EVO Sportster Question

[jiffy524]

I am looking at buying a EVO Sportster in the not so distant future, but I have a question about them. Ive never ridden a Sportster, but i hear they vibrate...alot. From anyone with experience riding them, how much do they actually vibrate?

I do a lot of thruway riding at speeds up to about 75mph for distances of 60 miles or more (one way). Is this something that would be horribly uncomfortable to experience on a Sportster? Also, Ive heard about changing the gears to lower the engine RPM's. Does this help much? Thanks for any input...

[bikertrashdude]

In a word....no, a trip of 60 miles in not problem.
I have put a few miles down on my sporty, I would say anything over 250 in a day (straight) and It would get tiresome. I have logged tons of 400-450 mile days, and one day over 600 miles. At the end of those days I was dead tired.
yes there is a vibration, but i never found it to be all that bad, I always wear gloves to block some of the vibration, that helps.
I also have a thin Mustang aftermarket seat, and that doesn't help with the feeling. If you opt for a good comfortable seat, then I will say that the ride would be better.
I have heard tons of people riding to Strugis from the east coast (1600-1800 mile trip one way) on sportsters.


BTD

[punkncat]

I do not experiance any discomfort from vibration on my sporty.The only thing I really notice is that if it has been a while since I have ridden that my inner ear tickles for a minute when I first get on.
I actually haven't ridden a bike in a few years so I have yet to get my "road legs" back , but I don't get uncomfortable until right around 200 miles on a stock seat.I am looking into a corbin , which I understand will allow for all day riding w/ comfort.

[wurkenman]

Should not be a problem if you buy an '04 model. They are rubber mounted now.

[jiffy524]

Yea, I knew that in '04 they (finally) started using rubber mounts on the sportster. That would be the best option, except Im more in the market for one that needs to be fixed up some. 1. because I want to learn more about bikes and 2. because im planning on putting on a different gas tank and rear fender and repainting the whole thing, i would rather spend less on the bike itself.

Thanks for your imput everyone, sounds like the vibration isnt as bad as everyone makes it out to be, I currently have a 93 Virago 535 and I love riding that on the hiway, I am extremely comfortable on it. I hope the sportster isnt to much different

[slickone]

I am sure that a sportster is alot different than a virago. Maybe you should try one first. Rent one or maybe test drive one.

Marc M.

[bikertrashdude]

I would say a sporty is alot different than a virago. while a virago is a nice quiet bike that you cruise along all quiet like a swiss watch, a sportster lets you know you are riding on a Motorcycle, the gunts, shaking, vibration, etc. totally different feeling. but better.

you'll love it.

BTD

[FLHT]

I think you should rent a few different models and see which one fits you the best. Some people hate sportsters, while others love them.
I rode iron heads for years before getting a lowrider. I could ride over twice as far on the lowrider and not be hurting.
Now I have a hotrod sporty when I want to play. The other one is a Ultra.

[jiffy524]

hmm...renting is a great idea. Im going to have to look into that.

Thanks for everyones help

[BigBen]

The sporty will vibrate, and 60 miles at 75 mph may put your hands to sleep. The gearing change generally referrs to the difference between an 883, and a 1200. The 1200's are geared 7% lower. Vibration at 65 mph will be barely noticeable. At 75, you may be bothered somewhat. You can apply some "fixes" such as iso-grips, and a roll of nickles in each end of the handlebars, and thick gloves.

All in all, the sporty is a terrific bike. It is definately the sports model of the hd line. But like any sports model, car or bike, it gives up something in the touring category in favor of sportier performance.