Here’s the thing, a lot of people say the sportster is not a long distance bike. I bought mine used, already customized and had a comfortable seat. The very first day just riding around the city and hitting the outskirts of town I put 300 miles on it. Had to fill the tank a couple times. Every chance I got I was on the bike just cruising around. In six months I already put 5000 on the bike. I took mine on a 225 mile poker run. That was the ultimate test for a beginner. I really enjoyed the ride and the scenery
@@firstname745 I've learned to accept the hardships of the trip because a couple years later, yeah i totally enjoyed it. So much I'm never doing that alone again haha
Hell yeah, you can ride long distance on a Sporty! I rode Route 66 4500 miles in late 2018. All on the 883. Tons of videos on it on my channel. Damn fun bike to ride for long distance adventures! Great video, dude.
I've put nearly 200,000 miles on Sportsters. They're my go to touring bike. Once set up properly , 500-600 mile days are no problem. The 1200 Sportys get 45-55 mpg which is a big plus. Being able to count on a 150 mile range even from the tiny tank is a big plus imo. I now have a 2019 Iron 1200 and have done multiple 400-500 mile days and it's been great!
@@DirtHero75 The setup on my Iron 1200 is a Saddlemen Explorer seat, 6.5 inch rise bars vs the rather tall mini apes that came on it , and biggest improvement which was to give the bike a bit of suspension travel. Forks are 2.25" longer than stock , using Works Performance cartridges. Rear is just a set of height adjustable Drag Specialties shocks set to 13.5", which are actually pretty shocks which has surprised me. I have pics on my Instagram @motopossum
I’ve ridden from LA to Las Vegas on my forty eight special, I have zero complaints about the ride, smooth, comfortable. Of course the only issue was my 2.2 gallon tank lol I stopped at every gas station I passed but it gave me a chance to stretch my legs and have a stogy 👍🏼
I’d say people who buy a bike based on what other people will think of them are the true weak willed. Congrats, you are def cooler and tougher because you “USED” to ride a hardtail a few times a year. So did you make more friends and have people telling you how cool you were all the time on that hardtail? That’s probably why you had it and don’t have it anymore cuz you got to that age you realized being cool sometimes just ain’t worth it. I ride my shit everyday it’s not raining because I love to ride more than I worry about impressing others. I’ll upgrade my shit to how I want and Then get a bigger bike maybe. But til then I’ll be on my Sportster and you’ll be on.... what you ride now???!
I've got an '05 883 and I'd regularly ride 200 mile trips in a weekend to visit friends and cruise around. I've topped at 105mph so I can pull around trucks and stuff pretty easily and the engine never feels like its working too hard going the speed limit!
Installing a taller front belt pulley and a quality oil cooler helps for extended highway trips. In May 2020, a pal of mine did a ride from Cleveland, OH, to NorCal and back. Other than a flat (rear tire) he didn't encounter any real problems with his 1200 Sporty.
I have a 2007 Sportster 883 low. I rode it for a few months as my first bike, no issues on my daily interstate travel with passing traffic. Since then I have upgraded with the hammer performance 1275 kit, dyno tune, bassani road rage mega power exhaust, screaming eagle heavy air cleaner, progressive rear shocks and front fork monotubes, saddlemen explorer seat, forward controls, milwaukee twins oil cooler, pc racing reusable oil filter, and the harley sportster windshield. Not only does my bike tour long distance fast, comfortable and with ease but the road kings/glides struggle to keep pace most of the time.
I had a new 1988 1200 Sportster that I did my first trip on with camping gear from Orlando to the Keys. Great time, bike had no issues, a great trip. I ran out of gas, I didn't switch my petcock back the last time I had got gas. No fuel lights back then, about 20 miles on reserve. Anyway pushed it about a mile and didn't make that mistake again. The bike was flawless for the 10k miles I drove it. All I replaced was a chain and a battery. Pretty much the same motor, 5 speed now, and rubber mounts. One of my bikes I own now is a 2022 48. Still digging the 1200 motor. All it needs now is some slipons, and 13" rear shocks. Go the distance and wear the right gear. Good video. As far as the 883, one of my friends had one, he road 2 up on several trips around Florida. The thing never missed a beat. Of course we were younger!
