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

Welcome to the forum Michael
Sounds like a nice bike. The hard starting would be the high compression pistons with either a bad tune or a half dead battery. There's nothing wrong with the sportster range of bikes and most people stir guys with them for the fun of it. The skirtster are the longest running model that Harley started in 1959. They also handle the twisties better than any Other model. What sort of money does the seller want for it.

After riding jap and euro i think you`ll hate it, have you considered an xr1200, loud exhausts only give you and everyone else a headache, don`t believe what they tell you, many a so called stroker has been pullrd down to reveal a stock 1200. good luck. test ride as many as you can before parting with cash. 

thank you for all the replies...
one thing I forgot to ask, is the clutch on Harleys so stiff?
My Ducati had a heavyish clutch (hydraulic) but the cable clutch on this harley feels REALLY stiff.... i'm sure after a ride I'd be in a lot of pain... is it normal?

good advice.
I think the "deal" has fallen through... the owner got a little funny about it... no roadworthy supplied on sale. I had to get my own roadworthy but he didn't want to give me the plates until I had the roadworthy... or he would charge me $500 on top of the sale price to get the roadworthy...
Strange experience!