Harley-Davidson Sportster 50 Motorcycle Reviews on Cycle Insider (3)
Avg. Rating

I now have 1200 miles on the bike and I have had no problems so far. This bike seems to grow on you the more miles, the better you like it. I have rode 2 up, me 195 she 145, I don't even know she's back there. Plenty of power. Sometimes the gears make a clunk, sometimes no noise, but Harleys have been like that. Vibration does get a little hairy above 4000 rpm but you run that very little. I have been over 100 mph in 1/4 mile with this bike. Forget the mirrors when you run these rpm numbers, just stay in your lane. I have dusted more than 1 big twin with this bike. They got their feelings hurt this 1200. With a few upgrades will out run the bigger v twins except the V Rod.

Before I owned my Harley, I had a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. Which I had ridden from Mobile, Alabama to Burlington, VT. This is where I traded it in for the XL 50. To break my Harley in I took a 4 day road trip and put 2,500 miles behind me. I rode her through every kind of weather condition that I could think of. I started out on a very cold November night, and headed south. My first 300 miles or so were at just under the freezing mark. I stopped for a rest at a truck stop. Then continued on my way. The weather was beautiful for part of that morning until I drove into some thundershowers. I was already soaked so I decided to push though. She handled like a dream even in the pounding rain, and through the inch or so of water that was on the road. 500 miles later I finaly found my way out of the thunder storms. Then late that evening it was time for her 1000 mile oil change. At this point my butt was so sore I could hardly walk, and I was really wishing that I had put those highway pegs on before I left. So after her 1000 mile oil change, and I got some rest I went straight to the nearest Family Dollar store and bought a small pillow to put under my butt. The rest of my trip was warm weather and blue sky. Over all I love my XL 50, the handle bars fit me perfect, she has a nice low center of gravity making her handling very nice in any condition. However I do warn you not lean her too far over, I did once and scratched the exaust on the road. If you are going to take this bike on long trips I suggest highway pegs and an aftermarket seat.

Awesome motorcycle. Lots of power, easy to ride, with that old school Harley look. Unlike my old Kawasaki it vibrates more, but has the genuine look, sound and feel of what Harley riders have come to expect.