What makes the sportsters really good touring machines are a good seat, good suspension, and a small adjustable tombstone windscreen.. I've taken a 94 XL1200 all over the USA and loved every minute of it. I completed the iron butt challenge in 2015 with my Sportster. Average speed was 75mph. 5speed gearbox, full protective textile suit, and an Arai helmet.
My dad rode a Yamaha 750 back and forth from Detroit to Virginia in the 1970's many times. A friends uncle rode a 1960's era Sporster across Europe and part of Asia in '68-'69 after he got out of the Marines in '68. The only people who think you can't ride Sportys long distance are people who have been spoiled by big bikes and people who never tried. There's a lady on youtube somewhere who did the Iron Butt challenge on a Sportster. Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done.
My Iron 883 could hit 90 on the interstate and had no problem passing other vehicles. However, the RPM's were really high, engine screaming and it wasn't what I would call comfy. It's awesome at first but it gets tiresome and I wouldn't say it's a good interstate bike. But it can be done easily with the right preparation.
NINETY! (That’s 145 kilometres per hour and that’s what we use here in Oz). If I was to do that kind of speed here in Australia, they’d take my bike and crush it. SERIOUSLY! That’s called ‘driving dangerously here and the penalty is at least a 6 month loss of licence, plus a fine of about a thousand bucks, plus the aforementioned permanent loss of your vehicle. I have a ’97 Sporty with a 1275 Hammer Performance kit in it, with a standard 1200 Sporty final drive front belt pulley which has 29 teeth (instead of the 883’s 27) and that means that at 70mph, the revs are a few hundred RPMs lower than you would get on a standard 883. You can put one of those in an 883, which will allow it to cruise faster without the vibration, but you will have to change down more often when you want to overtake. The Carillo pistons that come in the Hammer kit are the idea weight for this motor, unlike the factory 1200 ones, which are on the heavy side, which is why they have rev limiters on them. My Sporty started as an 883 and the kit is the best money I ever spent on it in the 16 years I’ve owned it. Huge amount of bang for your buck. Overtaking is not a problem. (Just have to be careful to watch for the Cops and speed cameras that are EVERYWHERE here!)
I have a 2021 XL Iron 1200. I am having the tank modified to hold 5 gals. I am working on some other upgrades and I am going to ride from Dallas TX to Sturgis SD in 2022. 1075 miles. One of my mods is putting front and back cameras on the bike and recording that trip. I have done multiple 75 mile one way trips on the bike going from Dallas to Choctaw Casino daily do to work. Longest trip was a weekend trip to LA. 201 miles one way. No issues with cramping, or being uncomfortable. Bike worked well at speeds of 60 to 90 mph. the 3.2 gallon tank was an issue that is why I am have the tank worked on to get up to 5 gals.
I have a rigid 883 and 1200 and choose to ride the 883 long distance as i easily get 130miles a tank before i hit reserve. i have mid controls but added highway pegs and mid sized windshield which helps with comfort. Long distance is no problem and i have crossed europe quite a few times... I do sometimes use the autobahn but prefer the interesting twisty little backroads....very capable machines!
I’m 5’4”, rode my 1200 XLC from Windsor Ontario (Detroit) to Vancouver - return 5000 miles. Loved every second. Through the Glen Meadow canyon Vail Colorado, I70,Northern Utah Bonneville Flats Interstate 80 had her up to 120 mph, cruised at 100. The forward controls are extremely comfortable, mind you I’m too short for hiway pegs, and the evo runs strong. When someone says you can’t tour on a Sporty, they’re thinking of the old ones. Mine has a wide front tire, rubber engine mounts and a 17 litre gas tank good for 120 miles before low fuel light comes on. The bigger bikes are good if you need to take a passenger, but solo riding for one third of the purchase price ? Trust me, I have no problem loading up and keeping up to anyone on any road. Stay Safe.
I ride from Chatham Ontario to Brockville Ontario. Eat a burger and fries. Return to Chatham as a day trip. 1234 kms or 767 miles. I own a 2004 XL1200C. It has 151,712 kms or 94270 miles and the motor has never been apart. It is the best bike I have owned.
Did 250 miles from Devon on a 98 evo W/Glide ( with screen on ) quite comfy.went past Stonehenge as the sun went down behind it ,deep red sky.Sight of that ancient place, and the sound of that bike i will never forget.Forgot to add it was January and freezing ,lucky no snow or ice..i had so much warm clothes on i think i was 20 lbs heavier .LoL.
