I saw a HD that has got me really considering buying one. Thats strange for me cause I am the type that has to go 120MPH with my knee dragging the ground. I was at a local bar the other night and saw the most beautiful bike in the world, a 2008 HD Nightster. My question is this, its a sportster bike with a 1200cc engine on it and all that but has been blacked out. I love that and the fact that it looks like an old school bike but is the Sportster line up more of a womans bike? I have heard a few guys talk like that but man thats a heck of an engine on a light weight bike to be for a little lady? So whats the opinion here? Is the Sportster a chick bike or not? Am I gonna be less of a man for riding such a small frame bike? Thanks guys.

http://www.psndealer.com/powersports.../NV47133_1.jpg

 

your only less of a man for asking a HD question on a Diesel web site.
Get the girls bike, have a blast.

 

"Girl's bike"?

The Sportster is the Hot-Rod of the Harley Line
It has the best power-to weight ratio, tallest seat height, and can corner at a higher rate of speed without dragging parts on the ground.
Ask a "Good" Sportster rider how many cruiser-types they have dusted off on the road.

The Softail line is a better "girl's" bike due to the lower center of gravity and the lowest seat height.

Get the Sporty and enjoy the torque.

 

This thing is HOT!!!!!! 2008 HD Rocker....I want one soooo bad!

 

I've got an '08 1200 Custom Sportster and love it. To me it brings back the memories of riding the old 650 Bonnevilles and 750 Commandos. Guess I could throw in a BSA or Royal Enfield too.
I think the Sportster is the best of the sport cruiser/touring combination. It has the long legs of the Electra Glides and the quickness and agility of the smaller bikes. While it may be a bit physically smaller than the Geezer models, it ain't much lighter. The center of gravity is a bit higher and the ride is a bit stiffer. That's nothing that a good seat and a week or so of getting used to won't cure.
I've had mine for almost 2 months and have nearly 3000 miles on it. Long rides one up ain't bad. Two up will get you a bunch of noise from the back seat after thirty minutes or so. That's the reason for a different seat. The Sundowner or Mustang are both good. The wife can go an hour and a half to two hours before a stop and then it's time for fuel. Two up I can get 50 - 52 mpg and one up 54 - 55.
No way can you consider it a girls bike. If your inseam is short, like mine, the sportster fits better than than the bigger one due to the tank shape.
I wouldn't hesitate a minute to hop on it an do a 1000 mile run.
Just my two cents worth.

Shortround out

 

Those nightsters are pretty sweet. I like the nightster, night train, and the cross bones for the old school appeal. I have also been looking at the victory 8 ball. They are all blacked out and are also American made also. here is a link to a picture of one.

http://www.arlennesslasvegas.com/pictures/v80100.jpg

Those pipes are not the stock pipes

 

I have a 05 1200 Sportster Roadster and like it a lot. The bike runs strong and corners better than I expected it to. In 04 the Sportster line got the rubber mounted engine which reduced the vibration. I would have to agree with Shortround that the bike reminds me of the old Triumphs and Nortons of the past. Get the bike and enjoy the ride.

 

a girl here; longtime Harley owner(since the 70s eek!)

the bike you are talking about in this day and age is not a girly or girl's bike!!!

the 1200 with the 5.16 gearing is total torque on the road, Harley just makes it very smooth and productive. and yeah, sometimes you can see a girl touch to one, but defintely not this set up.....not these days.


I talked my son out of a purchase because it was too much bike for an inexperienced rider like him. anyone can go forward fast- it is the control that matters and this bike is extremely responsive. if you like the go fasts and the thrill of cornering, buy the bike and get bugs in your teeth- your smile off the bike will tell everyone; it is a great ride for you. no thought of challenging your masculinity. send us a pic afterwards!

heidi

 

A 1200 can be built up to out-do any harley engine. It is a more common design that has many mods available.

 

Had two of em .... a brand new 883 in 91' and later a 1967 XL old school chopper bored 30 over (that thing would peel the skin off of your face if you grabbed a handful of throttle ).

If you are a "knee to the ground" kinda guy ... look into a Buell. Uses the 1200 sporty motor in a sport bike frame. Lots of trick things to do to make it scary .... if'n you feel the urge.

Cheers,
PISTOL

 

I know a guy that owns one, he's my mechanic... I prefer the big bike... A deluxe in either black or blue/white preferably .

On a side note, since it was mentioned I heard Buell is about to start using Rotax engines! Which is great, Rotax is a great engine builder.

 

You speak as though you know a thing or two about HD's.
And here I always thought your head looked like a shovel and your name on here had nothing to do with bikes...I bet my twin brother Top can comment on this as well.

 

'Sup Scotty.

Long time no hear from.

I hope all's well in Canuck-land.

 

You know that Harley owns MV Agusta now...

MikeyB

 

Sniff... I shouldnt be here because I no longer have any street bikes but that is what I would get if I ever got back into it.