I have a '17 Roadster. He's right, these are nitpicks. It's a fantastic bike. I put the Bassani 2-in-1 exhaust and a Screaming Eagle air intake on it, and it now sounds like a beast. But not an obnoxious noise maker. Jussst right. It is THE American bike for flinging down a summer country road. Heaven on wheels.
1. Footpegs make for a cramped riding position - standing or moving 2. Mirrors give a good view of your elbow 3. Postage Stamp sized seat 4. Speedo can be blocked out by the sun because of the angle 5. Anti Theft FOB system is extra
In case no one answered your question: the gear indicator not showing when you pull the clutch is normal for a Harley-Davidson. They use a unique system that is based on speed and rev to calculate gears. And no, unfortunately, there is no way to fix it.
I've been riding motorcycles since the 1970's, in those days we had no fuel gauge or gear indicator, if you don't know how much fuel you have and which gear you are in, you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. I do also bang my shins on the foot pegs, as for the gear shift lever, it is on a splined shaft, so you can remove it and lower it if it's too high for your foot. Yes H-D should have fitted the long stem mirrors on the "Roadster" to avoid your problem with the clutch lever. I've found that it's best to think ahead and find neutral when you are still moving and coming to a stop, be positive with your gear shifting, don't tickle the lever, it's strong enough to deal with a forceful boot. I do think the Sportster should have had a six speed transmission with the sixth gear as an overdrive, I'm always looking for another gear.
Sportster mid controls rock. I've had them for years I never bang my shins anymore. Also they act like a rudimentary crash bar in a skid. They hold the engine up and stops the cases getting damaged.
I don't know what you mean with the shifter. I've owned a katana, a 600rr cbr, a 1200 nightster and now a roadster. The roadster is so much fun to ride and even fun to look at it. It's comfortable to me though the seat gets a little hard after 100 miles or so. It's a beautifully simple bike with a proven engine. I'm getting 50 mpg with a fuelpak and vance and hines slip-ons. I dont really have any complaints about the bike.
The '5 Things I hate" videos are sort of just a popular thing to do on UA-cam. I agree with the seat thing, but I was just being nitpicky. None of it really bothers me that much.
I'm a completely new rider and haven't yet bought a bike - I am actually test riding a Roadster tomorrow hence stopping by here - I found your video helpful, ride it how you like to and ignore the whiners!
Ive got a fuel gauge on my roadster - its an official HD extra and worth the money if your on a longer journey and need to plan ahead for sufficient fuel when there are few gas stations.....
I just bought a 2019 roadster, finding neutral is impossible and coming from a sports bike my feet come down right wear my pegs are. I flipped the mirrors and no contact. I like how you can sit up on the seat and have a more standard ride or back on the seat and more aggressive seating. All the other nit picks are irrelevant. You should know what gear you are in and when to shift by the sound of the bike. The biggest challenge for me coming from a sports bike on the freeway. I’m used to having a forward shoulder stance leaning into the wind with knees gripped on the tank. I feel I’m getting blown around all over the place.
The pegs will bark your shins until you remember that they're there. That being said, I've ridden my 05 for almost four years and I still do it from time to time. The floor boards aren't an issue on the street glide. I don't know how gear indicators work on other bikes, but with the Harley, when you squeeze the clutch the bike isn't in gear anymore so that's why the indicator goes blank. I've gotten into the habit of glancing at it before I pull the clutch just in case I forget what gear I'm in. It'll be second nature before you know it. I hope you're enjoying it!
The way to get fuzz and dust off a motorcycle is to use distilled water in a pump up garden sprayer (get a new one) The distilled water dries without leaving spots. I have an '06 1200 Low with mid controls, and haven't had any problems with the pegs, but the do fold up if they get in the way pushing the bike around. I do wish they were a little bit more forward, but not nearly as far as the Harley forward controls. You can get a million different mirrors, including higher ones and ones that stick out farther. Harleys just don't shift as smooth as most Japanese bikes do. They've always been that way. The shifter can be adjusted. I've had a number of Japanese bikes with fuel gauges, and none of them were accurate. I still used the odometer. I've also had a couple of Japanese bikes with gear indicators. Never paid much attention to them. I don't even trust the neutral light. I've had so many neutral lights come on when the bike was still in gear. If this is your first Harley, they are different, and take some getting used to. But after getting my first Harley, and getting used to it, I swore I would never go back to Japanese bikes. And I haven't. For the first time I was actually able to have an emotional attachment to my bike. I love it, warts and all. Japanese bikes are just too over refined to be fun to ride. Harleys are very primitive and elemental, especially the Sportsters.
Gerald Scott Good info! I have gotten used to it already and I love it. I hear you on the "overly refined" statement. I like raw vehicles. This is why I traded my 'modern' car for a '69 MG Midget yesterday. Haha
Thanks for the review. I'm really lookin into this bike, only drawback is that it will set me back $30.000 in my homecountry. But I really, really like the look and it sound like it handles like a dream to.
Good video. I think some of the issues you have won't effect taller people (keep in mind I don't know how tall you are). I'm 6'4" and I've never noticed the foot peg problem. I think my legs go out wider than the pegs when I come to a stop and put my feet down. Also I've never noticed the shifter problem but I wear a size 13 shoe so I've never had a problem grabbing the shifter and yanking it up or down. I've never once hit neutral when up shifting. I never thought about a gas gauge. I just always reset my trip odometer when I fill up. My gas light comes on right about the 100 mile mark and I put 2 gallons in it. It seems their gas light is inconsistent from bike to bike if yours comes on and you put 2.5 gallons in it. I will say I hate only having a 3.3 gallon tank but any bigger would take away from the looks of the bike. I can't imagine owning a 48. Those guys must live at the gas pump. I absolutely agree with you on the shifter light. The time when you really need it is when you pull the clutch in and the number indicator disappears. Very annoying indeed. With that being said I now have 5000 miles on my bike and I always know what gear I'm in by the sound of the motor and the visual of how fast the road is going by. I never look at that indicator any more but I did when I first got the bike.
I am about 6'2", but I did notice when my 6'5" brother in law sat on it his legs did extend out beyond the pegs. I seem to be right on the threshold of that. The annoyance with the shifter probably stems from riding sport bikes all my life. The shifter is in the optimal position on those to change gears as quick as possible. Not so important on a Harley, I assume. The manual states the gas light will come on when 2.5 gallons have been used. I actually started paying attention to how much gas I put in it, and I have realized it does come on after 2 gallons are used up. It usually comes on at about 85 miles for me. It gets better every time... and I ride it pretty hard haha. My other bike has a 2.9 gallon tank, but it gets close to 80mpg! I definitely couldn't do the 48 tank. I appreciate the comment!
My coworker has this bike. He has the Vance and Hines short shots. They give the bike a major attitude. Loud is an understatement. I think they need the noise reducing baffles and they would be perfect. He also has an upgraded intake and a TTS tuner with Harley Dealer Dyno tune. The bike is fast as hell and mean sounding.
Yeah, that's that problem. I want an exhaust with better flow, but not too loud. I hear the quiet baffles for them help very little. The 1200 is a mean engine with a couple upgrades!
Revvin the 417: Get the Bassani 2-in-1 exhaust. Great sound (they don't call it the "Road Rage" for nothing) but not too loud. Then thank me. I have one on my Roadster and it is sonic heaven.
