Harley Davidson Sportster XL1200S

I have loved Harleys ever since I was small. There was something about them, that look, that sound, THAT reputation. All bad-ass bikers ride Harleys, right? Well, erm, no actually. Now I'm a grown-up (sort of) and I find the reality is somewhat different to the dream. The majority of Harley riders I know are very nice chaps, with not a hint of "bad-ass" about them. They simply appreciate their bikes, and enjoy riding, and, more often than not, customising them. I entered the fold late last year. I was, at the time, in hospital recovering from a broken back and smashed pelvis following a quite ... more

I've had an XL1200S Sportster now for just under 3 months, now that it's well past the 1000m run-in period I can enjoy what it's all about. Taking the step from a 600 sports bike, to a 1200 custom was quite a change. The seating position is a welcome break, with all the strain removed from the wrists at low speed. The seating position is quite comfortable, making you feel that you're 'on' not 'in' the bike. With the foot controls being positioned in the conventional place is great for carving through bends, as opposed to forward controls, which is more suited for cruising or serious mile ... more

I have owned this bike since February.My previous bikes have included Japanese 'superbikes' and British Big Twins. I was looking for something that had electic start(My age you know!)and that I would not find too powerful or uncomfortable on todays crowded roads. When I test rode a Sportster I was very impressed with the sound of the engine,Screaming Eagle stage 1,and the amount of torque(pulling power at lower revs)that was available. It's handling is very good and fuel economy about 11 m/l,but the tank only holds 12l. The seat is rather thin,this causes numbum syndrome after about about 50 ... more

This is probably one of the best Harleys around. Obviously most Harleys are ridden by bikers like myself but they can be used by anyone as they are so smooth. If you are able to usre a clutch you are able to use this. Gasoline for this bike is actually at quite a good price. It has 1200cc size engine which makes a nice sound! It has a very strong powerband for maximum acceleration. It has a very very nice finish which gleams in the sun. I also reccomend harley tours around England. I you are used to a superbike it will take time to adapt to the gearshifter but that will not take very long ... more

I bought a used 2000 XL1200S that was in very nice condition. I have ridden it about 2000 miles and love it. It's a good bike for short trips at any speed, but not for sustained freeway riding. Too much wind buffeting and vibration. Very powerful, lots of low-end torque! It's old-school design appeals to me and the bike looks very much like it has for 50 years, but mechanically, it has improved each year. The best improvement is belt drive to the rear wheel. The next best was mounting the engine in rubber, which occurred after mine. A 1200 cc V-twin, solid-mount like mine vibrates at higher ... more