I rode from central Arizona to Wyoming, and South Dakota on my 883, fully loaded with all my camping gear. It did just fine. I have also done tours into Utah, and Colorado. The bike is a blast to ride. Fun all the way. Will ride with the big bikes all day. It cruises 75 all day if I ask it to. Admittedly I prefer riding secondary scenic roads that are in the 35 to 60 mile per hour range. Love the fact I get 62 mpg if I average 55 mph. Ours is an 2005, 883 with carburetor. It has been super reliable. Stock other than re-jetting, air filter, and pipes. It is a keeper.
I think the sweet spot on a Sportster (1990 XLH 1200cc for me) is around 110-115 km/h, that would be 70 miles/hour. Cruising in 4th gear, with an extra gear to overtake a car or truck is fine. I don't use a windshield. If I did, I'd be more comfortable with higher speeds. Going at 130 km/h or above, that is 80+ miles/hour, has the wind push you back, as it hits you on the chest and helmet. Sure, a bagger would be better for long trips, but the Sportster is so much more nimble and fun to ride. Great to see you put your bike to good use.
in 2015 I rode my XL1200 from Alabama to Wyoming via Sturgis, and the XLForum rally in Dubois. The sportster is one of my absolute favorite bikes. The Buel XB12x was another fantastic bike to tour on.
I have traveled 150 miles (goes 47 miles per gallon) on a 3.30 gallon tank on my H-D 1200 Custom.. Plus, traveling all around state of Michigan. This summer of 2021, I'll be going state to state.... Best bike, best to maneuver around traffic and not get hit, comfortable with foot pegs to the front of engine; to extend legs. Powerful engine - got up to 118 mph to test it; smooth and fast....
I've got a '93 Sporty, 883, that I bought new. I've still got it and while I don't ride it like I used to, I still might have a trip left in me. I'm 76 and my Sporty has got 111thou on it. It's got another trip left in it maybe. Back in the '50s people used to take trips on whatever they owned. In 1958-59, used to be an old guy from north Alabama used to come through the Harley dealers in northern Tennessee heading to Illinois on a Cushman Super Eagle. . He was a confirmed Harley rider but Harley quit making the 45 in '51 which he loved. The Cushman was as close as he could find to a 45. Reliable and not much slower and still had a hand-shift. He wouldn't ride a foot shift. Different world back then.
I rode a 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special from San Diego to Forest Grove, Oregon. I was young and no problems. My 1980 Sportster from Whidbey Island to Forest Grove, Oregon many times and then my 1983 FXWG same as Sportster.
In 1978 I circled the U.S.A. on my new Yamaha 1100 XE. I did it because I had a shaft drive, tubeless tires, and a five gallon fuel tank. This year, I'm going to circle the U.S.A. in a Sporty (modified for touring). Talley Ho Y'all.
I live in North Wilmington De just over the Pa line from Chichester. I ride a 2000 883 with a 1200 kit in it. I’ve been riding for 40 plus years on any bike you can imagine. My first Harley was a 1971 900 Sportster, and having come back to a Sportster again, I’m having a blast on it. If you ever want a great country ride check out Beaver Valley De, or let me know and we can take a ride. I’ll show you around. Country roads, covered bridges, twists and turns. Fun time. Loved coming back to a sporty. Nothing but fun.
Did the North Coast 500 in Scotland on my 1200 Iron from where I live on South coast of England last year with load of friends,the Sporty was brilliant on it 😎
Great video. I did a 780 mile trip on my Honda Rebel 500 that i used to have. 75mph that 500 was yelling like a banshee out of hell. Had the two brothers exhaust on it, so I definitely could be heard. Thing I don’t like about the sportsters, is lack of fuel guage, but if you got a 1200, a long road trip ain’t nothing for it.
They make a sensor now that will give distance to empty. I used to ride from Albuquerque to Denver and back in the 80s on my KZ440. It was cheap and it was what I had.