The gear shifter is higher than metric bikes. I was used to running shoes with my metric bikes and switched to a composite toe work boot on my Vrod. It helped.
I put 525 miles on my Super Glide the 1st day I had it. Broken in at high way speeds too. No problems. Yes all bikes have their ups and downs. There isn't the perfect mass produced bike out there unless you build it yourself. Even then, there isn't any tire companies that make the right size rubber I'll need for my bike. So you're stuck with, well. I loved my Super Glide but it still scraped when you went after it .Love the sound,looks, and resale value but those guys need to get them off the ground to handle better.
Don't mind the complaints, it's all good , however there is only flaw; the seat is really good looking, but it will hurt your tailbone after a 100 miles of riding. That's It! This is the best motorcycle Harley Davidson ever made!
I also have trouble with my mid mounted pegs. But I don't want to go to forward pegs because they are too far forward. As far as the peg/shifter thing and the mirrors, you can get hundreds of aftermarket pegs, shifters, and mirrors to solve those problems. My 2006 1200 Low has a 4.5 gallon tank, and no fuel gauge. I have never found motorcycle fuel gauges accurate enough to depend on. I also don't have a gear indicator. I take it you are an inexperienced rider. Once you get some experience, you'll find you don't need a gear indicator or a neutral light, and you go by the odometer to keep track of how much gas you have. One thing I noticed is that I could barely hear your bike. You need to get an aftermarket exhaust and a Power Commander ASAP. My whole reason for riding Harleys is the feel (vibrations) and that wonderful sound they make. Without the sound you might as well be on a Honda Shadow. I don't know if you can get an EFI bike to idle slow enough to get that beautiful loping idle sound, but you can make it sound like thunder when you roll open the throttle leaving a stop light.
I am actually a fairly experienced rider. I know that most of the points in this video are minuscule. (I think I say that in the beginning.) People just wanted to know some of my annoyances. And for the price, it really should come with those simple things.
I will add the fact that you can’t really see the digital speedometer during daylight and the right turn signal switch on the throttle side, but I guess that’s all sportsters (all harleys?). Even then, I really love my Roadster 😊
Seriously...,it's an old school bike... you've got an easy 100 miles on a tank with at least 30 in reserve (148 miles per tank any day ) ,.. don't need a fuel gauge if you use your mileage meter as it was designed and it's more accurate to track your miles than a tank gauge ... having put over 60K miles on a Sporty with a 3.3 gal tank, never run dry, many long road trips, top off your tank and reset your trip meter is all..... People here telling you to crank on your throttle, I think they missed the point you just got 500 miles on bike and are breaking it in per Harley D. warranty terms... Ride on.
@@Revvinthe417 Must be a fun car. I haven't put 2,000 miles on my collector car since getting my first bike in 2009. In the meantime I've done 130k miles on two wheels. Still have the Roadster?
Too small gas tank replaced with a 4.5 gallon version from a XL1200C; Cheesy factory drag pipes replaced with a Cobra 2-into-1; Out of place bobbed fender/side-mounted license plate replaced with a 48 fender and a Euro-spec license plate bracket; Too low "cafe" bars replaced with black, Street-tracker bars. Result: Near perfect motorcycle.
I have a Kawasaki W650 (Bonneville clone with mid-pegs). Have had the same issue with footpegs, so I think it is more the ergonomics of many such setups. But I prefer riding with my mid-pegs compared to my Sportster with forward controls. The others don't sound like deal breakers for me, so will take a look at this bike.
Revvin, I don't want to lay some hate on you, but seriously, you do not sound at all like a car or motorcycle person. And the gear indicator, it works fine, but it shows no gear with the clutch disengaged, because you are not in gear, that answers your question on that. Also, do the basic upgrades, you will gain around 15-20whp. Its nasty fun.
I know the gear indicator works fine... just as it was designed. I am saying it isn't the best design for it out there. They chose it because it is the cheapest type. Yes, these engines can be transformed into complete monsters. I plan on doing that in the near future.
Great video I am only at 300 Miles on my Roadster... But it is not getting the MPG I would expect... my light comes on around 90 on the Trip are you getting around the same? Neutral was easy to get to on mine at the start but not as easy anymore... and I do not have that Left mirror issue however they do not stick out far enough for me to see around myself so I will probably get the cafe bar end mirrors
The light on mine would come on around 70, now it is coming on around 85-90. The light is supposed to come on after 2.5 gallons with 0.8 left... I have found that mine comes on after 2 gallons with 1 left. If yours does the same then you are getting about 45mpg. This is fairly typical for the 1200. It will increase after you get some good oil in there. I don't know why your neutral would get harder. The mirrors actually let me see pretty great. Bar end mirrors always look great anyway!
My light comes on right about 100 miles into a tank and I put anywhere from 1.9 to 2.1 gallons in it. That averages out to about 45 to 50 mpg but I take it easy. These aren't fast machines.
Im 6k into my roadster with short shots tuner and big sucker.. ive got my fuel milage down. I can get 48 mpg if i need to. Drops as low as 35 when im on it. Hate the pegs still. Mirrors i wont flip because of visibility loss.. my biggest complaint is the front suspension.. its bad. Like really bad. If your riding rough road it beats the hell out of you.. looking into rebuilding the forks.. its also too slow for me.. would love to be able to wheelie out of first and second gear corners. Also a 140ish top speed would be nice.. i held it full pinned for minutes across a 26 mile straight in central oregon and hit 119.. stocker tires are shot.. looking into replacing those as well.
If you could cut down about 160 pounds it may just be able to wheelie out of corners. Sounds like you want a super bike though... you aren't going to make this into that. I agree, I have found the front suspension to be terrible. Maybe some heavier oil will help. I may try it. Also, short shots aren't very good for making power.
Revvin the 417 I am interested in buying a sportster, the two bikes that I am thinking about are the Iron 883 or the Roadster. I have only been on smaller bikes just under 100cc. What bike would you recommend for a beginner between the two or a smaller step before one of the above?
Lavatnt2955 get a cow Vulcan 650s. !!!! You only lose three or four thousand dollars when you're tired of it. ??? The Harley you'll lose 6 or $7,000. The cow is much much cheaper on insurance. !!!!! Lighter faster better handling better fuel mileage. !!!! If you can't work on them the maintenance cost on a Harley. ??? You'll need $2,000 and accessories to make it feel right for you. ???? If you drop a bike making a right hand turn at 15 miles an hour they're generally if you drop a bike making a right hand turn at 15 miles an hour they're generally totaled out. Now it will be double insurance on your cars and bikes. ???? You should actually have at least one solid year of riding 125cc dirt bikes off road doing some jumping and Willie's before you ever get on a street bike. !!!!!
Rick Simpson I like the idea of having a dirtbike and I agree with the one year minimum but where I live there are no dirt roads,paths or tracks. Yes the bike is cheaper but there arent any roads to drive on. Gear is expensive and its hard to find cheap gear that wont rip off your body when you fall of. Its like waring a rubber suit, no use to it. I don't really care about mpg that much but I love heavy engin noices like a Harleys bike. For me a bike chould not be fast but just fun to ride. Reading and listening to reviews made me like this bike more and more.
