2016 Harley Davidson Roadster Test Ride and Review XL1200CX
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- Опубліковано 13 вер 2024
- In-Depth look at the all-new Harley-Davidson Roadster. This bike was a 2016 mid-model year release. XL1200CX, this is a new motorcycle build on the Sportster Chassis that introduces some high performance features to the family. Riding Footage shot on GoPro Hero3 Black edition
This is the way a motorcycle review should be done.
EBthere check out my other reviews if you like this one.
I do not know if you still will see this but that was a great break down of this bike. Running though when people talk about Sports hers they mention beginners, and sport bike riders getting a Sportster. I just bought a 2020 Roadster in 2024 that only had 3700 miles. I have rode Harley big twins now for over 50 years! At 70 years old I no long tour on my bike and no longer needed my Ultra CVO. I know I am not ready to get a trike so bought a Sportster. I have not had as much fun in years! Great bike for older riders not ready for a Tri Glide!
Great HONEST review of the Roadster. I appreciate your dissection of the components, comparisons, and scenarios on how the power compares in real world applications. I like the emphasis on a "Rider's bike". Great job!
I'll agree with what EBthere said; this is a very well done review. Over my riding career I've researched many BMWs, Triumphs and UJMs but have never seen a better survey of any bike. It was comprehensive and impartial but knowledgeable. He said what he knew and admitted what he didn't. That's the kind of information that keeps new -- and old -- riders out of trouble.
Wish all Harley came with inverted forks and upgraded shocks
michael nelson the inverted Forks arent better than the normal ones the diference is that the inverted are more hard than the normal but they are normal forks who works way better than a inverted fork
@@abrahamleyva4692 No
It seems to combine the looks of the Nightster with the performance of the XR1200. And it's priced the same as a 48! I can't wait to test ride one. Thanks for the great review and RSMF.
You need to review every Harley!!! You are an excellent talker and I loved your review. I already have a 2017, I actually have the SAME one used for the Rolling Stones magazine shoot.
I am 5' 9" tall and the seat height and overall feel was great for me but I will be swapping out the bars for tracker style bars to give the bike a "sit up and beg" riding position which I prefer. I have a silver one due in a couple weeks. Thanks for the video.
+Mallen George Good to know about height/fit. Thanks and enjoy the bike!
Yet another informative, helpful review! Seems like they are all like that when you do em Matt. Thanks!
Just picked up that same model and color today. I think I'm in love! I've been riding my dad's fleet of Harleys my whole life. always preferred the center peg and tight handling of my sporty Hondas. This bike feels great to me and I finally get to own a Harley I really feel comfortable on. I'm 6' tall and I don't have the knee interference problem so it accommodates pretty large men. I was also very surprised by the lean angle. Haven't come close to the peg feelers and I figured it would have touched already. I just can't wait to finish my break in period and see what this beautiful machine can really do! Coming off of an 05 CBR600RR, I'm astounded with this Harley's handling. Nothing like any Harley I've ever ridden, other than it's one sexy beast
Harley Miller congrats and thank you for the comment. Yea, this bike handles extremely well. It's a fun, agile bike to ride. Enjoy man. Check out some of the cafe racer parts HD just came out with recently
I've had my Roadster 3 weeks now. i love it... I have had a problem with the rear brakes squeeling like 1960s Cadillac. Harley was nice enough to fix it under warranty. other than that it's been a fantastic 505 miles
+Christian Palacios your factory warranty lasts for 2 years. You have plenty of time. It's probably an easy adjustment or replacement of pads.
So I’m interested in the M8 Slim and watched a vid demo day ride from a dude. The same dude did a Roadster test ride and after that this vid of yours popped up.
You summed up a Roadster in less than 2 mins. Excellent stuff. These others that just jump on a bike at a demo day could learn a lot from from watching just ONE of your vids. I guess they just jump a bike with no knowledge as say how it feels to them in a controlled crawl.
Anyways another great vid from you and it was interesting to see how you would fit on a Roadster. 👍
Best bike for someone who is 5"7 5"10 ,,who enjoys all that HD has to offer without the premium price tag,,..It does Everything well including longer Distance Highway travel due to the lot more comfortable seat compared to my previous 2012 883 gunfighter solo seat ..
