2002 Harley-Davidson reviews

I recently bought a new 2003 V-Rod and couldn't be happier. Initially, I was considering purchasing either the V-Rod, Fat Boy, or Deuce. But once I saw the V-Rod in person and actually sat on it, I had to have it. It fit me like a glove. I love the fact that no other Harley looks like this bike. It is totally unique. And man is it ever an attention-getter! I am constantly amazed at the power and speed that the V-Rod is capable of. I mean, when you open up the throttle, even if you're already cruising along at 65-75 mph and running at 5000-6000 RPMs, this thing just jumps to life like a bullet out of a gun! Frankly, this bike has more power and speed than I think I would ever need. Not that I'm complaining about that! Show less

Bought two V-Rods for myself and wife in early August and took a 2000 mile run through the mountains. Range at 175+- is OK for riding in the US. Wife gets 50-52 mpg consistently. I started out at 42 mpg and was at 47 by the time we got home. HD soft bags are big enough and we each carry a small case so wife has plenty of shoes and cosmetics, which is absolutely essential if you expect a 68 year old woman to come along. She is comfortable at the stop signs with heels flat on the pavement and the lower center of gravity due to moving the fuel tank under the seat gives her a big confidence boost as it doesn't take as much upper body strength to hold it up when she leans it too far. Wife took a test drive on this bike and told me to sell our Honda Shadows. Obviously it flys like a bullet when you turn it up, but for us the essentials are range, cargo, seat height, and, of course, curb appeal. On the negative side, and I may be nuts here, but I think that third and fourth gears are too tall while first gear may be a little too short. Just personal preference, I guess, as we aren't exactly pushing the envelope. I can't really think of anything not to like about this bike and I don;t blame Harley for pricing it up. It's worth it! Show less

Boy, from reading these other reviews, one can sure tell that Sportsters tend to polarize the ownership experience. You either despise 'em or you adore 'em. I guess I'm in the latter category. In September 2002 I re-entered the biking game after an 18-year absence (I'm 47). I had always been infatuated with Sportsters as a kid, but they were far out of reach financially and had a pretty sour quality reputation. When I decided to buy another bike last year, I researched Triumphs, Hondas, Yamahas, Moto Guzzis, and a bunch of others, but my thoughts kept gravitating back to the Sportster. It wasn't perfect, but it just pulled at my heart strings. I didn't particularly care for the paint treatment on the 2003 models, but my dealer had a nearly perfect glossy black 2002 XL 883 with less than 2000 miles. I bought it and rode it all last winter and spring. The Sporty was a superb country lane cornering machine, it sounded beautiful, it leaked not one molecule of oil, it was ridiculously cheap to insure, and it looked marvelous. The downside was that it was really vibey at speed, so freeway riding was quite uncomfortable. Yes, the rocker boxes tended to spit oil out their breather tubes when you got on the throttle, and this oil dripped from the air cleaner onto the rear pipe's heat shield. The first time this happened it freaked me out, but I learned to take the air cleaner cover off every other ride and wipe it out. No problem after that. I loved that Sporty, but I needed a touring machine. I traded my black beauty on a new Electra Glide in March. The 'Glide is great, but that Sportster will live in my memory as the best bike I ever owned. Show less

For the money you can't go wrong. The only problem with riding the bike is other harley riders (big bikes). I'm sick and tired of hearing how uncomfortable they are and they are a girls bike. Well I'm willing to bet if you ride a bike, most of your riding is around town anyways and road trips are a rarity.If it wasn't for the K-Model (aka Sportster) there would not be a Harley Davidson. Other riders are quick to make fun of Sportsters until you ask them if they want to run it, then they shut up. The only other Harleys that are going to keep up with a 1200 Sportster are a Deuce and a V Rod. Check the stats! For the money a super buy. Show less

This is a nice light bike compared to the road kings and heritage classics....about 100lbs......handles like a dream on twisty highway 1 here in northern california....comfortable for all day cruising with harleys touring seat even my wife likes to ride. shocks a little weak and the exhaust bracket scrapes on hard rights and could use one more place to put my feet on long trips...other wise I love it better than all the other harleys...and I've ridden them all. 11k miles so far on my 02 Wide Glide and just getting good. Show less

I have logged 500 miles on my new 2003 HS. All I can say is WOW!. The bike has an incredibly smooth, comfortable ride that's a joy going through the canyons or on the open plains. The Ride: Before I bought a Springer I read reviews that mentioned a "heavy" or "stiff" front end. After 500 miles of riding, I have no idea what those reviews were referring to because this is one incredibly smooth, comfortable ride and it has never once felt stiff or heavy. I put 3,000 combined miles on a night train and fatboy last year and the Heritage Springer is head and shoulders above those models in comfort, handling and ride position...that is my humble opinion. Appearance: If you ask me, the heritage springer is the most unique model in the HD lineup. The front end is just a work of art, bottom line. It's sculpture in chrome...a direct throwback to the bikes Harley made in the 30's and 40's. When I ride and look at this bike, I feel like I'm back in the 1930's or 40's style-wise while enjoying all the benefits of modern technology for a smooth ride. When you ride the bike you see the springs working up by the stem...very cool. The valanced fenders, the fishtail pipes, the shaped tail-light, the light on the front fender, the basket weave bags and saddle, etc., are all beautifully detailed styling features that just set this bike apart from all other stock HDs. HD is no longer making the Heritage Springer after 2003....I got real lucky and found one after calling 7 other dealers all of which had sold their inventory for all of 2003. Some even mentioned that they had a run on them after the word got out that HD is no longer making them after '03. The springer is different, you don't see many of them, but they are great rides and even better lookers. No one outside a biker bar or an HD dealership ever stopped to look at my night train or fat boy, but in just a few weeks there have been dozens of people that stop and stare at my '03 HS...I like that. Show less

About eight weeks ago, I bought a used 2001 T-Sport with 500 miles on it, and I now have about 3,500 miles on it. I ride the bike fairly hard, and I'm very pleased with the way the bike handles. I've had no problems with shifting, detonation, or squeaking brakes. I did find that upgrading to a stage 1 (pipes, jet kit, and air cleaner) gave me about 10% more horsepower and made the engine run smoother and cooler. Besides the stage 1, I added an engine guard with halogen lights and long-stem mirrors. I've been riding for more than 25 years, and this is the best bike I've ever owned. I especially like the fact that this bike has a tack, dual-disk brakes, standard footpegs, and good ground clearance. Show less

Bought in May 2002 and this machine is nearly flawless. Never a problem or issue, rides like a sportbike when pushed and like a cruiser when taking it easy. Lots of folks love the looks and those who own one love the ride. I ride two up twice a month with the wife... her opinion; we'll keep the V-Rod and buy a Touring Bike in 4 years. The only consistent complaint I see on the internet, and in person is the price. If it's too much, buy a Suzuki. Show less

I changed the seat on my heritage (Mustang seat) which enlarged the passenger seating area and gave me some needed back support. I agree that the mirrors are too short, but am in the process of changing out my mirrors to longer ones (Fathers day gift). All in all, the bike is great. I like the styling as well as the accessories available to change any shortcomings of design. Show less

This is a heavy bike! I came off a '95 Road King, and there is a noticable difference at parking lot speeds, with a passanger. Where I once manhandled my bikes, I have to finesse this one. Of course, my age of 57 probably has something to do with it. Not to be funny, but I've started lifting weights again. That, plus getting used to the bike is helping. I've owned seven different brands of m/c's, including BMWs, and Hondas, and, for me, Harleys rule, especially this one! Jesus is Lord! Show less