Lavatnt2955 I understand what you mean. !!! Are you in a state that does not have new Rider size restrictions. ???? Go take your temporary test now in my state it's a touch screen with questions and answers most finds this extremely hard to pass. ???? It's about $20 for your new driver's license for motorcycle temps. ??? They're only good for one year. !!!! Then you have to get your real operators license. Most people cannot pass that test on anything bigger than a 250cc bike. You'll have to do circles with the handlebars fully locked to the left and right and sit on the side of the bike. You'll have to be able to do figure eights handlebars fully locked left and right. Take off and give it full wide open throttle go through the gears to you hit 60 miles per hour and nail the brakes to stop before the white line. Your feet can never leave the foot pegs. You will drop the bike three or four times before you learn your slow-speed maneuverability. !!!! The best way is to sign up for a three-day Riders course it's about $175 but they Supply the motorcycle and the obstacle course it's fun as hell and it's generally done on a 250 Honda Rebel.??? You can wreck it until it's not rideable and they'll just give you another bike. !!!! You will get your operator's license before you leave. !!!! After 6 months to a year you can go back for a intermediate training course. !!! And then you can go back for advanced training courses. !!! This is all far faster and cheaper than doing it on your own or your own motorcycle. !!!
How tall are you? I never have any of the shifter problem with it being high. And when I put my feet straight down the pegs don't get in the way. I am 6' tall.
When I was riding the Dyna low S last week the disappearing gear number bugged me too. It's really annoying because when you would really need it it's off.
Thats's because the gear indicator isn't mechanical. It uses engine RPM vs MPH to calculate what gear you are in. When you pull in the clutch you lose RPMs so it can't properly calculate the gear you might be in. It's safer to just not show you the gear instead. Also since it is calculated the computer doesn't know if you are going to go up or down, so it just blanks out.
This may be the case, but HD could have made it work...I own a Roadster now and I love it, but this is one of the things that pisses me off too..My 1984 Honda had a digital gear indicator that showed the gear position at all times regardless of whether the clutch was engaged or not.
I just got an XL1200N-Nightster. The valve train is ridiculously noisy. Sounds like your Roadster has a bit of a noisy valve train too. Is yours loud? Maybe it's just how the sportster evo engine is designed/built??
ok, so when u pull the clutch in and change gears, the bike doesnt know what gear its in until u let out the clutch and actually engage the gear! which is why the gear indicator wont/cant indicate a gear until the clutch is released.
Automatic Transmissions are only on select Honda full sized motorcycles. All others use a manual transmission. If you prefer Automatics on a motorcycle get a scooter and when you ride it make sure you are wearing a tutu to match your riding style.
Just mod the shifter peg geez. Super easy. Buy another shifter peg just like the one that is on there, Then go to Fastenal and buy a longer bolt for the shifter area and double up the shifter peg and it will fall right where your foot is. I did this on my Harley Fat Bob a year ago. Problem solved.
You don't need a speedometer you don't need a tack you don't need a gas gauge you don't need a clutch. You don't ever need to go into neutral unless you're starting the bike. !!!
I guess that reason why gear shift indicator goes off when you press clutch is because there is no actual sensor checking in which gear you are - it is done by calculation - engine speed vs motorcycle speed. When you interupt connection between engine and wheels - there is no way to match them and calculate exact gear. That is will be similar to how it is done in many cars with manual transmission. For shifter - my gues is that it is simply designed to accomodate larger boot - you know - like those they sell at HD. My last gues will be about fuel gauge - it is simly question of economics - you'll need to squese some kind of sensor into this tiny fuel tank. And it won't be acurate because of tank shape. Actualy I nevere experienced serious problems because of lack of fuel gage - always fuel up full tank and use your trip odometer to count how many you did from last gas station. Knowing usual distance on full tank - this will tell you how much you have left in your tank much more acurate than usual fuel gauge.
Revvin the 417 the problem you mention w the transmission hard to find neutral and missed shifts will all be taken care of when you take her in for the 1,000mi first service. When they ship they are shipped with specialty break in fluids. At the 1st 1000mi service (that's the break in service, 1,000mi) the bike is drained bone dry and ACTUAL oil and Trans fluid is put in instead of break in fluid (your choice, synthetic or regular) and when you get her back, remeber me saying this. It will ride like a completely different animal. Then THAT'S your bike. Now it's just a hatchling. Wait till she's broken in and reevaluate. Cheers brother and enjoy the hell outta that sweet Roadster.
This is a myth. All current bikes are shipped with the same 20w-50 you'd use during an oil change. Also, there's no such thing as "trans fluid" for these engines.
I had over 100,000 mi on my 1999 1200 Harley Sportster and I never checked the back tire weel bareings and one day my back tire locked up and me and the bike hit the payment in one second was no fun manage to pick up bike and take it to the Harley shop in Vegas in which they charge me 2000 dollars to replace the tire and break celebar .the service department in Las Vegas rip me off a few times thats why I'm saving for a 900 rs Kawasaki a bike that will never let me down and handles way better and is way faster and reliable then any Harley made I know I use to drive them fast on the free way from FLa to nav .Vegas. and I have been driving bikes for over 50 years and If u want a bike that will last u the rest of your life and never let u down that u will fall in love with buy the 900 Kawasaki rs . Get sliders, windshield, heater grips, Ecu flash, back luggage to carry your goodies, and u will be ready to rock and roll. O one more thing about the Harley Sportster my cluch cable broke twice , u ever try driving a bike with out a. Clutch it's no fun , very scary. Put a fake part on your moter to stash your weed SE u at the beach in FLA were the babes are 🧝⚡💤
. *THOSE ARE SERIOUS POINTS!* *YOU WOULD THINK THE MANUFACTURE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE ATTENTIVE TO THESE OBVIOUS ISSUES, AND FOR THAT REASON ALONG WITH THE PRICE OF THE BIKE, IT'S A DEAL BREAKER FOR US, MUCH APPRECIATED:\*
my 2016 roadster is doing just great btw, gas light comes on when one gallon remaining, meaning you still have around 40 miles to empty. the new roadster is fun as fuck, reminds me of the first gen ducati monster 900, just raw, nasty, and it actually handles, accelerates, and brakes well. but you know, I didn't leave my bike stock and shitty sounding
Only thing I dont like about this bike is the Price.HD prices their bikes way higher then others.This should be 7k bike max but we know its thousands more.
old school, revvin. so you can stand up on them to go over potholes and rough spots. back in the day they did what they called trials (i think) and those dudes rode along big logs and thru creeks and over rocks and stuff. they spent most of their time standing on the pegs.
I have the roadster, flipped the mirrors, never hit the tank. Sounds like you're just complaining a lot about things you just aren't willing to either improve on in terms of riding ability, or work on in terms of doing things yourself. You can also just push the whole bar of the left mirror away and adjust the mirror accordingly so its not right on your knuckle. 13mm socket for the mirror nut.
Kyle Rooney Maybe you should rewatch. I warn that they are nitpicky things because the bike is very good... I also say many times that a few of the things are no big deal and easily fixable.
So I warn that a few of the topics are nitpicky and easily fixed (and even how they are fixed)... but then you comment pointing out the exact thing I repeatedly state in the video. Sounds like you don't have a lot going on in your life. I appreciate the view though! Thanks!
