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HD just announced this Sportster variant. Definitely leaning towards a standard/ brat/ cafe look, and to my eye, easily the most attractive of the Sportster line yet. [url=http://www.cycleworld.com/2016-harley-davidson-roadster-cruiser-motorcycle-review-first-look/?src=SOC&dom=fb]http://www.cycleworld.com/2016-harley-da...SOC&dom=fb
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A larger tank and more suspension travel. Looks good.
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(04-18-2016, 05:06 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: In the article in the link I posted, all he replaced was the gas tank, seat, head light and front fender. He did replace the air cleaner but went back to stock. The only things that needed replacing: tank and seat.
So a very simple and "cheap" modification. Simpler than some mods I've seen done on our CB's.
Ferret; I like the cafe harley, but I'm pretty sure my back and legs would prefer the standard look provided in the link. I also have a learned aversion to SuperTrapp's.
Yea that bike I posted would still look great with a set of normal bars on it and some mid mount pegs. The seat and tank are gorgeous.
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Was there a bike in the picture, Ferret?
[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/photo_zpsjfsefmuz.jpg.html]
The new Sportster doesn't do it for me. In the first photo, it looks squat and too high in the front. It doesn't do to do the opposite of anthropomorphism, but it reminds me of a pug without the slobber.
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That tank design screams HD so I see why they did it. But the CB500T tanks makes more sense. Dang seat is too low too (hey, I can flat foot any dirt bike so coming from me there is a built in bias).
What's with small fenders? Is there a tax on them I don't know about? Sheesh, a proper fender on both ends keeps crap off the bike and the rider. Not those POS's.
Too much style, not enough nods to practicality.  naps his suspenders:
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I couldn't agree with you more, especially with the current fashion of shortened fenders. When I look at that new Roadster, I can't help but stare at that stupid looking tank and drooped headlight. The recurring thought in my mind is "hunchback." And sorry to repeat myself, but I'm not fond of black wheels. Maybe it's a generational thing.
Meanwhile, the green bike is absolutely gorgeous. It would look equally cool with a Vincent or old Triumph or Norton mill, but that Sporty engine is fine too.
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First off
I love when anyone can fabricate something into something uniquely theirs, without changing the mechanics of the original donor bike..
The article says xr1200r, but it doesn't look like the xr1200r that I have seen with the higher dual pipes, that looks the flat tracker of old. As I understand it, it's a much hotter setup than the standard 1200 sportster.. To me that would be the one to start with
As far as tank height.. I can't speak to the sportster line, but I know the dyna lime (I recently picked up a wide glide ...uhhh cheap) that there are spacers under the tank to raise it up, especially in the front.. The HD crowd appears to want to sit inside or have the tank raised. No idea why, maybe rs more chopperesque, dunno.. I can see where another non Harley tank could be fabricated to give it an more level looking stance.. I would also see where a small increase in ride height could also be done by longer/stiffer shocks in the rear (and maybe dropping the forks a tiny bit) without having to redo,the drivetrain..
I like it...
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I've owned 2 Harleys, and ridden many. They do enjoy a certain ability to generate appeal. Sadly the appeal wanes with every mile. To each their own, but as far as a bike to ride, for me, there are many ahead on the list.
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(04-18-2016, 03:13 PM)Hondahawkrider_imp Wrote: First off
I love when anyone can fabricate something into something uniquely theirs, without changing the mechanics of the original donor bike..
The article says xr1200r, but it doesn't look like the xr1200r that I have seen with the higher dual pipes, that looks the flat tracker of old. As I understand it, it's a much hotter setup than the standard 1200 sportster.. To me that would be the one to start with 
As far as tank height.. I can't speak to the sportster line, but I know the dyna lime (I recently picked up a wide glide ...uhhh cheap) that there are spacers under the tank to raise it up, especially in the front.. The HD crowd appears to want to sit inside or have the tank raised. No idea why, maybe rs more chopperesque, dunno.. I can see where another non Harley tank could be fabricated to give it an more level looking stance.. I would also see where a small increase in ride height could also be done by longer/stiffer shocks in the rear (and maybe dropping the forks a tiny bit) without having to redo,the drivetrain..
I like it...
It's actually the XL1200R. These were a slightly hotter version with dual discs up front, adjustable suspension, and a tach.
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(04-18-2016, 09:40 PM)the_undecider_imp Wrote: (04-18-2016, 03:13 PM)Hondahawkrider_imp Wrote: First off
I love when anyone can fabricate something into something uniquely theirs, without changing the mechanics of the original donor bike..
The article says xr1200r, but it doesn't look like the xr1200r that I have seen with the higher dual pipes, that looks the flat tracker of old. As I understand it, it's a much hotter setup than the standard 1200 sportster.. To me that would be the one to start with 
As far as tank height.. I can't speak to the sportster line, but I know the dyna lime (I recently picked up a wide glide ...uhhh cheap) that there are spacers under the tank to raise it up, especially in the front.. The HD crowd appears to want to sit inside or have the tank raised. No idea why, maybe rs more chopperesque, dunno.. I can see where another non Harley tank could be fabricated to give it an more level looking stance.. I would also see where a small increase in ride height could also be done by longer/stiffer shocks in the rear (and maybe dropping the forks a tiny bit) without having to redo,the drivetrain..
I like it...
It's actually the XL1200R. These were a slightly hotter version with dual discs up front, adjustable suspension, and a tach.
It's actually the XL1200R. These were a slightly hotter version with dual discs up front, adjustable suspension, and a tach.
Maybe I mis read it... However, I can see that it's a XL1200R in the article as a donor bike... I went back and looked and the article has it listed as xr1200r - which I think is incorrect..
I was talking about the XR1200 or XR1200x (no L in the name), that had more HP...
basically this
def a different beast....
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