I am getting the 2020 Roadster probably this week. My only concern is that it has a forward lean sitting position with low handle bars. In comparison, the Iron 883 and Forty Eight felt better to me in sitting posture. I am 5' 11" and felt my back would start to hurt after a while on the Roadster. I had considered the 2021 Forty-Eight originally but dropped it after realizing the seat was much too low to the ground. Roadster wooed me with it's dual disc brakes, sporty looks and 1200cc power plant. A few UA-cam reviews including this one, helped me make my decision. Cheers!
The great thing about Sportster is the aftermarket availability of parts. If you need put forward controls and change the bars to comfortable height. Then find a seat you like. The key is getting the ergonomics right for a comfortable ride. See you on the road.
I once did a 2700 mile road trip on a little Kawasaki 440 twin. Pittsburgh to the Florida Keys and back. Like you said, if you have determination, you can take any bike on a road trip.
I like finding someone place cool to go, like finding a new lunch or coffee spot. And then I slide avoid highways on over on google maps and go explore. I agree with you though they are comfortable and they really let you use a Harley for its intend purpose.
Every trip you do, will give you different types of challenges, but you probably won't duplicate most of those, and you'll have fewer, but different, things happen. Yes, a bike trip is an adventure. I was your age taking long trips on my '83 Ironhead Roadster XLS, so I can testify that the XL class of bikes can cover lots of miles, even though some "experts" scoff at the idea. I will give you a couple of suggestions. Take some maps as a backup. Butler is a map publishing company that makes excellent maps designed for motorcyclists. They are, somewhat, weatherproof and they also clue the rider in on some good biking roads. I always study them the night before I leave so that I'm a little more familiar with the roads I'll be on. Had your cell phone died on you, your trip may have been even more of an adventure. My flip phone stays in the saddle bag. (yes, I'm old) A medium sized magnetic tank bag works great for stuffing a road map under the clear plastic top so that you can see it easily. Also, I carry a bottle of quality octane booster in my gear for those times when you can't find good gas. If your bike has tubeless tires you should take along a puncture repair kit. They don't take up too much room and can save your ass if you're out in the middle of nowhere (my preferred place to be). Keep the faith. Some day, you'll be old and crotchety like me, but with any luck, you'll still be taking road trips.
I've definitely learned some things on my trip, which was part of the reason I wanted to take a one this year. 1. If using electronic nav, you need a hard wired power supply, further it shouldn't be the same device being used for everything else. 2. Sissy bar bags are great, but packing them accordingly to have most used things is difficult need saddle bags as well. 3. Bring Qt of oil, and tire pump. 4. Never make a plan, the road has other things in store for you.
I bought a 2020 hd 48 in aug just found u awesome video luv my 48 unfortunately its winter now sooo its winterized have 2ft of snow cant wait till spring to get her out again lol
You did it on the stock seat too, wow. I rode my 17 Roadster from Raleigh to Charlotte and back on the stock seat and thought my ass was gonna fall off haha
I live in NC and my extended family is in OH. This makes me regret not taking my 2007 Roadster up there before I sold it. I loved that bike but not how hot it ran. Mine had speedo and tach. Is your speedo digital?
Hey Paramoto! May I ask where is your cam mounted? On your helmet chin or chest? With the forward lean on this bike, I kinda found it impossible to get the video view as this one from the helmet chin mount. Your camera field of view is just perfect.
Where you going next? I also have road trip fever. I’m thinking possibly a New England by way of back roads trip next. Cross country is too bold for my life situation currently. But every state east of the Mississippi? Possibly…
I live in NY but seen you rode through PA .. The sportster looked like a comfortable ride to do that ..yea back roads are beautiful and what you did is what i need to do ..id love to do all states
The sportster was great TBH. Back roads were the way to go. Next year I'm hoping to do a New England route. Go up from Raleigh through all the major cities then circle over to Ohio to visit fam in Cleveland. Ill be going by way of upstate New York. 👍
Its a custom sissy bar from Edward Richie. I'll put the link below just let him know what you have and he'll make it custom for no extra charge. www.etsy.com/listing/285792303/pointed-simple-handmade-sissy-bar-fits?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=edward+richie+sissy+bar&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
I agree with you my friend. Americans put far too much emphasis on how big your bike needs to be to make road trips. I think they need to spend time in other countries for a couple years find out what it's like to do everything on 300 to 400 cc's bike.