@@Revvinthe417 I had one, I actually like the Roadster better. Seems smoother and lighter. As far as power if that is your thing, the 1275 Hammer will remedy that.
cibin p george I'm getting about 38 mpg and that's with aftermarket exhaust, air breather and fp3 installation. Could get better but I'm into the throttle to much for that
Revvin the 417 it does cost some. I think it was 300 to 400 dollars. But I like it. The low fuel light doesn't always work right on mine. Just the other day it was on with a full tank.
What I am thinking is that I am not used to the bike yet. Got it a week ago only ridden it from the dealership and home basically. So I am waiting on either get different bars or different controls, will be riding more later so then I could decide
Not 'all' other Harley's have a 6 speed. Besides, that doesn't matter. I have never found myself wanting a 6th gear while riding it. Also, the street models that are sold in the US are made in Kansas City.
I agree on the pegs, the position is just terrible. I pre-ordered the new H-D rear sets that should be here at the end of the week so hopefully that will help a lot. I didn't like the stock bars so I swapped them out for some V&H bars off a XR1200 and they are perfect for me and I added some bar end mirrors that work really well. Love the bike though :)
I just cant justify over $600 for foot pegs and some linkage. I have been looking at different bar options though! Glad you like yours! I love mine too!
$600+ is a little steep but I had $300 of H-D gift cards lying around so that lessened the sting. Oh the very first think I did when I go the bike home, that I failed to mention previously, was to move the gear level down one notch, how on earth they expect you to ride with that thing up in the air is beyond me, add to that the foot peg position I have to seriously wonder who thinks those ergonomics are fine. But I do love the bike just wish I didn't have to spend a few hundred dollars to get it to where is should be right out of the showroom.
Revvin the 417 I can go ahead and answer that one for ya. Over priced , heavy and slow ! Haha. I'm slapping the shit outta my self for not getting the thruxton R
ian close a multitude of issues, but mainly because the thing is extremely underpowered and handles like crap. I consider it a heavy underpowered piece of shit.
Check out my channel at your convenience. I agree that the foot pegs could be smaller and I would replace them for sure. After riding one I think bar end mirrors would be best for that riding position and would look good on that bike. Nice video man, subscribed!
Your speedo is capable, you just need to get the kit that goes in the gas tank. I have that same setup and a fuel gauge on mine. This video is just one of my vlog's, not showcasing that gauge but you can see it. ua-cam.com/video/42jfGy7wdqo/v-deo.html
stop your moaning & mod your bike to how you want it, get some dam mirror extension tubes or just throw the mirrors away. pump your throttle some as well, ride it hard that poor Harley must think it's done something wrong to be treated so gentle!
that's how a lot of harley riders ride and it pisses me off. twist the fucking throttle and keep it open u fuckheads. I own a ultra classic and dyna low rider and im always full throttle on each bike even in city😂 people like this embarrass harleys FUCK
I'm with you on that dude, if you buy a second hand HD you can almost be sure it's never even hit the rev limiter or red lined on older models! My mate has a 883 & he never even knew there was a rev limiter on his bike! out of the two bikes which one do you prefer the ultra or the low rider? Laters..
OVERALL HARLEYS LACK INGENUITY. BANDAID FIXES FOR THINGS THAT ARE FLAWED. HAVENT LOOKED AT THEM IN YEARS BUT RECENTLY LOOKING AT THE NEW ONES. NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. WARMED OVER FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
I have a '17 Roadster. He's right, these are nitpicks. It's a fantastic bike. I put the Bassani 2-in-1 exhaust and a Screaming Eagle air intake on it, and it now sounds like a beast. But not an obnoxious noise maker. Jussst right. It is THE American bike for flinging down a summer country road. Heaven on wheels.
The Bassani pipes are supposed to be extremely loud. I am surprised!
I am comparing to straight pipes. The Bassani will not set off car alarms, etc. :-)
1. Footpegs make for a cramped riding position - standing or moving
2. Mirrors give a good view of your elbow
3. Postage Stamp sized seat
4. Speedo can be blocked out by the sun because of the angle
5. Anti Theft FOB system is extra
In case no one answered your question: the gear indicator not showing when you pull the clutch is normal for a
Harley-Davidson. They use a unique system that is based on speed and rev to calculate gears. And no, unfortunately, there is no way to fix it.
I've been riding motorcycles since the 1970's, in those days we had no fuel gauge or gear indicator, if you don't know how much fuel you have and which gear you are in, you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. I do also bang my shins on the foot pegs, as for the gear shift lever, it is on a splined shaft, so you can remove it and lower it if it's too high for your foot. Yes H-D should have fitted the long stem mirrors on the "Roadster" to avoid your problem with the clutch lever.
I've found that it's best to think ahead and find neutral when you are still moving and coming to a stop, be positive with your gear shifting, don't tickle the lever, it's strong enough to deal with a forceful boot. I do think the Sportster should have had a six speed transmission with the sixth gear as an overdrive, I'm always looking for another gear.
Sportster mid controls rock. I've had them for years I never bang my shins anymore. Also they act like a rudimentary crash bar in a skid. They hold the engine up and stops the cases getting damaged.
Yes, after a month or two I was completely used to them. At first they suck though!
How tall are you guys? Would 6ft be too tall of a rider for this bike?
I don't know what you mean with the shifter. I've owned a katana, a 600rr cbr, a 1200 nightster and now a roadster. The roadster is so much fun to ride and even fun to look at it. It's comfortable to me though the seat gets a little hard after 100 miles or so. It's a beautifully simple bike with a proven engine. I'm getting 50 mpg with a fuelpak and vance and hines slip-ons. I dont really have any complaints about the bike.
The '5 Things I hate" videos are sort of just a popular thing to do on UA-cam. I agree with the seat thing, but I was just being nitpicky. None of it really bothers me that much.
Do you still have the bike?
I'm a completely new rider and haven't yet bought a bike - I am actually test riding a Roadster tomorrow hence stopping by here - I found your video helpful, ride it how you like to and ignore the whiners!
Ive got a fuel gauge on my roadster - its an official HD extra and worth the money if your on a longer journey and need to plan ahead for sufficient fuel when there are few gas stations.....
Is it a separate gauge? On the fuel cap? Do you have the part number?
www.harley-davidson.com/store/sportster-fuel-gauge-kit
I just bought a 2019 roadster, finding neutral is impossible and coming from a sports bike my feet come down right wear my pegs are. I flipped the mirrors and no contact. I like how you can sit up on the seat and have a more standard ride or back on the seat and more aggressive seating. All the other nit picks are irrelevant. You should know what gear you are in and when to shift by the sound of the bike.
The biggest challenge for me coming from a sports bike on the freeway. I’m used to having a forward shoulder stance leaning into the wind with knees gripped on the tank. I feel I’m getting blown around all over the place.
For the price, the tech should be better.
I know what you mean. Some how the roadster is bad with wind. My XR1200 isn't even as bad.
Sportster philosophy: less is more, ride by instinct, not by lights. Take those factory reflectors off at least. P.S.- Rip that throttle!
The pegs will bark your shins until you remember that they're there. That being said, I've ridden my 05 for almost four years and I still do it from time to time. The floor boards aren't an issue on the street glide. I don't know how gear indicators work on other bikes, but with the Harley, when you squeeze the clutch the bike isn't in gear anymore so that's why the indicator goes blank. I've gotten into the habit of glancing at it before I pull the clutch just in case I forget what gear I'm in. It'll be second nature before you know it. I hope you're enjoying it!
