The Harley-Davidson Sportster is an American motorcycle that was introduced in 1957 as a competitor for the high-performance bikes being produced by the British that were selling in the United States in huge numbers. The Sportster was one of the first Harley-Davidsons to be fitted with rear-suspension (it’s parent bike, the Model K series was the first) and it was also the first of the Harleys to be fitted with a higher performance, overhead-valve engine.
The look of the new, sportier Harley-Davidson was immediately reminiscent of the popular British bikes that were dominating the sports-oriented motorcycle scene in the late 1950s, it had a very similar profile to the Triumph Thunderbird and proved to be very popular in the same demographics in the US motorcycle market.
The Ironhead 900cc V-twin engine had a 45 degree offset and could produce 40hp at 5,500rpm, it had a top speed of somewhere in the 100mph range and a total weight of 495lbs. Somewhat amazingly, that Ironhead engine would stay in production for 28 years until it was replaced with the Evolution engine in 1986.
This long production run is excellent news for prospective Sportster owners as it means there’s a vast market for spare parts, an immense amount of mechanical know-how and a brilliant community of people around the country who love to meet other Sportster owners, talk shop and offer some hard-learnt advice.
Some in the Harley-Davidson community will try to tell you that the Sportster is a “beginners” bike but I disagree with that sentiment pretty strongly – The very first Harleys were essentially motorised bicycles, they were designed to be light, manoeuvrable and capable of racing against Indians, Cyclones, Hendersons, Excelsiors and Popes with relatively few modifications. The large, highway cruising, chrome plated motorcycles we all associate with the Harley-Davidson brand nowadays name didn’t come about until many decades later, meaning the Sportster is actually the truest representation of the original DNA of the company.
http://silodrome.com/buying-guide-harley-davidson-sportster/
My 2 cents.
4 cam HD motor's Burning 90 + % Nitro, in Top Bike, never seen a Girl ride a 190 cubic inch Nitro Burning Top Bike yet, they don't use those poofter Twinky motors in Top Bike. so be proud.
I am without a Harley at this time sold my last one to cover some medical bills when my wife had to go into a private hospital for a operation. So I would love to have any of my girls bike back in a heartbeat (owned a few sportsters) really miss my 2004 XL1200R and when you find yourself without a Harley names don't worry you because you just want to be back riding one cheers.
Girls bike my arse !!!! Anyone who says that hasn't got a clue what they're like with a bit of work done to them.
Couple of good looking roosters in the background of the second picture
If you ride a Sporty, EXPECT that others are gonna give you shit and take the piss...it's a given, but it's normally all just in the spirit of good fun and friendly ribbing.
Of course you ONLY take shit like that from other HD owners....everyone else who wants to open their big trap can go fuck themselves, aided by your boot up their arse for good measure.
A mate of mine just bought a 2014 48, and with custom paint, engine and performance mods, he's now spent $33k on the thing......must be the most expensive sporty on the road, and I give him endless shit, even though he could no doubt blow me away.
Anyway Mr poster, the way I see things, sportster riders are either girls or gays......and you dont look like a girl to me!
By the way: at 5'6" you don't have to ride a sporty. I know plenty of shorter blokes riding softails with no issues.
the sportster is a little screamer, woo hoo !!!