Before this channel became a thing I rode a Ninja 300 from Cleveland Ohio To NYC and back. Then 5 days later I did a round trip to DC. The smaller bikes are 100% capable. The difference I believe comes from the interstate highway system. Especially out west it becomes better to have a big bike that buffers wind and stuff a lot better.
i am interested in one of these but my experience on a 2006 sportster custom after new seat and rear shocks still painful after 1 hour so...how did you feel after 3 days...back, butt etc.
Thanks so much jeez I wish I could've rode w/ ya. If riding a HD thru some beautiful AMERICAN farmland at dawn doesn't do something deeeep down to ya you need to move to Russa or North Korea.
The was excellent, so is the Sportster; but man, why did you think inflicting this worse than any other elevator music on us was not going to ruin it ? Baaad ....
Fair enough. The exhaust is quite so felt like some background music was needed. Its really expensive to get access to copyright free music. Like I $80 - $100 a month so I have to use free sourced. That'll be the last time. Promise lol.
@@Paramoto959 Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'd say your idea of secondary US roads is brilliant. Hardly anyone does it, even when reviewers try out Harley models, they use boring highways. I am from Europe but love to use back country roads when I am in the US. They are worth your attention. I'd suggest, skip the music then; there is no need to dress your videos. let the engine rumble and comment what you're seeing. Best
I see that too. Big channels like Ryan Urlacher ride the country and do it all on the highways, and I'm like why? The music is gone on the next episode don't worry lol
What about your back?? Being lunged over your gas tank an most of your weight on your wrist, can't be comfortable for extended periods...But the route is very nice👍
Kill the music and talk less exiting out. You really need to tell us there is a bridge? You really need to tell us there is a, river? You are talking way too much. Exiting out
I’m glad you can show riders you can use any bike to go on a long trip. Kudos!
And it did very well for a bike that most people would never dream of taking on a road trip! 😎
I am 78 yrs old. I can totally relate. When I left home and came back - I couldn't believe how my perspective had changed. :-)
When I get done with a long trip I always feels like I've accomplished something profound. 😎
I used to ride my 883 Sportster cross country several times. No big deal just pace yourself and plan gas stops ahead due to limited range of gas tank.
I enjoyed stopping every 100 or so miles. It kept my focus up and gave me time to take in all the new places.
Cool trip. Loved every second.
It was great I wish I could’ve filmed more on the way back. But weather did not cooperate.
Nice bike and cool trip. Can’t wait to see more of it.
The second half is literally all rain! 😂😂😂 I think 2020 is the year of Paramoto Vs Rain.
I am getting the 2020 Roadster probably this week. My only concern is that it has a forward lean sitting position with low handle bars. In comparison, the Iron 883 and Forty Eight felt better to me in sitting posture. I am 5' 11" and felt my back would start to hurt after a while on the Roadster. I had considered the 2021 Forty-Eight originally but dropped it after realizing the seat was much too low to the ground. Roadster wooed me with it's dual disc brakes, sporty looks and 1200cc power plant. A few UA-cam reviews including this one, helped me make my decision. Cheers!
Glad I could help! It says it’s forward but it’s much more neutral then anything.
The great thing about Sportster is the aftermarket availability of parts. If you need put forward controls and change the bars to comfortable height. Then find a seat you like. The key is getting the ergonomics right for a comfortable ride. See you on the road.
Very true the aftermarket is strong with this bike
Roadster owner from Brazil here... What a great video, bro! Thanks for this kind of experience.
Glad you liked it! here's link to my Outer Banks Trip from earlier this year if you like road trip content. ua-cam.com/video/2XHZ-TgfHjQ/v-deo.html
I once did a 2700 mile road trip on a little Kawasaki 440 twin. Pittsburgh to the Florida Keys and back. Like you said, if you have determination, you can take any bike on a road trip.