I actually found myself taking a look at the indicator before pulling the clutch all day today.
I appreciate the comment! I am very much enjoying it!
You've got it then, buddy! At 500 miles, you're just getting acquainted. Wouldn't mind having one in my garage, but the two I have would be jealous.
Haha, they would be!
I look forward to many, many more miles on this sucker.
The way to get fuzz and dust off a motorcycle is to use distilled water in a pump up garden sprayer (get a new one) The distilled water dries without leaving spots. I have an '06 1200 Low with mid controls, and haven't had any problems with the pegs, but the do fold up if they get in the way pushing the bike around. I do wish they were a little bit more forward, but not nearly as far as the Harley forward controls. You can get a million different mirrors, including higher ones and ones that stick out farther. Harleys just don't shift as smooth as most Japanese bikes do. They've always been that way. The shifter can be adjusted. I've had a number of Japanese bikes with fuel gauges, and none of them were accurate. I still used the odometer. I've also had a couple of Japanese bikes with gear indicators. Never paid much attention to them. I don't even trust the neutral light. I've had so many neutral lights come on when the bike was still in gear. If this is your first Harley, they are different, and take some getting used to. But after getting my first Harley, and getting used to it, I swore I would never go back to Japanese bikes. And I haven't. For the first time I was actually able to have an emotional attachment to my bike. I love it, warts and all. Japanese bikes are just too over refined to be fun to ride. Harleys are very primitive and elemental, especially the Sportsters.
Gerald Scott Good info! I have gotten used to it already and I love it. I hear you on the "overly refined" statement. I like raw vehicles. This is why I traded my 'modern' car for a '69 MG Midget yesterday. Haha
Thanks for the review. I'm really lookin into this bike, only drawback is that it will set me back $30.000 in my homecountry. But I really, really like the look and it sound like it handles like a dream to.
Gee how has everyone been changing gears all these years without a gear number being shown ......
HarHar
Good video. I think some of the issues you have won't effect taller people (keep in mind I don't know how tall you are). I'm 6'4" and I've never noticed the foot peg problem. I think my legs go out wider than the pegs when I come to a stop and put my feet down. Also I've never noticed the shifter problem but I wear a size 13 shoe so I've never had a problem grabbing the shifter and yanking it up or down. I've never once hit neutral when up shifting. I never thought about a gas gauge. I just always reset my trip odometer when I fill up. My gas light comes on right about the 100 mile mark and I put 2 gallons in it. It seems their gas light is inconsistent from bike to bike if yours comes on and you put 2.5 gallons in it. I will say I hate only having a 3.3 gallon tank but any bigger would take away from the looks of the bike. I can't imagine owning a 48. Those guys must live at the gas pump. I absolutely agree with you on the shifter light. The time when you really need it is when you pull the clutch in and the number indicator disappears. Very annoying indeed. With that being said I now have 5000 miles on my bike and I always know what gear I'm in by the sound of the motor and the visual of how fast the road is going by. I never look at that indicator any more but I did when I first got the bike.
I am about 6'2", but I did notice when my 6'5" brother in law sat on it his legs did extend out beyond the pegs. I seem to be right on the threshold of that.
The annoyance with the shifter probably stems from riding sport bikes all my life. The shifter is in the optimal position on those to change gears as quick as possible. Not so important on a Harley, I assume.
The manual states the gas light will come on when 2.5 gallons have been used. I actually started paying attention to how much gas I put in it, and I have realized it does come on after 2 gallons are used up. It usually comes on at about 85 miles for me. It gets better every time... and I ride it pretty hard haha. My other bike has a 2.9 gallon tank, but it gets close to 80mpg! I definitely couldn't do the 48 tank.
I appreciate the comment!
My coworker has this bike. He has the Vance and Hines short shots. They give the bike a major attitude. Loud is an understatement. I think they need the noise reducing baffles and they would be perfect. He also has an upgraded intake and a TTS tuner with Harley Dealer Dyno tune. The bike is fast as hell and mean sounding.
Yeah, that's that problem. I want an exhaust with better flow, but not too loud. I hear the quiet baffles for them help very little.
The 1200 is a mean engine with a couple upgrades!
Revvin the 417: Get the Bassani 2-in-1 exhaust. Great sound (they don't call it the "Road Rage" for nothing) but not too loud. Then thank me. I have one on my Roadster and it is sonic heaven.
The gear shifter is higher than metric bikes. I was used to running shoes with my metric bikes and switched to a composite toe work boot on my Vrod. It helped.
Vrod, very nice.
I find myself only wearing boots when I ride now also.
I put 525 miles on my Super Glide the 1st day I had it. Broken in at high way speeds too. No problems. Yes all bikes have their ups and downs. There isn't the perfect mass produced bike out there unless you build it yourself. Even then, there isn't any tire companies that make the right size rubber I'll need for my bike. So you're stuck with, well. I loved my Super Glide but it still scraped when you went after it .Love the sound,looks, and resale value but those guys need to get them off the ground to handle better.
Just ride and enjoy life's too short .
Don't mind the complaints, it's all good , however there is only flaw; the seat is really good looking, but it will hurt your tailbone after a 100 miles of riding. That's It!
This is the best motorcycle Harley Davidson ever made!
I also have trouble with my mid mounted pegs. But I don't want to go to forward pegs because they are too far forward. As far as the peg/shifter thing and the mirrors, you can get hundreds of aftermarket pegs, shifters, and mirrors to solve those problems. My 2006 1200 Low has a 4.5 gallon tank, and no fuel gauge. I have never found motorcycle fuel gauges accurate enough to depend on. I also don't have a gear indicator. I take it you are an inexperienced rider. Once you get some experience, you'll find you don't need a gear indicator or a neutral light, and you go by the odometer to keep track of how much gas you have. One thing I noticed is that I could barely hear your bike. You need to get an aftermarket exhaust and a Power Commander ASAP. My whole reason for riding Harleys is the feel (vibrations) and that wonderful sound they make. Without the sound you might as well be on a Honda Shadow. I don't know if you can get an EFI bike to idle slow enough to get that beautiful loping idle sound, but you can make it sound like thunder when you roll open the throttle leaving a stop light.
I am actually a fairly experienced rider. I know that most of the points in this video are minuscule. (I think I say that in the beginning.) People just wanted to know some of my annoyances. And for the price, it really should come with those simple things.
I will add the fact that you can’t really see the digital speedometer during daylight and the right turn signal switch on the throttle side, but I guess that’s all sportsters (all harleys?). Even then, I really love my Roadster 😊
You can upgrade components when they go bad ...but this bike is worth the long-term investment
Seriously...,it's an old school bike... you've got an easy 100 miles on a tank with at least 30 in reserve (148 miles per tank any day ) ,.. don't need a fuel gauge if you use your mileage meter as it was designed and it's more accurate to track your miles than a tank gauge ... having put over 60K miles on a Sporty with a 3.3 gal tank, never run dry, many long road trips, top off your tank and reset your trip meter is all..... People here telling you to crank on your throttle, I think they missed the point you just got 500 miles on bike and are breaking it in per Harley D. warranty terms... Ride on.
The gear indicator is a calculation of engine speed and mph. If clutch is in engine speed and
mph do not equal any of the gear ratios.
Yes, they should have gone with a better system. I imagine this way is cheaper, and that is why they do it.