Got 30+k miles on my 2009 Sportster Nightster. It is all in the setup. Raised my rear to 11.5" Progressive 412 Shocks. Got rid of the bathed spring front suspension for a one-piece drop-in Progressive Cartridge/spring setup. Swapped out the small 29 tooth front transmission pulley for a 31 tooth. That vastly reduced my RPMs at highway speeds. opened up the intake and put on Freedom Exhaust and had it Dyno tuned to get rid of the O2 sensors. Put floorboards instead of forwards and is a nice mix of control and comfort. Wish I could post a pic. LOL!
@@TheMotoJawn If you are out and about tomorrow (Sat 12th June) I will have it at my store in New Hope pa. Noon to 7pm. Just about a 50 min ride from Philly. Address on my FB page. @Route32rg
Thks for the pertinent info. Just getting a Sportster that's been parked for 4 yrs. I want to try it as a tourer. Nearing my eighth decade and want to do one last ride around the U.S.A. before I domino. At my age, I need all the comfort I can get.
@@TheMotoJawn surprised myself. 60+ yrs old and first time out other than day rides. Maintaining speeds over 75 a little tough on the interstates for me. Hubby likes to cruise at 80. Purchased after market front fork deflectors after that trip which really help. If you have a stock seat, get a Butt Buffer pad. They are made in PA. I never ride without it. I may be tired after riding all day, but my butt and back are not sore.
Just did a 1700 mile road trip on a 2014 iron 883 from Buellton Ca to Wichita Ks. Original Stock Setup. Many Fuel ups and motel sleeps. Daytime Riding only because I-40 in Arizona and New Mexico is Horrible for Motorcycle riding. Times I admit I wondered if I made a huge mistake. God watched over me and got me there/here safely.
I just rode 4520 miles on a 20 year old sportster Omaha Nebraska to Key West Florida and back and the only thing that I would add would be foot boards because the pegs were tiring. But you’re right
I have been on several long trips with friends on Sportsters. one had an 883 and a girl with a 1200 Sportster that was the most beautiful and best sounding HD I have ever heard. The only issues is the 883 needed gas every 100 miles. They can do it.
I got a sportster 1200 about a year ago with plans of taking it on a long distance trip. Then got hit by a careless driver and totaled the bike. Broken arm and broken leg later, I waited for recovery and months later... bought another 1200 sporty and want to take a trip soon (how I found this video: doing research) Used to have an older 800 Suzuki cruiser and took a 180 mile ride from Dallas to Ft Hood. Then about a year later, took a 200 mile ride from Arlington, Texas to Austin on a Harley Nightrod... which is not meant for long distance, but it’s manageable! Take your breaks, rest your back a lil. It’s all about what you’re willing to handle. Good info tho! I’ll hopefully post an update down the road.
Thank you for this video, i appreciate your comments. I have the XL1200T Great for touring, 3 hours on the saddle no problems at all. Sure if one day I start taking travel on bike more seriously i will get a BMW R12050RT instead of any Harley out there. Buy the bike that suite your type of riding and your type of body (length, strength and health), do not buy it based on the look only. Becarful of the reviews in UA-cam some are pure for marketing disguised in honest reviews. You follow the today trends in USA you absolutely need 4l engine and very heavy bike to go anywhere more than 50km. In Europe the trend start to change toward light and small displacement and cheaper bikes.
Everyone on the Harley groups I asked for help deciding between a sportster 1200, and a dyna/softail told me I would want more power, than my current Triumph Bonneville's 865cc. I think this video sold me on a Sportster 1200. I can prob save myself a bit of cash also. older Dynas/softail are still a few thousand more than the sportster. Thanks for the vid!
@@TheMotoJawn I'm sure it will at least be more comfortable than my bonnie. Being able to get forward controls should help a lot since I'm a tall boy. haha
Check out the Scooter Cannonball Run on UA-cam. Guys and girls riding scooters from Maine to CA. Two guys rode Honda Trail 125s pulling trailers from Texas to Maine, then from Maine to CA, then from CA back home to Texas. They had fun and no mechanical problems aside from wearing out a few tires. Touring is a state of mind. If I'm in a big hurry to get somewhere I have a car that works well for that.
I have a 2019 883 and the longest I’ve ridden so far in the few months I’ve had it was 6 hours. I think I need a bigger wind screen because anything over 70 feels super windy. I think higher bars would help as well as relocating the blinkers so I could have bigger saddle bags for longer camping trips would help
Taking my iron 1200 from Houston TX to the born free motorcycle show in Silverado California at the end of august. Thanks for the video! Love your channel man.