I wanna know where you got your helmet it's so awesome!
The larger diameter wheel gives the same affect as a higher gear
Great review Matt! I'm definitely sold on getting the Roadster for my 1st Harley.
FIRST THING ANOTHER TESTER WENT CRAZY OVER THE FRONT DULE DISK BRAKE, HOW GREAT THEY WERE
I want one of these bikes the roadster.i will put some taller bars on it .you put everything together the best ,like no other.very well put,mat.thanks.
Matt if there is anyone who could build a modern day XLCR I think you'd be the one.
Is this a good bike for a new rider? I am 6'3" and looking for something I could grow into, but in a safe and realistic way.
Yea it would be a good option especially since you have the height. It would also be something you could grow into a bit.
Thank you, such a great review. I am over 6 foot and also planned to get a roadster. Would you raise the handle bar if you have gotten the bike? and by how high would you have raised it?
Matt really needs sunglasses, always squinting 😂
My closest Harley-Davidson dealer told me that each dealer get's only one Roadster. Of course he had just sold his only one. I have a 2015 FLHP Road King Police with only 749 miles to trade. I have many serious injuries and it turns out I need a lighter bike with a lower seat as well than my Police model. I still have my 1994 Sportster 883 Deluxe and my 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750 but I am looking at the Moto Guzzi V7 Racer and the new 2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster.
From my ownership experience, Sportsters last like forever and handle real well and are not too big and heavy. That's why I'm looking at them once again. I'm tired of lubing chains and adjusting valves so again Harley-Davidson is my perfect match up.
So what's the news, is Harley limiting each dealer with only a single Roadster? That sounds like shooting one's self in the foot as far as sales goes. Hope to hear /read your reply.
I had a FLHPE too. Awesome bike. No, that's not true at all. We have gotten 4 of the Roadsters so far. The number of bikes dealers get is all dictated by the volume they sell. We are the highest volume dealer in LA County. So we get a decent amount of bikes. The Roadster is a good all around Sportster. I would definitely recommend it for the application you're looking for. Lighter agile, no chain to maintain, bullet proof motor, etc
Thanks for your reply.
About the one XL1200CX per dealer - I just knew it! The closest local dealer is not really my first choice as he's just not into good honest customer relations. Him telling me only one XL1200CX per dealer is just another nail in his coffin. Harley-Davidson being around for so many years has a few not so hot dealers but otherwise most are good and a credit to the industry.
I understand fully the impressive engineering that went into all Harley-Davidson's. I am a retired Engineer that loves all motorcycles. The hydraulic valve lifters allow for no valve adjustment ownership experience and having the engine maintaining zero valve lash on it's own is a great feature. The Gilmore steel belted final drive belt is strong and light weight (unlike a shaft drive) and lasts a very long time with only minimal adjustments over the years and of course no oiling like a chain! The Sportster Motors are stout as hell, I revved mine into the reline all the time. I have a Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagle ignition module that I installed that changed the advance curve and raised the redline. Also a Screaming Eagle air cleaner with mini velocity stack and Screaming Eagle racing mufflers. The Screaming Eagle Ignition module allowed for no more retarding the ignition advance on overrev like the stock one did in 1994.
The lower bars put you in a slight leaning forward and downward riding position and that puts more weight on the front wheel for better handling. Also by curving your spine while riding with lower bars your back can move up and down with the road and not suffer back injuries due to disk compression from impact while sitting up straight up on other bikes with higher bars. The impact injuries come from the road surface-bumps and holes etc.. It does take a while to build up your back muscles and for a few weeks you may be sore but after that it's great.
hmm, I think maybe you should be doing the reviews and not me. :)
Ha ha. If I had this Motorcycle I would spend every warm day learning the back roads where I live. How you do that is to try and hold the exact same (low) speed trough every type of road characteristic such as curves, s-curves, decreasing radious curves, up hill and down hill switchback curves and reverse camber curves. Once you have mastere holding the exact low speed you want then you know you can go faster. If you can not hold the exact low speed under all road conditions then you know you are not ready to cafe road race. You just don't have the skills yet.