Back when I had a '91 1200 with peanut tank the odometer was the fuel gauge after about 80 miles you stop for gas
Funny that they are still like that all these years later.
How does it take anyone a month to get 500 miles on a new bike? That's what the first weekend is for.
Well, when you have fun cars too...
@@Revvinthe417 Must be a fun car. I haven't put 2,000 miles on my collector car since getting my first bike in 2009. In the meantime I've done 130k miles on two wheels. Still have the Roadster?
Foot pegs should be Aftermarket one to remedy that problem .
Too small gas tank replaced with a 4.5 gallon version from a XL1200C; Cheesy factory drag pipes replaced with a Cobra 2-into-1; Out of place bobbed fender/side-mounted license plate replaced with a 48 fender and a Euro-spec license plate bracket; Too low "cafe" bars replaced with black, Street-tracker bars. Result: Near perfect motorcycle.
Tries to keep a Harley clean.
you wot m8 ?
I've since given up.
Its easy, I just wash them twice a year, actually my 05 is looking nasty, the 16 isn't so bad
I have a Kawasaki W650 (Bonneville clone with mid-pegs). Have had the same issue with footpegs, so I think it is more the ergonomics of many such setups. But I prefer riding with my mid-pegs compared to my Sportster with forward controls. The others don't sound like deal breakers for me, so will take a look at this bike.
Revvin, I don't want to lay some hate on you, but seriously, you do not sound at all like a car or motorcycle person. And the gear indicator, it works fine, but it shows no gear with the clutch disengaged, because you are not in gear, that answers your question on that. Also, do the basic upgrades, you will gain around 15-20whp. Its nasty fun.
I know the gear indicator works fine... just as it was designed. I am saying it isn't the best design for it out there. They chose it because it is the cheapest type.
Yes, these engines can be transformed into complete monsters. I plan on doing that in the near future.
Great video I am only at 300 Miles on my Roadster... But it is not getting the MPG I would expect... my light comes on around 90 on the Trip are you getting around the same? Neutral was easy to get to on mine at the start but not as easy anymore... and I do not have that Left mirror issue however they do not stick out far enough for me to see around myself so I will probably get the cafe bar end mirrors
The light on mine would come on around 70, now it is coming on around 85-90. The light is supposed to come on after 2.5 gallons with 0.8 left... I have found that mine comes on after 2 gallons with 1 left. If yours does the same then you are getting about 45mpg. This is fairly typical for the 1200. It will increase after you get some good oil in there.
I don't know why your neutral would get harder. The mirrors actually let me see pretty great.
Bar end mirrors always look great anyway!
My light comes on right about 100 miles into a tank and I put anywhere from 1.9 to 2.1 gallons in it. That averages out to about 45 to 50 mpg but I take it easy. These aren't fast machines.
Damn! My light is coming on right about 70-75 miles.
I also have a 17. I hate how the bezel on the speedo reflects sunlight, blinding glare driving east-west.
Im 6k into my roadster with short shots tuner and big sucker.. ive got my fuel milage down. I can get 48 mpg if i need to. Drops as low as 35 when im on it. Hate the pegs still. Mirrors i wont flip because of visibility loss.. my biggest complaint is the front suspension.. its bad. Like really bad. If your riding rough road it beats the hell out of you.. looking into rebuilding the forks.. its also too slow for me.. would love to be able to wheelie out of first and second gear corners. Also a 140ish top speed would be nice.. i held it full pinned for minutes across a 26 mile straight in central oregon and hit 119.. stocker tires are shot.. looking into replacing those as well.
If you could cut down about 160 pounds it may just be able to wheelie out of corners. Sounds like you want a super bike though... you aren't going to make this into that.
I agree, I have found the front suspension to be terrible. Maybe some heavier oil will help. I may try it.
Also, short shots aren't very good for making power.
Revvin the 417 I am interested in buying a sportster, the two bikes that I am thinking about are the Iron 883 or the Roadster. I have only been on smaller bikes just under 100cc. What bike would you recommend for a beginner between the two or a smaller step before one of the above?
Lavatnt2955 get a cow Vulcan 650s. !!!! You only lose three or four thousand dollars when you're tired of it. ??? The Harley you'll lose 6 or $7,000. The cow is much much cheaper on insurance. !!!!! Lighter faster better handling better fuel mileage. !!!! If you can't work on them the maintenance cost on a Harley. ??? You'll need $2,000 and accessories to make it feel right for you. ???? If you drop a bike making a right hand turn at 15 miles an hour they're generally if you drop a bike making a right hand turn at 15 miles an hour they're generally totaled out. Now it will be double insurance on your cars and bikes. ???? You should actually have at least one solid year of riding 125cc dirt bikes off road doing some jumping and Willie's before you ever get on a street bike. !!!!!
Rick Simpson I like the idea of having a dirtbike and I agree with the one year minimum but where I live there are no dirt roads,paths or tracks. Yes the bike is cheaper but there arent any roads to drive on. Gear is expensive and its hard to find cheap gear that wont rip off your body when you fall of. Its like waring a rubber suit, no use to it.
I don't really care about mpg that much but I love heavy engin noices like a Harleys bike.
For me a bike chould not be fast but just fun to ride. Reading and listening to reviews made me like this bike more and more.
Lavatnt2955 I understand what you mean. !!! Are you in a state that does not have new Rider size restrictions. ???? Go take your temporary test now in my state it's a touch screen with questions and answers most finds this extremely hard to pass. ???? It's about $20 for your new driver's license for motorcycle temps. ??? They're only good for one year. !!!! Then you have to get your real operators license. Most people cannot pass that test on anything bigger than a 250cc bike. You'll have to do circles with the handlebars fully locked to the left and right and sit on the side of the bike. You'll have to be able to do figure eights handlebars fully locked left and right. Take off and give it full wide open throttle go through the gears to you hit 60 miles per hour and nail the brakes to stop before the white line. Your feet can never leave the foot pegs. You will drop the bike three or four times before you learn your slow-speed maneuverability. !!!! The best way is to sign up for a three-day Riders course it's about $175 but they Supply the motorcycle and the obstacle course it's fun as hell and it's generally done on a 250 Honda Rebel.??? You can wreck it until it's not rideable and they'll just give you another bike. !!!! You will get your operator's license before you leave. !!!! After 6 months to a year you can go back for a intermediate training course. !!! And then you can go back for advanced training courses. !!! This is all far faster and cheaper than doing it on your own or your own motorcycle. !!!
My 05 VMAX never fails to put smiles on my face, !,and I have owned many Harleys in the past.
How tall are you? I never have any of the shifter problem with it being high. And when I put my feet straight down the pegs don't get in the way. I am 6' tall.
Triumph (my) Bonneville doesn't have a Fuel gauge either, neither did the Buell Ulysses.
When I was riding the Dyna low S last week the disappearing gear number bugged me too. It's really annoying because when you would really need it it's off.
At least my Harley isn't the only one they do it on... but yes, it is very annoying.
Still it's a nice feature to have. I've never had a bike with a gear indicator.
Thats's because the gear indicator isn't mechanical. It uses engine RPM vs MPH to calculate what gear you are in. When you pull in the clutch you lose RPMs so it can't properly calculate the gear you might be in. It's safer to just not show you the gear instead. Also since it is calculated the computer doesn't know if you are going to go up or down, so it just blanks out.
