Harley-Davidson XL 1200S Sportster 1200 Sport reviews

I bought this one as my first bike, and I could not have made a better choice....being a new rider. The bike is a bit heavy (560 pounds) but once you are used to it, you don't want to ride lighter stuff. It has been very reliable with the exception of the Running brake light module going out, which is not that big of a deal, it being an accessory. It turns great. It looks great. It stops great. It's got more than enough power. It is economical, as I am averaging around 50mpg. The sound it makes with stock pipes is enough to make you drool... The only reason I'd get Screaming eagles, is for highway riding purposes. I got mine without test riding it first & I was not disappointed. It's truly a Great bike. I love the individual handle turning signals with auto shut off. No other bike has that!! Show less

I have put 6400 miles on my Roadster and I still love it. Most people trade their Sportsters in on a big bike but not me. I ride every day to work and am proud to be on it. I don't consider it a girl bike but a sleek, fast, good looking Harley Sport Bike. I have riden the HD XR1200 and its a nice HD Sport Bike too, but I like my higher torque Sportster, which is quicker out of the hole, in my opinion, and more comfortable to ride. I'll be back with another updated picture when I add my Christmas presents to my Sporty. Show less

I bought my nightster in January of 09 during the ride free promo. I had a sport bike and wanted to go back to a cruiser. After riding for a month, I determined it was necessary to upgrade my seat and rear shocks to improve the ride. That is why for a 2 star in the comfort department. The rear shocks are very firm, and there is hardly any padding in the stock seat. It would have been nice to have a sixth gear for highway riding. Another thing that bugs me is the rather small 3.3 gallon tank. My fuel light regularly comes on between 95-110 miles. I usually see about 45-48 mpgs. One thing that brought me to buying the bike was the old school styling. This is a very sharp looking bike. Show less

Love it! Forward controls are a MUST! Vance & Hines Slip-On's #16819 are PERFECT! Spuper sound! ForceWinder is next. The ride is Rough w/a stock seat (Biggest Complaint). Great, NO SUPER performance. Would recommend one to a best friend. Show less

I own an 883 and a 1200 and I love the both of them. I have put a lot of chrome on them, they look good and run great. I agree in saying it is an awesome bike. Lots of power and the 1200 can go and keep up with thge rest of them. Great bike, awesome weight to power ratio. Show less

I am coming from Sport Bikes and now I am glad I have a nice Harley to cruise around the country in! I got a comfy 2 up seat, highway pegs, and a nice sissy bar and backrest for my gf. The only thing left to do is to get some progressive shocks as it can get kinda bumpy on the crappier roads. But if you're thinking about getting a Nightster, go for it!! Show less

Ok so this is my first bike, so don't have much to compare it to, however, after listening to all my 'jap-loving' mates, I decided to ignore them and go with my desire rather than the flow. I headed down to the HD dealer and was bitten by the bug as soon as I entered the inner sanctum! After drooling over a couple of big twins, lows, fats etc, my eyes dropped onto this menacing little beast in the corner, which I was informed was the 'new-kid-on-the-block' 883 Iron. I was sold, ordered it, dreamt about it and waited...and waited...and waited. Eventually it arrived and was delivered to my door. I heard it before I saw it and have not stopped grinning since. This bike is fantastic as a first, last, second, first bike. The looks I get are constant, the comments too. It looks cool, rides beautifully and, with the V&H, sounds bloody awesome... Show less

Ok so I'm not what you would call a veteran on bikes. In May of 09 I traded my first real bike a Kawasaki Vulcan 500, in on a new 2009 Sporter 883 Iron. I was a little leary but my husband assured me that I would be happy. I had done a demo ride on the Nightset 1200 and was fairly happy with that. But when it came time to buy I chose the 883. I really love it and would not trade it for anything. I just put 1200 miles on it and seriously can't wait to add another 1200. I did have some issues before the 1,000 mile check up. The engine seamed to have a bit of noise that I was not used to. The brakes were also squealing. I was told that both of these items were fine. My toosh gets a little sore after about 90 miles. But I try to stand up when ever I stop. No she is not fast but I'm not the type of person that has to get there now. I really just enjoy the journey. So I have to say that I'm really enjoying it on this ride. I more than likly will not be trading her in anytime soon. So from a womans perspective and a fairly new rider I LOVE THIS RIDE. Show less

I have A 2003 Road king, a 2009 Ultra Classic, and also a 2001 1200 Sportster C. The Sportster may not be as smooth as a ride as the Classic, but I think it's a very good bike. Good ride, handles well, quick, and smooth. I added more chrome but still an awesome ride. For a 5 speed Sportster or even a 1200cc bike, it's at the top of the line. I give 5 stars. If you're looking to get a Ultra Glide ride from a Sportster, you're way off, but if you're looking for a good ride, and not so much money, and to stay with the Harley family, Sportster is the way to go. 5 Stars. Show less

I bought my 883 Hugger last year with only 233 miles on her. I love this bike, we have been on 400 mile trips in a single day and I am usually the one that wants to go put some more on. The bike corners great and is low enough to the ground that it doesn't feel top heavy. I love my sporty and won't trade it for the world. Show less