Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

Wed, January 6th, 2010

Harley Davidson Sportster Custom
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2007-2010 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It'll get blown away by modern twins half its displacement, but gobs of torque will still keep you entertained. '07 and later fuelies are especially well mannered.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Easy to maneuver around town, not at all nervous or punishing on the Interstate, and more capable in the twisties that most would expect. Genuinely narrow and compact in a way Japanese cruisers are not. A nice compromise all the way around. The only flaw is its less than state-of-the-art braking.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The rear end looks saggy, thanks to too-short shocks. Other than that, perhaps the cleanest, most elemental Harley currently offered. And since it's a Harley, there's an aftermarket replacement for whatever bits you might not like.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
A bit more maintenance-intensive than some Japanese bikes, but durable as a hatchet.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The modern rubber-mounted Sporty is a jack-of-all-trades that anybody can live with. The XL1200C adds decent fuel capacity. A legit option for anybody from neophytes to lifelong riders.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Big twins may look more menacing, but I'll take the 'fun' Harley, with showgirl looks and a sunny disposition. What's not to like?
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Anyone who discredits it as 'just a Sporty' hasn't ridden the ones they build now. Not a retro recreation, but a classic icon updated perfectly.