I just picked up a Sportster

[cookiemech]

Think you picked the sweetest Roadster they ever made. I like the 2004 to 2008 Roadsters since before that they were solid mounts and then the newer ones (2016 era) have a lot of changes I don't like, such as super-short fenders and elimination of the main tail/stop lamp (they use the red turn signals for everything).

I bought a neglected 2005 Roadster the first week of January and spent a couple of months returning it to stock configuration. As you've learned, almost all Sportster owners just can't help "upgrading" to Stage 1 and other nonsense. In my case, fortunately the stock pipes had been saved since new inside a couple of pairs of old blue jeans, so they were perfect. I received the stock air cleaner as well. The carb (you're fortunate in having FI) had been modified and the slide drilled, so I had to rebuild it with a new slide and correct jets.

Presumably you've joined the XL Forum. They have an astonishing depth of knowledge on these bikes, and seem to be made up mainly of those who WANT a Sportster, rather than those who have one because they can't afford a "real" Harley.

[Wagonpeddler_imp]

Had a 2005 XL (carb). Sold it and went back to a CB750
Liked:
Belt drive
Gearing
Decent power

Disliked:
Lack of tach....your model has one
Forward controls
Skinny front tire
Small indicator lights impossible to see in bright sunlight

[Ollie]

Thanks cookie and finally a member here who "still has one". Most that I looked at had the mods yours did, which I'd had to undo as you have, so I was happy to find a stock one (although I'll also be in it for tires and shocks). Yes I did join XLforum and have been learning. Looks like you like BMW's too.

Wagon I like belt drive as well and Harley's I've ridden all seem to be geared right, for me at least. But I wouldn't want forward controls or the skinny 21" spoke front wheel (if that's what yours had).
I had a 2000 CB750 Nighthawk and in many ways it was a better motorcycle for me than the CB1100 is. I sold it when I found a 2007 919.

It's interesting how many XL versions Harley made, same with the touring platform.

You going to Bluefield Wagon?

[Wagonpeddler_imp]

Wish I could.....Our 20th Wedding Anniversary...vacationing elsewhere.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

Sweet! Way back in the day, when I decided to get back into riding after the kids had grown up, I looked around for a Triumph Bonny, but couldn't find one, which is odd, living in SoCal, but I came across a black 883 Sportster. It was bone stock, checked off most of the boxes, and it was cheap. I bought it and rode it enough to get my endorsement again, but it was under powered, and friends kept calling it "a chick bike." Then I came across a blue 1200 Roadster. Not stock, it had a pipe I didn't like, and it seemed to have a problem in the lower revs, but it was cheap and gorgeous. Bought it. It had a stiff clutch, and the suspension was harsh, the SoCal frwys made it shake and rattle. A bud of mine, an ace mechanic, rode it, and said, "Someone has futzed with the jets." We (actually he) re-jetted it and put a clutch-assist in it, and bingo! Smooth, powerful, with an easy clutch! Rode it for about a year, but the suspension still rattled my teeth and Mrs. Bravo was making noises about wanted to ride with me, so traded it on the Kawi. That's another story.