I've never really been a 'Harley' guy, but I've always been a Sportster guy.. I've had 3 of them but Ive never found the need for doing a lot of long distance riding up until the last 12 months, im doing a lot more long freeway runs and the 7lt tank and 90km range is getting old! (filling up every hour is bloody annoying) On top of that while the 1200 is ok for long freeway blasts, its hard work, the gearing doesnt really work great for 1-2 hr 110kmh sustained speeds.

How would I find the Streetbob as a comparision? I had a sit on one and the bars, seating and pegs dont feel all that different to my Seventy Two Sporty, the weight felt a lot lower (in a good way).. Hows one of these for doing regular blasts on freeways? And how do they cope day to day in heavy traffic for that matter? (The sporty is great for traffic being narrow and pretty nimble).

Basically, yes I can take one for a test ride, but that never really tells you much.

As far as fuel is concerned when I fill my FXDC right up the distance to empty readout is usually around 400 - 420klm. That never seems to work out though and around 370klm is the most I've done till I have filled it up. It may have gone a bit further but I wasn't about to take the chance. That's with an SE heavy breather, SE pipes, SE cams and a dyno tune. As for traffic, no issues. I only ride through when it is clear to do so or ride down the side of the freeway. As for longer runs, again no issues. I run forward controls and T bars though, so not the stock cramped mid peg setup. As Fatbat says decent half hour test ride will give you a pretty good first impression. While FXD's handle well if cornering is really a high priority for you also look at the Fatbob, they handle surprisingly well.

Just every test ride Ive had has been 'cool we'll see you in 10 minutes' or they ride with you and take you on a quick loop on the freeway.. neither of which are particularly useful!!

Agreed. But if they want a sale they'll give you a longer test ride but they're more likely to offer that during the week on a quiet day. If they won't, take your business elsewhere

MrMow,
my thoughts,

I rode a Custom 1200 Sporty for 9 years, it was great through the twisty bits and fair on the highway (not so comfy, especially 2up). I recently picked up an '03 Dyna, great on the highway but not so good in the twisty bits (marshmallo suspension & no brakes).

Have ridden a brothers new Streetbob with forward controls, man that is one great bike, the forward controls helped. The low centre of gravity makes it feel light & nimble, excellent through corners or around town (for a cruiser), great factory suspension, a comfortable highway cruiser and brakes that actually work, oh, and those handlebars feel better than you might think. Without a doubt the most comfortable bike I've ridden. There is no comparison, I'd have one tomorrow over the Sporty.

Hope this helps,
Roo.

I never wanted or liked Dynas....until i test rode a 2014 street bob special - 103 ci, 6 speed, ABS and super comfortable 1 or 2 up.

I now have a XL1200N and a 2014 Street Bob Special - i love them both but the nighster is for solo use only. FXDBB is a very well balanced bike and does all the things the sporty wont (stop, go, handle, carry 2 people.......).

 

 

Brakes, Handling, style ...

Fat Bob ?

Just went from a 2014 Iron 883 to a 2016 Street bob, easy conversion from sportster to Dyna. I used to get 180km per tank on the sporty now I get more, recently went on a poker run and did 297km with 47km remaining in the dyna. The 6 speed box is smooth and easy to use as the sporty had 5 but I was always wishing there was another gear.

Mr Mow, like Speedy suggested have you considered the Fat Bob? 

I love mine and purchased it for broadly similar reasons to you. I liked the forwards, twin front discs and the look. Though on the looks part, I'd imagine you'd know if your keen on the twin headlight, big front etc or not. I use mine for commuting and I'm getting more highway km's in when time allows. It does both of these jobs very well, and I actually find since I 'sit in' as opposed to any 'on' the Fat Bob, anything up to 120 km/hr is easy going. I'm enjoying riding it hard and fast more than any other bike I've owned, though the more fun I have the quicker the fuel gets guzzled. Sorta funny in a perverse 'bye bye 98 octane way' to watch that gauge move.

When I was looking around for my HD, I thought the Street Bob Special was great ... Just wanted something slightly bigger physically and I dig the Fat Bob's style. I lean on the side that it [the Fat Bob] handles better too but that would really be up to you to decide. Either way, you will be happy I'm sure.

 

Thanks guys, that's some great feedback and good to see some similar folk to me.
I do like the fat bob, it's hideously ugly but is a good way, brutal 70s/80s styling! But just that bit out of my price range, I quite like the wide glide as well.. But again the extra couple of thousand just a puts it that bit far away, the street bob seems like excellent value.

Wait and see what sort of trade can be sorted.

Thanks all

Hi mate, I went from an 883 that was lowered all round with a 21" front wheel and drag bars, to an FXDL with 6.5" risers and tracker bars and tall shocks on the rear. The ride is totally different.. Plush and smooth come to mind. However after riding a few mates sporties on the weekend.. They are a hell of a lot of fun. Screaming through gears and riding like a dirt bike is a blast. If you want to go far.. Go the Dyna (although I used to ride just as far on my 10" rear shocked Sportster). I wish I had enough money to have both!