After mastering the skills and the bike's handling characteristics then you can run faster and even faster eventually you can race the other brands and if you are good you and your Harley-Davidson Sportster can win.
Remember Calvin Raynorn took a stock Sportster frame and a works Harley-Davidson WR750 motor over to England in the early 1970's without factory support. Cal on his Harley-Davidson won on the Brittish home racing tracks against Englands best Norton's, Triumphs and BSA's. It's in the History books and it's here on You-Tube. Harley-Davidsons can race and win, but you need to be really good. Are YOU Good enough?
I'm turning 67 in a few day's and have nothing to prove. I would ride for Harley-Davidson against any brand on the back roads here in Tennessee.
That front end (with taller bars) on a 1200 Custom and I think I'd be a happy guy.
Hey, Matt! I just picked up a ‘17 Roadster. Lots of fun! I had a 48 before getting my other bike (FXBB), and by memory this Roadster feels like it’s geared higher than the 48, as well. I’ve not seen anyone else mention the gearing (and Harley shows no change from the 48 on their website) but my experience is the same as yours. What’s up with that? Different sprocket?
First mod should be matte black Rizoma handlebars to properly position the grips. Second mod would be stainless steel 2-1 exhaust pipe.
That would be nice.
Hey Matt. My first bike was an 06 ZX6R but only owned for about 3 months and got rid of it. Super fun but stance was too aggressive for me (it was free beggars can't be choosers). My wrists would be so sore after about 30 mins of riding. My dream is a Harley. I'm 5'8 and I really dig these Roadsters and the vintage paint on the '18 1200 Iron. Not looking for much highway driving, perhaps just need it to hit and exit or two on my commute to work. If you were in my shoes, which one would you pick?
Rode a bunch of harleys today(not the roadster) but i found the 48 to be the best and most confidence inspiring, that thing can handle, its light and agile, so im going to like the roadster even more, with the better forks, brakes
Thanks Matt, I have been looking at this bike for the very reasons you pointed out. I like the Sportsters but want better supension and comfortable ride
Hello. Did you confirm that it has taller gearing?
How tall are you? I've been eyeing this bike or a victory octane and I'm 6'1". I learned to ride on a 250cc mid-control bike and it wasn't too bad but forward controls are slightly more comfortable. I'll probably be using the bike primarily for going to work and friends houses so
I'm 6 foot 6 inches. At 6'1'' you wouldn't be too tall for the bike I don't think. Your knees would be a little higher than Ideal. Victory came out with the octane to compete with a Dyna. I would also take a look at the streetbob or the Lowrider. Harley-Davidson is a far better way to spend your dollars than a Victory. You'll have way higher pride of ownership with a Harley than an octane.
Cool beans, thanks for the quick reply. I'm definitely gonna see if I can get my hands on a roadster.
Higher pride of ownership? Sad harley owners just can't accept the fact that Victory makes a better bike. Octane to rival the Dyna? Urm its faster than a V-Rod. I don't see a single dyna winning Pikes Peak. Pls don't compare apples to oranges. Pride of ownership doesn't matter what brand you own...its how big your ego is, pffttt...sorry if the reply offends but its the truth. Peace.
+MexxFrvr how many AMA grand national champions have Victory won? You're right the Vrod wins the NHRA. You're really gonna compare how many professional races each of the males of motorcycles have won? LOL. Harley was winning dirt flat track races before Victory and Polaris even existed. Bottom line Harley is a much higher quality bike. The paint is sub par on a victory. The asthetics are hideous. No parts available. They had to pay Arlen Ness to come custom build one. They are so desperate to be cool. They literally copy every model Harley makes. I could go on forever.
These are super cool, I sat on one at my local Harley dealer.I cant figure out the mid control position though. The shifter/brake pad for yourfeet do not line up with the controls. Its very strange. Otherwise they look incredible, and I love the actual riding position, like a standard.
FYI: I just checked the specs on H-Ds website and the gears are the same as the 48.
Interesting. Thanks for the update. I think it's been awhile since I've had a 1200 sportster up on the freeway.
+zeallistic Well that's understandable... a Sportster on a guy as big as you... it probably looks like a Grom :-)
Thanks again for the upload and keep'em coming.