1984 Bakersfield Ca. To Atoka Okla, and back. January cold as can be, weather took me 5 days. Snow and ice. 1969 ironhead kick start, 10 over drag bars.Ride hard , die free
So many people are just spoiled nowadays. Those savages back in the day would ride cross country to Sturgis on rickety hard tails with no power and tiny 2 gal tanks.
Back in the early 80s, a friend of mine and his wife rode from Arkansas to California on a '47 knucklehead hardtail pretty much held together with baling wire, and rode it all the way back home again.
I have been building and riding sportster s sense 1984 when I got my first 1! I have never had any other kind! They will run every time you need them! And I have crossed America more than once And never had one leave me stranded!
I own a 1998 Sportster Sport here in Peru in South America, and I have taken trips of around 2,000 miles. I have gone through an overpass nearly 16,000 feet above sea level in the Andes mountains on my way to the jungle with no problem. You can definitely travel long distance on a Sportster. I am 5.6 feet and close to 215 lbs.
This is a dream of mine, and hopefully this summer im gonna make it happen, taking time off work or giving my 2 weeks and heading out. Illinois to florida🤘🏻 lifes too short to spend it working everyday and not get out and make new experiences.
I've done plenty of distance on my iron 883. I'd frequently ride 600+ miles and most of my rides were at least 200 miles. I think it does excellent on the highway up until 90 ish and then I wish it had more power. I can keep it in triple digits going uphill in WV mountains so it has enough power. Only thing that gets to me is the lack of wind protection on the highway.
Love riding up to Hersheypark and going back, I'm from lancaster, so when I get depressed or board, that's usually my go-to ride, lol. I have a 2011 48 sportster xl1200x.
550 in one day used to be my sporty commute back in the 80s. I was in my 20s then and it was no problem. I knew where the gas stations were. Wish I still had that ironhead sporty-put over 100k on it. New top end once, very dependable bike. Set up right, they are a good bike for whatever.
I just recently bought my second bike which happened to be a 1983 883 and I’ve went on my first long distance trip up to sturgis and the engine never skipped a beat granted I only went about 150 miles one way
I've got a 2003 883 Hugger that I've ridden from the Lansdale area out as far as Intercourse, PA. I avoid interstates. My bike certainly CAN hit those higher speeds, but it's just so damn buzzy at higher RPM that I prefer not to. I also got tires with a sportier profile (Metzeler Cruisetec) which I like for winding rural roads, but to my inexperienced self feel a bit squirrelly at higher speeds, especially on grooved or otherwise beaten up PA roads. Maybe that will change when I do a full suspension upgrade in the next week or two. I already upgraded the godawful OEM shocks for Street Glide take-off air shocks, and it made a world of difference, but now I'm going for the Bitubo dual adjustables AND upgrading the fork springs as well (fork fluid almost certainly needs replacement as well). Here's hoping!
I just rode my iron 883 from central Mexico, all the way up to Montana, and way back to central Mexico. 10,000 kms 21 days. The only inconvenience I encountered was a bad stator, that I had to get replaced about 8,000 kms into my trip.
Last month I did about 2,000miles from NE Connecticut to Tennessee and back, while it was uncomfortable at times, it was awesome. Forward controls and a different seat other than stock is a must though, at the end of the day my back was the only thing that bothered me. I have a 2017 Iron 883, light came on around 95-100miles with still a gallon left in the tank when I went to fill up. A wind deflector will help me in the future, traveling around 80mph, I was about 4000rpm.
@@RamboHikes Amazing! thanks for the perspective! A windshield or fairing definitely helps a lot at those high speeds. I agree the bumpy roads and potholes certainly get irritating after hours of riding. Ride Safe!
I have a 2019 iron 1200. Changing out the suspension is all it needs to make long distance easy. I do have t bars, and a bigger fairing on mine as well. Those items aren’t a necessity but it did make a difference to me.
Did a 1000km weekend on my 1200C with drag bars and forward pegs. Not comfortable but the bike didn't complain! I've gone back to standard bars and will do mid controls but keep the forwards as highway pegs.
