hi

i'm new to Harley but not bikes... Everything I've owned has been japanese or Euro.... 

Now I'm considering a 2005 XL1200R - Roadster. It's orange/cream, has done 20,00kms and has almost every possible harley or SE accessory you can think of. It's even got high comp pistons, SE heads, high performance cams etc etc etc

All work performed by  Harley dealership and it's loud as hell... I haven't ridden it, but just not sure whether it's rude to ask. One of the things I like about my EFi bikes, is how easy they are to start. Even when cold, they are smooth... this Harley needed throttle pumps, a choke knob pulled and the starter motor almost stalled when trying to crank it over.. it took a while to get it going! 

I know some Harley riders consider the Sportster range "girls" bikes.. that's fine.. I'm on a bit of a budget. Are these bikes considered a good thing? For the money he is asking, a couple more grand would get me a stockish 2009 Nightster (newer bike, lower kms, and EFI).

i guess Im just after opinions...

Thanks in advance

Michael

 

roadsters are good sportsters. sounds like a good bike, but if the fact you have to caress it into life puts you off, get the nightster. It'll have less power, one front disk, non adjustable suspension, but start at the push of a button....

My 01 is a bit grumpy first thing in the morning, I don't use choke but set thumb screw on throttle to a slightly faster idle while I put on jacket ect & take it easy for first 5 minutes riding, it's all part of the character of bike.I like it.Take it for a test ride,then a nightster and then decide.

Yep, that just like mine. A f$$king pig of a thing first up, but what a treat when it's all going well. I was on a budget too, best thing I have done for a while.

well, I got the bike!
It's actually not so bad to start... yes it's a little cantankerous when cold, but after a few minutes, it's OK. This definately has a LOT more vibration than anything I've ever ridder. All the billet footpegs and hand grips don't helpt to numb the sensation either! I've only picked it up, and because of work/bad weather have not really ridden it yet.

However: I really like the look of the rear end of the NIGHTSTER. They seem to use the turn signals in combination and dont have a brake light on the fender. Plus, the fender is a lot more minimal.
Would anyone know if the Nightster rear fender and seat, would fit on my 2005 Roadster? If so, then I think it's something I will have to do....