Haha yea, probably. I purposefully didn't have a side shot of me riding the bike on this review :).
Great that you brought up the gearing ratio as that was the first thing I noticed riding it. I am about 5' 6" and I have no problems with the height. My heel is 1" off from the ground. Did not like he handlebars so I swapped mine to 6" risers and a drag bar, you can see it in my videos. Overall best handling Sportster.
+King Kupal Wierd, I need to investigate and see if the gearing is different from the other 1200cc Sportsters.
+zeallistic I rode a 07 XLN before and the Roadster has plenty of room to go.
Good to Know
Great videos!
Ti e piaciuta?
I'm liking this bike. I guess I stumbled upon it...luckily enough. I was debating between the Iron 883 and the 1200 Custom.
which is better?
please do a review on a roadster 2018 with cafe kit thanks a lot:)
Nice video bro im looking to buy this bike but I'm 6'1 tall did you think I will be comfortable?
I'm 6'1 180 and I cant get enough of my roadster! Funniest bike I've ever owned.
How much do you spend in maintenance cost bro ?
@@andresramirez7660 Had the 1k service about a month ago. I paid about $250. But do ur homework. I had to shop around and find a dealership I felt comfortable with and wasn't tryin to rip me off.
Brian Stewart I’m a Dyna rider and if I was getting a fun performance style Sporty this would have to be it. I rode a new custom once and it was great but too small to have as my regular daily ride. I’m 5’11 and this would be a great second bike.
I rode a new Iron a few years back and it was a fun blast bike so I can only imagine this Roadster would be an iron 883 on steroids if that makes sense.
Hi Matt I’m 64 yrs old and 5ft 10 would this be a good cruising bike for me? Thank you
Are forward controls able to be put on? Couldn't find anything on the website that said it could. I would also mount higher, rearward handle bars.
I'm due to buy a new HD and torn between this and the 48. But after watching this vid, I think I'm back to preferring the 48, even though the CX has twin discs. I'll test ride both and see which one suits me best. Thanks for this vid.
Style should play a big part in your decision. If you you like the style of the 48 better then don't hesitate to let that be a main motivator.
Hey guys, i'm thinking about getting one of these. I'm 5' 8' w/ 29.5-30.5 inseam, i just tried to measure but idk how accurate it was so we'll say 30 in. I like the roadster the best out of the sportsters. Do you think I'll fit okay on it? I'm about 200 lbs so that should make it sink a little bit. Also, so far i've only ridden a suzuki TU250x. I was looking into ducati's and honda's but i'm pretty sure I want the roadster now. Definitely going to test ride it, but just wanted to know beforehand if I'm too short/inexperienced with bigger bikes. Thanks.
rick fusco rick, I’m 5’9 with the same inseam. I own a roadster, handles super well for our size. Only time height is an issue is I’m wearing flat shoes like Converse or Adidas. Wearing my boots is absolutely no issue
I have an Iron 883 with a lot of custom parts that I want to trade in for a Roadster. I'm wondering if dealership's value aftermarket parts or if it would be better to bring the bike back to stock.
Hey Matt, I'm looking at a 2nd bike. I'm 5ft 10 180 pounds. Would club style bars work on this bike? I'm thinking 10 inch Mx style maybe a different sweat that will change the ergonomics. Thanks Matt
Excellent review. Sold!
Wish Harley would bring back slipper clutches like they had on the hot rods/night rods..
They are on the touring bikes.
I want this bike so bad! I just dont know about switching to a bike without ABS.
Great review!
Great video! I’m looking at the same bike now! But I am 6,1.. am I to tall for this bike? I sat on it and got a hip cramp after 10 mins. But the dealer told me once I start riding I won’t get that cramp.. is that true? Or is he just trying to sell a bike? I’ve driven a fat bob iron 883 and a Yamaha r6 but never in long rides..
What sportster similar to this one would you recommend for a beginner ? I'm looking into getting a cafe style bike.
This sportster is pretty unique. The only other sportster that would be viable for a café racer style would be an iron 883. You'd have to change more on that bike to be the "look" though. It is, however, a less expensive bike
Hi thanks for your amazing review! I'm a 5'6 tall, wondering if should I get this bike or the 883.