This may be the case, but HD could have made it work...I own a Roadster now and I love it, but this is one of the things that pisses me off too..My 1984 Honda had a digital gear indicator that showed the gear position at all times regardless of whether the clutch was engaged or not.
Yep, it's the only brand I have ever seen with a disappearing gear indicator.
Are you still making HD content?
I just got an XL1200N-Nightster. The valve train is ridiculously noisy. Sounds like your Roadster has a bit of a noisy valve train too. Is yours loud? Maybe it's just how the sportster evo engine is designed/built??
All Sportsters I have ever been on are like that. It is just how they are made.
ok, so when u pull the clutch in and change gears, the bike doesnt know what gear its in until u let out the clutch and actually engage the gear! which is why the gear indicator wont/cant indicate a gear until the clutch is released.
Yes, but there are designs that allow for that.
You're ridding that thing like it's a 80cc scooter, but hey, at least you're ridding! Good info though, thanks.
its spelled "riding" (dont know how you managed to misspell that twice)
what made you choose this over the thruxton? i'm facing the same dilemma.
I like the more raw feel of the harley over the smoothness of the thruxton.
the footpeg- gear lever thing is archaic ... 21st century here HD ....
Automatic Transmissions are only on select Honda full sized motorcycles. All others use a manual transmission. If you prefer Automatics on a motorcycle get a scooter and when you ride it make sure you are wearing a tutu to match your riding style.
Just mod the shifter peg geez. Super easy. Buy another shifter peg just like the one that is on there, Then go to Fastenal and buy a longer bolt for the shifter area and double up the shifter peg and it will fall right where your foot is. I did this on my Harley Fat Bob a year ago. Problem solved.
I did say that most of the complaints were easy fixes. I just haven't had time.
I will look into that method. Thanks for the suggestion.
Foot pegs are a deal killer for me, too many bikes out there to put up with that.
You don't need a speedometer you don't need a tack you don't need a gas gauge you don't need a clutch. You don't ever need to go into neutral unless you're starting the bike. !!!
Do you walk?
Go with Bar End Mirrors.. I hated them at first, But I would put them on my next Bike.
I guess that reason why gear shift indicator goes off when you press clutch is because there is no actual sensor checking in which gear you are - it is done by calculation - engine speed vs motorcycle speed. When you interupt connection between engine and wheels - there is no way to match them and calculate exact gear. That is will be similar to how it is done in many cars with manual transmission.
For shifter - my gues is that it is simply designed to accomodate larger boot - you know - like those they sell at HD.
My last gues will be about fuel gauge - it is simly question of economics - you'll need to squese some kind of sensor into this tiny fuel tank. And it won't be acurate because of tank shape. Actualy I nevere experienced serious problems because of lack of fuel gage - always fuel up full tank and use your trip odometer to count how many you did from last gas station. Knowing usual distance on full tank - this will tell you how much you have left in your tank much more acurate than usual fuel gauge.
MrQqshonok I believe you are correct on all those. I thought the fuel gage thing would bother me, but it really doesnt.
Revvin the 417 the problem you mention w the transmission hard to find neutral and missed shifts will all be taken care of when you take her in for the 1,000mi first service. When they ship they are shipped with specialty break in fluids. At the 1st 1000mi service (that's the break in service, 1,000mi) the bike is drained bone dry and ACTUAL oil and Trans fluid is put in instead of break in fluid (your choice, synthetic or regular) and when you get her back, remeber me saying this. It will ride like a completely different animal. Then THAT'S your bike. Now it's just a hatchling. Wait till she's broken in and reevaluate. Cheers brother and enjoy the hell outta that sweet Roadster.
This is a myth. All current bikes are shipped with the same 20w-50 you'd use during an oil change. Also, there's no such thing as "trans fluid" for these engines.
I had over 100,000 mi on my 1999
1200 Harley Sportster and I never checked the back tire weel bareings and one day my back tire locked up and me and the bike hit the payment in one second was no fun manage to pick up bike and take it to the Harley shop in Vegas in which they charge me 2000 dollars to replace the tire and break celebar .the service department in Las Vegas rip me off a few times thats why I'm saving for a 900 rs Kawasaki a bike that will never let me down and handles way better and is way faster and reliable then any Harley made I know I use to drive them fast on the free way from FLa to nav .Vegas. and I have been driving bikes for over 50 years and
If u want a bike that will last u the rest of your life and never let u down that u will fall in love with buy the 900 Kawasaki rs . Get sliders, windshield, heater grips,
Ecu flash, back luggage to carry your goodies, and u will be ready to rock and roll. O one more thing about the Harley Sportster my cluch cable broke twice , u ever try driving a bike with out a. Clutch it's no fun , very scary. Put a fake part on your moter to stash your weed SE u at the beach in FLA were the babes are 🧝⚡💤
.
*THOSE ARE SERIOUS POINTS!* *YOU WOULD THINK THE MANUFACTURE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE ATTENTIVE TO THESE OBVIOUS ISSUES, AND FOR THAT REASON ALONG WITH THE PRICE OF THE BIKE, IT'S A DEAL BREAKER FOR US, MUCH APPRECIATED:\*
my 2016 roadster is doing just great btw, gas light comes on when one gallon remaining, meaning you still have around 40 miles to empty. the new roadster is fun as fuck, reminds me of the first gen ducati monster 900, just raw, nasty, and it actually handles, accelerates, and brakes well. but you know, I didn't leave my bike stock and shitty sounding
Exposing the bal bla is to whom my comments are directed.
What gloves are you wearing? Thanks
Only thing I dont like about this bike is the Price.HD prices their bikes way higher then others.This should be 7k bike max but we know its thousands more.
I agree.
What about clutch!? Is it smooth with fingers
It is a Harley... so no haha.
Just rename the video to SPORTSER problems. Really generic issues that every sportster rider encounters.
Slow Bro right? Either ride it trade it or upgrade it
i grew up with mid controls and hate forward and rear controls. go figure.
I hate front. Rear is best for me. These mids have grown on me a great deal.
old school, revvin. so you can stand up on them to go over potholes and rough spots. back in the day they did what they called trials (i think) and those dudes rode along big logs and thru creeks and over rocks and stuff. they spent most of their time standing on the pegs.
For the mirror just rotate the mirror stock a little.
I have the roadster, flipped the mirrors, never hit the tank. Sounds like you're just complaining a lot about things you just aren't willing to either improve on in terms of riding ability, or work on in terms of doing things yourself. You can also just push the whole bar of the left mirror away and adjust the mirror accordingly so its not right on your knuckle. 13mm socket for the mirror nut.
Kyle Rooney Maybe you should rewatch. I warn that they are nitpicky things because the bike is very good... I also say many times that a few of the things are no big deal and easily fixable.
No no i heard that, trust me i dont want to watch again. Maybe you should re-read, i said what it sounds like.
So I warn that a few of the topics are nitpicky and easily fixed (and even how they are fixed)... but then you comment pointing out the exact thing I repeatedly state in the video. Sounds like you don't have a lot going on in your life.
I appreciate the view though!
Thanks!
Nobody likes oem bikes, that is just a clean canvas. You wouldnt believe how turned out my cheap iron883.
I have a hard time spending money on modifications. I am sort of a purist.
I think this guy is a vespa rider?
