Sportster 1200

I have been riding for 30 years. I have never ever owned a Harley Davidson. As a matter of fact, I was quite opposed to the idea. I was a BMW GS rider for the last several years. I got with some older gearhead type guys, who were into BMW's as well. But all of them had a Harley in the garage too. After a couple years, I started getting the itch for one. So I picked up a 1983 XLX Ironhead 1000. It was a really fun bike, but it was also a death trap with fasteners always coming looses, iffy brakes, ect...
A good friend of mine owns a car dealership and picked up a 2005 XL1200C at a repo auction. The bike only had 3000 miles on it, and was running like crap from sitting, but I picked it up for a song.
Took it to my local dealer who spent about an hour on the carb, and it was then running great.
I have had this bike since Oct 14, and I have rode it almost every single day. I LOVE THIS BIKE. I never really got the Harley thing, but once you own one, it becomes more clear. No, it doesn't handle great, it is quick, but not fast by any means. But it does seem to have a good bit of soul.

Call me a convert. I still make fun of guys who buy all the Harley clothes though :)

I have a 1975 Harley Davidson XLH (1000cc Sportster) ultimately the weirdest bike to ride because it is so old that the shifter is even on the right side which makes it a trick if you switch between bikes. This is however, not what you were interested in hearing about but simply how reliable they are which I am getting to, I assure you. I had been riding the bike on a regular basis since I was 15 and 1/2 and have enjoyed every minute of it. It has proven to be extremely reliable and as long as you tighten the bolts that come loose due to vibration, don't leave the key on (because it burns up points) and remember not to leave the choke on and foul your plugs it will run forever. I have replaced only a few parts mostly due to the previous owners lack of maintenance (solenoid, brake light switch, and rusty exhaust pipes) I assure you if you ride your Harley often and maintain your bike it will last you as long as you have it. Also, since my bike is a 1975 and is not at all a "looker" not all Harleys are "eye candy" simply a fun bike to ride.

Thanks
-Herb


Editor: Hi Herby, just to give additional context, what year did you buy the bike?

I actually came about getting the bike in 2005, I put a 12" over springer front end on it in 2006 if you were needing anymore additional info -Herby

Editor: That's a reasonable amount of history, one last question: how many miles have you put on it total (some Harley riders only add a few hundred a year, which isn't much of a sample.....)

My name is Dan and I have an 04 1200 sportster custom. After riding this bike for over 12000 miles I can say that I am very pleased with this motorcycle. I did get stranded once, when the bike was brand new --luckily I was only a few miles from the dealership where I bought it and they sent a truck to pick me up.

The service manager at the time ( I don't remember his name but this was at Detroit Harley Davidson in Centerline, Michigan) immediately went to work on it and discovered the battery was defective. He popped in a new battery and I was on my way in less than 15 minutes.

Hey Clayton

Loved your page!!! I'm sure my husband will too since he's no longer in the dog house for the mirror just falling off. We have a 100th Sportster 1200 and he just came home last night holding the mirror in his hand saying "it just fell off!" I was just sure he was being irresponsible and hit something, but after reading all your comments I guess it really does happen. Also wanted to comment that other than the speedometer failing occasionally for no reason, we've had no problems at all. But it's pretty new, only 3000 miles on it so far.