Keys would be an awesome trip
Just traded in my Road King for a Roadster and am planning an 1,800 mile trip. A tank bag and backpack should suffice.
That back pack is gonna get old unless you pack real light.
People forget that up till mid 70's 1200 CC's was the size engine in the full size baggers. You're doing it on bike that weight is 300lbs less..
Well said 👍
I’m working on getting myself a new Harley my opinion they feel so comfortable to ride long distance I need to start taking Back roads more
I like finding someone place cool to go, like finding a new lunch or coffee spot. And then I slide avoid highways on over on google maps and go explore. I agree with you though they are comfortable and they really let you use a Harley for its intend purpose.
Every trip you do, will give you different types of challenges, but you probably won't duplicate most of those, and you'll have fewer, but different, things happen. Yes, a bike trip is an adventure. I was your age taking long trips on my '83 Ironhead Roadster XLS, so I can testify that the XL class of bikes can cover lots of miles, even though some "experts" scoff at the idea. I will give you a couple of suggestions. Take some maps as a backup. Butler is a map publishing company that makes excellent maps designed for motorcyclists. They are, somewhat, weatherproof and they also clue the rider in on some good biking roads. I always study them the night before I leave so that I'm a little more familiar with the roads I'll be on. Had your cell phone died on you, your trip may have been even more of an adventure. My flip phone stays in the saddle bag. (yes, I'm old) A medium sized magnetic tank bag works great for stuffing a road map under the clear plastic top so that you can see it easily. Also, I carry a bottle of quality octane booster in my gear for those times when you can't find good gas. If your bike has tubeless tires you should take along a puncture repair kit. They don't take up too much room and can save your ass if you're out in the middle of nowhere (my preferred place to be). Keep the faith. Some day, you'll be old and crotchety like me, but with any luck, you'll still be taking road trips.
I've definitely learned some things on my trip, which was part of the reason I wanted to take a one this year.
1. If using electronic nav, you need a hard wired power supply, further it shouldn't be the same device being used for everything else.
2. Sissy bar bags are great, but packing them accordingly to have most used things is difficult need saddle bags as well.
3. Bring Qt of oil, and tire pump.
4. Never make a plan, the road has other things in store for you.
I bought a 2020 hd 48 in aug just found u awesome video luv my 48 unfortunately its winter now sooo its winterized have 2ft of snow cant wait till spring to get her out again lol
I appreciate you watching! I'll be prioritizing Harley content on the channel going forward so hopefully I can help you get through this winter!
You did it on the stock seat too, wow. I rode my 17 Roadster from Raleigh to Charlotte and back on the stock seat and thought my ass was gonna fall off haha
I've done some long trips on sport bikes so the sportster seat is really not bad to me.
I had a custom seat made for mine. Money well spent. Made it taller and more padding.
I road one from Tulsa Oklahoma to Denver Colorado no problem then to the Rockies
Cant think of many other bikes I'd like to have for a trip to the Rockies!
Bungy cord your power cable to tank and bars
I really should’ve figured that out before I left, but hey part of the fun of a road trip is the challenges you overcome 😎
I live in NC and my extended family is in OH. This makes me regret not taking my 2007 Roadster up there before I sold it. I loved that bike but not how hot it ran. Mine had speedo and tach. Is your speedo digital?
Swipe right on avoid highways and take a trip my dude. Speedo was digital i believe.
Hey Paramoto! May I ask where is your cam mounted? On your helmet chin or chest? With the forward lean on this bike, I kinda found it impossible to get the video view as this one from the helmet chin mount. Your camera field of view is just perfect.
It's chin mounted with go pro standard mounting. I have a pointed chin area on my helmet so I used a black moldable glue to help get the mount on,.
I like ur video so pretty views I love riding my 2006 custom Sporter I want a road trip so bad 😊
Where you going next? I also have road trip fever. I’m thinking possibly a New England by way of back roads trip next.
Cross country is too bold for my life situation currently. But every state east of the Mississippi? Possibly…
I would have met ya in PA to continue but I am jealous would love this trip
I could've used some company. The next trip I may advertise and see if people wanna meet up leap frog style. Where about in PA do you live?
