Id be more concerned about coming from the shire
Now thats funny
Out of the nine Harleys I have owned five of them have been Sportsters and anyone who knows me can't say I am a girl.
I now ride a 2001 Dyna Super Glide it's just got more comfort for my bad back but if I was was ever to buy another Harley for just for around town and short rides I be looking at a Sportster and sorry to say if you got to ask this kind of question maybe you are looking at the wrong bike for yourself.
Btw I like the Gold metalflake 72 could be Harley number 10 for me must be the girlie thing lol.
The Sportster is a great bike. Simple. The people who knock Sporty's have obviously never ridden one. Don't worry what anyone thinks, if you like Sportsters then go for it.
The day I buy anything (bike or car) to impress another bloke is the day I put on a skirt and squat to piss, Love the Sportsters!!!!!