I rode my 98 hugger 883 with over 50,000 miles from Sturgis back to Canon City CO. (500 miles) without any bike problems. (Well I would occasionally hear a chatter sound. Come to find out the Harley shop I took my bike to prior to going to the rally forgot a spring I do believe it was on my front break. Tried to say the chattering sound was from no baffles in pipes) Anyway, I kept her at around 75 mph. No windshield or wind deflectors. No crash or highway bars. Drag bars on her, screaming eagle pipes with baffles cut out of them, and a bobber seat with no springs or any kind of suspension under the ass. The wind sucked across Wyoming. Had to adjust weight. Rode most of the way across Wyoming literally laying on the top of my tank so I didn't have as much wind resistance. My bike was the smallest but it kept up with the big ones. Took around 9 hours to get from A to B. But there were 3 stops along the way and a 30 minute lunch break. Not to mention traffic and a complete standstill for about an hour just south of Castle Rock due to an accident. Hit a thunderstorm with big ass drops and some hail in it but kept on going. I loved it and I'd do it again. Would like to ride to rally in AZ and Daytona not to mention Little Sturgis! Who wants to ride on the back when. You can have your own fist full of throttle ❗
I have 2k 1200 . I put a 5 gal. tank on it with a cissy bar and saddlebags. A batwing windscreen a monster sucker air cleaner and floorboards with forward controls. I have no problems with long trips. (4 days or so). For longer rides or rallies I take the 12` electraglide custom.
Over the summer I rode my 1200 sporty from northeast pa to skyline dr in Virginia with no issues and loved every minute of it. Just mounted the windshield, tied a book bag to the sissy bar and enjoyed the ride. I also have plans to try and get a poker chip from every pa dealership on the sporty as well.
The Moto Jawn you definitely should! This year I plan on taking my bike to tail of the dragon if everything goes right. I’m in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area so only about 2 hours from you.
Great egret is a vlogger with an 883. Rode route 66 from chicago to la. I'm 6'2" 225 and I ride the same bike as you. Forward controls of course. It's a fun bike. I have no problem riding long and fast, just stop for gas. The bike never the issue it's the rider.
Rode my 17 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 600 miles with a passenger in a day, yeah these smaller bikes can do it but require more frequent stops, in my opinion stopping more often is a good thing, because you can get rehydrated or if you burn easily like me reapply sunscreen. Only thing I have done to my bike is have the seat re-padded to give a slight more comfort than the poem which was like one sheet of bubble wrap glued to a board lol.
New rider here from Philly as well. Got an 883 at the end of Feb, rode it out to the Poconos ended up on the turnpike on the way back to Philly. 70 and 80 all the way back. Happy as a fly on shit.
This answer my question..I'm definitely goin on a trip on my iron 1200 now..live here in the four corners and the million dollar highway sounds like a good ride fr Durango Colorado to Ouray Colorado....enjoy the video happy ridin a b safe out der..
Any trip is doable on a sporty. You said it best you just have to have realistic expectations and account for the circumstances. Been out to Hershey many times but not on the bike. Might just have to take that trip.. Maybe hit up Millers if it's still out that way it's been so long but always a great meal if you're into the smorgasbord thing. Anyway have a great trip and ride safe!
I have a 2020 883 that I've done some 200+ days on. With periodic stops for gas, it's comfortable enough to be enjoyable with my stock seat. On the highway, my sweet spot is 65-70 mph - the vibration all but cancels out and the motor is really smooth. RPM's at those speeds are 3600-3800. I think if I wanted to go longer days, I'd want to upgrade the seat.
Took my 2010 883 iron 3000 miles. No windshield and no Seattle bags. Just a backpack. One of the best experiences of my life. I sold it and want to pick up a new 1200 iron. They handle so good!
On my 883 had no problems. Filled up every 100 miles. I Went from Orlando to Cocoa beach to Myrtle Beach for bike week to Franklin North Carolina. Rode through the great smokies and blue ridge mountains for 10 days. Then through Georgia back to Orlando. It’s a life must. I was comfortable the whole time. I’m 5’10 in my boots. I will be doing another long ride once I pick up the 1200cc
I ride a 1200 Nightster here in Alaska, any other town I go to is at least 100 miles away. NGL I'm a little stiff after 2 hours but stopping and stretching at the end for lunch and I was ready to go again!