It depends. If you want the bike that has more power and better performing suspension then you'll want to go Roadster. If you like the dark custom style and lower seat height and lower price point you could go with the Iron 883
+zeallistic thanks man! I reckon I'll go roadster
Enjoy....
Forget the 883 mate. You'll be wanting a 1200 in no time. Your options will be to buy another bike or get a 1200 kit . So just skip to the 1200 straight off. Everyone I've known with an 883 has done this .... even after my advise.
That mount on tank looked super annoying, I just wanted to move it out of the way. lol
Its a suction cup GoPro mount
I wish they make the 883 similar to this, maybe with slightly lower seat height. a sportster that can lean.
good video!! I'am 5'6" whats harley is better for my size? thnx brother.
I'm 6'5, is this bike to small for me? I really like the look but I feel like I'm to big for this bike.
Roadster 1200CX or Iron 883 as a 2nd bike?
Coming from a 250cc
Hi Matt, as a taller person, what mods would you make to the roadster to make it more comfortable for you? I was thinking forward controls but with the forward lean angle from the handlebars, it may be turning into a hamstring stretch. Handlebar risers?
Yea, you know with this style of bike I would probably do a higher rise handle bar. Like a moto-X bar. Something like what you'd see on a dyna right now. I don't know if forward controls on this bike is the right direction.
Hey man I'm 6'5 230 lbs, I really love the look and feel of the roadster, would having forward controls made a world of difference on your test ride? This is the major deciding factor whether or not to pull the trigger and get it.
With your size I wouldn't recommend the bike. Maybe if it was a 2nd or 3rd bike that you used strictly for certain circumstances like canyon carving. Get a Road King or street Glide.
Hey thanks for the response and advice. Ended up with a Street Bob. Put on forward controls and a Mustang seat, very happy.
BusaMan14 Nice man. It sounds like you made the right choice.
How is the ride compared to a 1200T or a 1200 custom?
I am 5’5” you think this bike will fit for me or is too big?
What’s your inseam length?
36 inch
good review, Thanks!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching
as far as city riding is it comfortable too?
Have you guys put a fairing on one of these?
Matt, Will you do a stage 4 upgrade for a sportster? Preferably a 2018. Thank you.
SCHVEDDY5
What was the first year for adjustable shocks on the sportster?
I believe 2015 for the emulsion shocks
what kind of helmet are you wearing in this video?
Simpson Outlaw Bandit.
can you post the link to buy your gloves please ?
Is it reliable?
Yea these Sportster Engines have been around for awhile. They are bullet proof.
Nice bike, I think we should pool money for a pair of sunglasses for you.
most informative excellent
Thanks ! And thanks for watching.
Wind a sport bike out to 8000 or 9000 RPM before you can have any torque...??...?? ..uumm. No. My 2017 BMW S1000 RR begs to differ. I owned a 2016 Harley Roadster prior to the BMW. The two cannot be compared. Apples to oranges. ...but I can tell you this. If you hit 8000 or 9000 RPM when accelerating on my BMW S1000 RR you will very quickly believe in god as you begin to pray. Comparing the Roadster to a sport bike is laughable. With as much money as Harley Davidson charges for their bikes I don't know how they can be so far behind technologically. It's like they try extra hard to make the motor have as little power as possible. I should have also added I love your reviews. Yours are the best and I like the way you add in the voice over later. People riding around doing a review & talking is insane to me. When riding a bike all your attention should be on "Riding The BIke". There is no margin for error like a driver of a car has.
Could someone who's 5'6 that's mature/older that has recently got his M1 license after taking the MSF course start riding a Roadster? It's the most performance oriented Harley, and overall, its a great all-arounder bike where you get the smoothness and restraint of a cruiser, yet you get the nimbleness/athletic of a slimmer sport-like bike in addition to having the fun, soulful old-school v-twin that's full of raw fun. I ifinitally wanted an iron 883, but for a couple of grand more, this seems to be a better bike along with the 1200 cc motor being more capable of handling the weight of the bike as the weights are similar to each other (the Roadster with the Iron 883). Plus, If I were to finance a bike, for only a couple grand more, this bike would most likely keep me satisfied longer. Also, if the bike is too high for me, is there a way to lower it (sorry, I don't know if it's possible as someone starting to learn motorcycles).