I live in NY but seen you rode through PA .. The sportster looked like a comfortable ride to do that ..yea back roads are beautiful and what you did is what i need to do ..id love to do all states
The sportster was great TBH. Back roads were the way to go. Next year I'm hoping to do a New England route. Go up from Raleigh through all the major cities then circle over to Ohio to visit fam in Cleveland. Ill be going by way of upstate New York. 👍
@@Paramoto959 cool I'm interested if available
Man this is my dream. I just brought a sportster. Im planning on taking a long trip. 👊✊👍
I'm hoping to go on another this year, let me know if you make NC I'd do a few miles with you!!
Well done, I travel on my roadster too. QUESTION, WHAT SISSY BAR DID YOU FIND THAT FITS A XL1200CX ?
Its a custom sissy bar from Edward Richie. I'll put the link below just let him know what you have and he'll make it custom for no extra charge.
www.etsy.com/listing/285792303/pointed-simple-handmade-sissy-bar-fits?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=edward+richie+sissy+bar&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
@@Paramoto959 thanks for the info, I've had a hell of a time finding one that fits with out swapping the signals out.
You did the road trip in like a day?
I did 600 or so miles in a day spent the week visiting family in Cleveland then rode back another 600 miles :)
here in 2024 seeing 91 gas for 2.80 is crazy. currently 4.60 right now in ohio.
Gawd… it hurts 😓
I agree with you my friend. Americans put far too much emphasis on how big your bike needs to be to make road trips. I think they need to spend time in other countries for a couple years find out what it's like to do everything on 300 to 400 cc's bike.
Before this channel became a thing I rode a Ninja 300 from Cleveland Ohio To NYC and back. Then 5 days later I did a round trip to DC. The smaller bikes are 100% capable.
The difference I believe comes from the interstate highway system. Especially out west it becomes better to have a big bike that buffers wind and stuff a lot better.
i am interested in one of these but my experience on a 2006 sportster custom after new seat and rear shocks still painful after 1 hour so...how did you feel after 3 days...back, butt etc.
I was fresh as a daisy 👍
Thanks so much jeez I wish I could've rode w/ ya. If riding a HD thru some beautiful AMERICAN farmland at dawn doesn't do something deeeep down to ya you need to move to Russa or North Korea.
It was amazing for sure. :)
The was excellent, so is the Sportster; but man, why did you think inflicting this worse than any other elevator music on us was not going to ruin it ? Baaad ....
Fair enough. The exhaust is quite so felt like some background music was needed. Its really expensive to get access to copyright free music. Like I $80 - $100 a month so I have to use free sourced. That'll be the last time. Promise lol.
@@Paramoto959 Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'd say your idea of secondary US roads is brilliant. Hardly anyone does it, even when reviewers try out Harley models, they use boring highways. I am from Europe but love to use back country roads when I am in the US. They are worth your attention. I'd suggest, skip the music then; there is no need to dress your videos. let the engine rumble and comment what you're seeing. Best
I see that too. Big channels like Ryan Urlacher ride the country and do it all on the highways, and I'm like why? The music is gone on the next episode don't worry lol
You need to get out more.
I do 😎
What about your back?? Being lunged over your gas tank an most of your weight on your wrist, can't be comfortable for extended periods...But the route is very nice👍
The seating position is basically standard with only a bit of forward lean.
What’s the tank capacity? 2.5-2.8?
3.5 I think
it's 3.3. It's just about 100 miles between fuel lights. Which is perfect length for breaks. My opinion at least.
I’m interested in your, how to make a good road trip. 👍👍
What would you like to know? I want to do a conclusion video and I may put some planning parts in it.
Paramoto 959 for me it’s route planning. Finding the twisters and gas stations.
I like not planning to be honest. I slide avoid highways, tolls, and just go adventure.
It’s a nice cruz.
600 miles for sure.
1st
You win. 👍
Yea Va states are ducks
Dicks *
I’ve literally never heard anything positive about them 🤏
Kill the music and talk less exiting out. You really need to tell us there is a bridge? You really need to tell us there is a, river? You are talking way too much. Exiting out
Yeah I don’t get out on the road much, it shows lol