Long distance is not ideal on a sporty but it can be done. I rode from Ohio to California and back on a 77 sporty. Depends on how bad you need to get there.
I did a 1000 miles in a day from Austin to Atlanta on my 1200L and fuck I hated those last 5 hours. To much raddling,/shaking at 80mph, to loud (My ears range for hours afterwards), and my ass hurt so much on the last third I had to get off every hour and walk around for a half hour. The first 10 hours wasn't that bad. (I took a two hour nap in a field)
Did a 3,000 mile trip myself on my 48 Had a two gallon gas tank strapped in one bag with tools and the other with clothes . That’s it . Was such a damn arduous and fun ride
I just bought my 2004 XL1200R Sportster in January 2022 and I haven't ridden it yet. I'm looking forward to getting out on it this spring. Anyone with a few tips they want to share will be gladly received, I need to learn some things about it. For what it's worth, I'm going to sub, leave a thumbs up and a tap on the bell. I like your commentary and the scenery, along with the "Sportster music". Thanks for sharing.
@@TheMotoJawn , Thanks for the quick reply, I'll give it my best shot at checking out you videos, the more I can pick up the better I'll be at keeping this bike up. It's my first Harley in over 50 years, did I tell you I'm 72 y/o? lol. I'm not throwing in the towel yet.
Back in the day just after the reunificationn of East and West Germany, I had a friend called Jurgen tour The UK and Ireland on a 50cc moped. Size don't matter to anyone except the marketing men trying to sell you something you don't need.
I always take my sportster, an Iron 883 on long rides. I love that bike! Only wish it had a 5 gallon tank and some hard saddle bags... but other than that it’s a great bike and it doesn’t break the bank
i forget what they're called, but they make a plastic container that adv riders strap to their bikes when traveling to remote areas. that seems like an easier solution than changing your gas tank...
Sportster 1200 has plenty of power, it can do it all. I've got a 2016 1200 Custom and my wife rides a 2017 48, we go everywhere on ours. People just have this idea today that you can't travel on anything other than a Street Glide, Road Glide etc.
I like all the comments! I thought keep in mind back in the 1970’s people went coast to coast on Honda CB 350’s. I would definitely take a Sportster over that
Back in the day , people used to ride Honda 350's across country. Probably wasn't ideal...but they did it. Other than ride quality, I'd say a 1200 Sporty is perfectly fine on the long haul.
I'm moving from north west Florida (pensacola area) to Sumter, SC in a few months. Was concerned if the 1200 would handle the trip and now I know it will
If you really like pain and fear yes, you can in fact ride a 2001 XLH Sportster Rigid Frame Mounted Evo with a 5 speed every day over an hour down the interstate all year. I did. Now I can really appreciate bikes made after 1956 like my 2020 Road King Special lol. That evo motor sounded amazing though. Way better than my M8. So much better it makes me want to buy a 1990's Road King.
I rode from Los angels to nome, Alaska and then from there to southern Argentina in the 80s on a sportster. It only takes the will to do it and of course money.
Hi there fm northern Quebec, I currently own a 2019 iron 1200, had a 2014 iron 883 before with 84000kms on the clock & owned a couple of pre-rubber mounted 883's & rode the hell outta them, went as far as south carolina with a rigid mounted 883C, no problem yes you can ride long distance on a sportster if you want to😛👍🤘
From 2005 until I started working at a power station in 2008 I was a field service tech. I put 50,000 miles on my Sportster in that time span. I got 15,000 miles out of my rear tires, 20,000 from the fronts. If the weather was nice my customers expected me to show up on the bike. Along with my late brother in law, we rode the Tail of the Dragon, went to the Vietnam Veteran Reunion in Kokomo, Indiana, visited Arlington National Cemetery every year, and welcomed Discovery into the Smithsonian. The bike never let me down once, but I developed my own maintenance routine for it. Like this: The engine is located by three Heim joints, one at the top of the front head, one above the oil filter, and one behind and under the engine. I use a Zip Spout Handy Oiler to keep these joints lubricated. Once a month and immediately after riding in rain or washing the bike will do. The rear swingarm pivots are also Heim joints and will last a lot longer if you oil them when you oil the motor mounts. When I put the bike up for the winter, I take the plugs out and pour 2 oz. of Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder. After rotating the engine by hand I find the spot where all four valves are closed. This takes all of the tension off of the valve train and keeps the lifters from collapsing over the winter.