On Harley’s you basically have to man spread to avoid the pegs so you can piss off feminists
You traded the Roadster for a XR?
Not quite, but I did get rid of the Roadster and I eventually got an XR.
@@Revvinthe417 I had one, I actually like the Roadster better. Seems smoother and lighter. As far as power if that is your thing, the 1275 Hammer will remedy that.
I've never ridden a bike before and I'm thinking of making this one my first.. any word?
AzulionMasta I think it could be a good first bike... As long as you don't care about weight.
Get a delivery bicycle my good man
Can anybody tell me how much mileage does the roadster 2k17 gives pls
cibin p george I'm getting about 38 mpg and that's with aftermarket exhaust, air breather and fp3 installation. Could get better but I'm into the throttle to much for that
I had a fuel gauge added to my Sportster. Look into it.
I have looked at it. I don't know if I care to spend the money for it though.
Revvin the 417 it does cost some. I think it was 300 to 400 dollars. But I like it. The low fuel light doesn't always work right on mine. Just the other day it was on with a full tank.
just shake the tank!
You already have the gauge, just need the sensor (61200008). Still about $140 from Harley though :/
Are you certain on that? This is the first I've heard of this.
This video should be renamed to; "when sportsbike user tries to ride a harley".
oooo, good suggestion.
Lol rc390 is not a sport bike.. it’s like a power wheels from walmart. Zx10 or an r6 is a sports bike
I fold the pegs up when i walk it around...
Bonneville doesn't have a Gear indicator.
Fuel Guage? Why not just use the trip meter and fill up at so many miles each time.
That's what happens.
How do you like those bars?
I like them a lot. I have been considering getting some that are lower though.
I'm not sure about lower bars, being 6 feet tall my knees and elbows are very close to each other
That's odd, I am about 6'2" and I am just fine on it.
What I am thinking is that I am not used to the bike yet. Got it a week ago only ridden it from the dealership and home basically. So I am waiting on either get different bars or different controls, will be riding more later so then I could decide
And of course the clip on or lower bars definitely look better
mirrors shouldnt hit if flipped i have drag bars on my 2010 iron and flipped mirrors. buy some rearsets.
Good to know! I will buy rearsets when they are a reasonable price haha.
what gloves are those?
amzn.to/2tOyltc
I have a review coming up for them. Awesome for the price.
thank you!!
Play this in 1.5x so you get rid of the CLEAR EYES guy droll
Hmmm, I like my 2019 Roadster better than my 2016 Breakout
Well yeah! That's understandable.
HOW ABOUT THE FACT THAT IT'S ONLY A 5 SPEED. WHILE ALL OTHER HARLEYS ARE 6 SPEEDS. EVEN THAT ONE MADE IN INDIA THE 750 STREET IS A 6 SPEED.
Not 'all' other Harley's have a 6 speed. Besides, that doesn't matter. I have never found myself wanting a 6th gear while riding it.
Also, the street models that are sold in the US are made in Kansas City.
my mates old pan is a 4 speed, it's 70 years old & still smokes lots of Harleys!
You have a great bike there.... love my sportsters
I appreciate it! Check out my XR1200 in my more recent videos.
I agree on the pegs, the position is just terrible. I pre-ordered the new H-D rear sets that should be here at the end of the week so hopefully that will help a lot. I didn't like the stock bars so I swapped them out for some V&H bars off a XR1200 and they are perfect for me and I added some bar end mirrors that work really well. Love the bike though :)
I just cant justify over $600 for foot pegs and some linkage. I have been looking at different bar options though!
Glad you like yours! I love mine too!
$600+ is a little steep but I had $300 of H-D gift cards lying around so that lessened the sting. Oh the very first think I did when I go the bike home, that I failed to mention previously, was to move the gear level down one notch, how on earth they expect you to ride with that thing up in the air is beyond me, add to that the foot peg position I have to seriously wonder who thinks those ergonomics are fine. But I do love the bike just wish I didn't have to spend a few hundred dollars to get it to where is should be right out of the showroom.
Haha, that definitely cuts the wallet hurt a little bit.
My bike has no gear indicator. I know wich gear its in cause i know the sound it makes at wich speed. And downgearing wel... I count.
Great looking bike!
Thanks!
Go with the cafe racer kit man....
Too expensive for what it is. Harley is ridiculous.
I agree... I'll never own another 1 myself.
jcyoho31 Depending on the specs of their 2020 street fighter, I may have to grab that one.
Revvin the 417 I can go ahead and answer that one for ya. Over priced , heavy and slow ! Haha. I'm slapping the shit outta my self for not getting the thruxton R
Please record your vlogs when the sun is not reflected directly to camera in a side mirror
I will consider it.
Stop refining your bikes so that an 11 yr old girl can handle them, and where the fuc has a chain drive gone!
Sold mine after 3 months!
ian close a multitude of issues, but mainly because the thing is extremely underpowered and handles like crap. I consider it a heavy underpowered piece of shit.
Check out my channel at your convenience.
I agree that the foot pegs could be smaller and I would replace them for sure.
After riding one I think bar end mirrors would be best for that riding position and would look good on that bike.
Nice video man, subscribed!
I will do that!
Appreciate it!
Your speedo is capable, you just need to get the kit that goes in the gas tank. I have that same setup and a fuel gauge on mine. This video is just one of my vlog's, not showcasing that gauge but you can see it. ua-cam.com/video/42jfGy7wdqo/v-deo.html
Is it in the upper left corner of the display?
of the digital part, did you watch my video, just scroll through through till you see a spot that shows the speedo.
you can kinda see it in this part ua-cam.com/video/42jfGy7wdqo/v-deo.htmlm24s
AMAZING HOW A NAME CAN ENDURE.
stop your moaning & mod your bike to how you want it, get some dam mirror extension tubes or just throw the mirrors away.
pump your throttle some as well, ride it hard that poor Harley must think it's done something wrong to be treated so gentle!
Hey, good advice.
that's how a lot of harley riders ride and it pisses me off. twist the fucking throttle and keep it open u fuckheads. I own a ultra classic and dyna low rider and im always full throttle on each bike even in city😂 people like this embarrass harleys FUCK
I'm with you on that dude, if you buy a second hand HD you can almost be sure it's never even hit the rev limiter or red lined on older models! My mate has a 883 & he never even knew there was a rev limiter on his bike! out of the two bikes which one do you prefer the ultra or the low rider?
Laters..
That was some good advice.
@@jameswise7656 Hey, nothing wrong with riding sensibly, it keeps the cops out of your hair.
No fuel gauge? Wtf?
I have the same bike and put 883 pegs on the bike it is much better.
Good idea.
OVERALL HARLEYS LACK INGENUITY. BANDAID FIXES FOR THINGS THAT ARE FLAWED. HAVENT LOOKED AT THEM IN YEARS BUT RECENTLY LOOKING AT THE NEW ONES. NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. WARMED OVER FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
What the f has he got on them shoes ??????????????
Yeah I hate some new Harley-Davidson’s
Jesus can someone post a list of his 5 things he doesnt like.
michael swope Jesus! Maybe so!
Foot pegs are perfect for people under 5'10".
I have yamaha no faults its great
Shift up taller going to 2nd
Just get yourself a mountain bike
Hey, good idea. It would be lighter... and probably faster. haha!
About that left mirror. Torch it bend it. Problem solved.