maybe some cartridge simulators. I run Storz high pipes with different silencers. I prefer reverse cone mufflers from cone engineering. It saddened me when the woke idiot German ceo discontinued the evo Sportster. Very bad move for Harley.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Absolutely. Thats what happens when non motorcyclists are in charge of a motorcycle company.

[@ChazKnight]

I bought my 96 for 1500$ with 12k on it 9/1/24as of today 1/14/25 she has 22k I commute 100-140 mi daily not including free riding on weekends. I’m 5th gear pinned everywhere mf be at 95 SCREAMING 😂😂 1275 kit coming asap tho

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

Impressed with your observations after putting 10K miles on the bike in just over four months! Great testimonial. The 1275 kit will add real punch and freshen up the top end. A valve job will add to the bike's reliability, too. '96 is a good model year. You're proof, especially for the $1500 price of admission! Thanks for sharing and subscribing...

[@old_shupshe]

Might want to rely less on chat GPT for your script. Use it for outline, then write your own.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I had to smile when reading your comments. I've published in magazines and newspapers since 1983, over 4,500 full-length articles and columns to date, and am the author and illustrator of seven Bentley Publishers technical books. I taught automotive technology and welding for seven years at the Adult Ed level and wrote curriculum. Nearly all of that work was well before Chat GPT existed...If I sound A.I., Chat GPT must be using my writing for its A.I. mill. I've never used A.I. writing and am too old to start now...Thanks for your interest in the channel. I'll try to be less formal.

[@warrensykes193]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

What can I say? Thanks for watching...!

[@patrickporter6536]

If you want to go very straight pretty slowly, with your legs straight out in front of you (!) Buy a Harley. Otherwise buy a motor cycle.

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

I prefer mid-controls and not riding with my feet out in front...Thanks for your input!

[@MrSquidMark]

so why not just buy a rocket 3 or a real motorcycle like a royal enfield?

[@MotorcycleTechandTravel]

That's certainly a buyer's option. Unfortunately, my preference would be the vintage 1969 BSA Rocket III that I bought in 1973, which would now be a pricy collectible. The Evolution Sportster is a traditional Harley-Davidson prototype. Owners and buyers are invested in the history and V-twin technology. The Sportster has a large and loyal following, though it's not for everyone.

[@peterrear2864]

I have owned allsorts of bikes and ridden barleys and cannot see a single reason to ever buy any harley