Just got this '16 Roadster. I'm 5'8 and it's a bit tall for me.
Where can I get that jacket?
Hi, is the roadster brake are Brembo ?
No they are not. However they are a dual piston setup that stops really nice.
Thanks, would be nice if you doing a review on a night rod special.
I'll do one on the 2017 when it comes out in a week.
oh thank you for reply all the time
Excellent review - very well done. What is the Helmet? - Coolest helmet - Seen this before but cannot identify.
JT ONEAL Thank you. Helmet is a Simpson Outlaw Bandit.
Why doesn't Harley Davidson design a double needle tac and speedometer for the sportster? Lots of sportster riders are new riders and need a tac and other riders just want one without adding another whole gauge and bracket. One gauge on the sportster looks the best. And maybe use this design on other gauges like oil pressure, volts and now even water temp! Less gauges more information!
They have them available. I know there is one that has MPH digital and the RPM tac. There are several options out there though.
Guess I haven't been paying attention than!
Matt Laidlaw Anyone that you recommend or is your Favorite Tac?
Is that Buell in the background up for grabs?
It belongs to one of our technicians. If you're interested in making an offer I can let him know. Come down if you're local.
I'm in Costa Mesa. Where are you?
Baldwin Park. Google Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson
how tall are you man?
What 18" or 19" wheel? You don't know? That put me off this review immediately.
What kinda helmet is that you’re wearing?
+Brian Olson Simpson outlaw bandit.
Love In and Out but no love in NJ! The Roadster is also pretty cool just not sure why it's so tall as most Harley's have such minimal lean. Thanks for the video.
thx
top speed????
There is noting because of you frame that would prevent you from riding that bike the way you wan to. It's not a typical Harley riding position.
What kinda range are you getting on a tank?
it's a 3.3 gallon. You'll get like 115-120 miles before you should fill up.
zeallistic thanks for the reply. That's a little disappointing. i thought the sporty 1200s got ~50mpg. I personally like a 200 mile range.
I'm probably gonna throw a swing arm bag on and put another gallon tank in there with a pump tied into the main. Problem solved, cheap and easy
Do you think its a good beginners bike for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle before
Harley goes from one extreme to the next.
Here's my suggestion. Take that taller suspension, extra disc, and proper wheels and affix them to a 1200 Custom. Then you get all the benefits AND a comfortable seating position. Make it available in either mid mount or forward mounted pegs and they're done...well almost.
I demo'd a 1200 Sporty followed by a 103 Wide Glide. The rubber mounting on the WG was vastly superior. It was smooth as silk. The Sporty vibrated almost everywhere in the rev range.
I'm 5'7" and I felt like a grasshopper on this thing. I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must have been.
I didn't feel like it vibrated bad. I do however prefer the Dyna Chassis as well
how would u compare this to the street 750 . I am a new rider and read that both are good beginner bikes
Just bought a 2016 night rod special Matt
how tall are you dude?
6’6’’
@@MattLaidlaw I'm about 6 feet, do you think there's gonna be a problem for me with the seating position and comfort?
Do you plan to review the 2018 model any time soon?
No. I’ll do the 2019 if and when it comes out. There is no difference between the 2017 and 2018
How well would a 6' tall rider fit on the Roadster?
Not very well but it can be done.
I'm 6 feet tall. It fits me very well. If you're 6ft and mostly legs your experience may differ. Well worth a test ride. I LOVE mine!
Harley Miller cool, yea at 6 feet it's a great fit
Oh look, another sportster.
its the dawsons creek dude lol
I have forward control on mine and the bars are from an Iron 883, works well, thanks for a nice video (come watch mine ;-)
I’ll check it out.
At the slightest angle he looks like harry kane
Tom Bowes or Russ Abbott?
Am i the only one here who thinks that the roadster is literally just a sport bike version of the 48 special
indeed
*Thumbs up if you're a hamburger nerd.*