I road a 883 from Washington DC to Utah and back no problems at all, I had to get a full face helmet which made all the difference in the world, it’s fine
I have a 2014 Sportster Custom 1200 with a new comfort seat and back suspension. I regularly make 500-600 mile trips and it tops at 118 mph (it is really shaky and scary though). But I would prefer a touring HD for these long trips, they are just way more comfartable
Nice vid, I live about 30min from philly, (gilbertsville) been riding since last july, furthest i went is up above wallenpaupack and back, roads can get a little rough up there, on a road glide
Why wouldn't a 1200 be considered a big enough engine? I tour all over on a 750 Honda with full camping gear and have never once thought I needed a bigger motor. All while getting 60+ mpg...
Here’s the thing, a lot of people say the sportster is not a long distance bike. I bought mine used, already customized and had a comfortable seat. The very first day just riding around the city and hitting the outskirts of town I put 300 miles on it. Had to fill the tank a couple times. Every chance I got I was on the bike just cruising around. In six months I already put 5000 on the bike. I took mine on a 225 mile poker run. That was the ultimate test for a beginner. I really enjoyed the ride and the scenery
That's good stuff 🤟
One day I quit my job in Austin TX, rode my sporty from ATX to Huntington Beach California. If you want it, you'll make it happen haha
Oh 100%! And that sounds like an absolutely amazing experience! Ride Safe
Did you enjoy it?
@@TheMotoJawn still talk about it like it happened yesterday haha
@@firstname745 I've learned to accept the hardships of the trip because a couple years later, yeah i totally enjoyed it. So much I'm never doing that alone again haha
I wanna hear the full story Atrandom
Hell yeah, you can ride long distance on a Sporty! I rode Route 66 4500 miles in late 2018. All on the 883. Tons of videos on it on my channel. Damn fun bike to ride for long distance adventures! Great video, dude.
Heck yeah dude that's awesome to hear! Thanks for tuning in, I dig your vids as well!
@@TheMotoJawn keep riding, brother, I’ll keep watching.
Old comment, but that is fucking awesome dude
Absolutely you can! Of all the HD's Ive owned, my Sportster Sport was the most reliable, fun, and easiest to maintain. Enjoy that Sportster!
Absolutely, love the reliability and simplicity!
Chip Seal I just bought a 883 can I go on like a 4 hour trip with it without getting problems?
@@Nomessiah why not?
@@Nomessiah yes. But you'll want a 1200 for passing power when the "spirit moves you"
@@stephenbranham3254 2004 883 with a stage 1 tune, i can pass very well.
I've put nearly 200,000 miles on Sportsters. They're my go to touring bike. Once set up properly , 500-600 mile days are no problem. The 1200 Sportys get 45-55 mpg which is a big plus. Being able to count on a 150 mile range even from the tiny tank is a big plus imo. I now have a 2019 Iron 1200 and have done multiple 400-500 mile days and it's been great!
400 miles on a sporty is a great day!
What's your set up?
Yea bro. What's your setup?
@@DirtHero75 The setup on my Iron 1200 is a Saddlemen Explorer seat, 6.5 inch rise bars vs the rather tall mini apes that came on it , and biggest improvement which was to give the bike a bit of suspension travel. Forks are 2.25" longer than stock , using Works Performance cartridges. Rear is just a set of height adjustable Drag Specialties shocks set to 13.5", which are actually pretty shocks which has surprised me. I have pics on my Instagram @motopossum
@@motopacking thanks! Followed you on insta 😊
I’ve ridden from LA to Las Vegas on my forty eight special, I have zero complaints about the ride, smooth, comfortable. Of course the only issue was my 2.2 gallon tank lol I stopped at every gas station I passed but it gave me a chance to stretch my legs and have a stogy 👍🏼
I hear ya that 2.2 makes for a lot of stops lol.
@@TheMotoJawn yeah it does lol currently working on painting a 3.8 gallon for my bike, hoping to install it this weekend
the 48 is a cool looking bike...
Bro this answered my exact question. Thank you brotha
@@TheMotoJawn i got a hamster bladder so it works for me.
I used to roadtrip on a hardtail ironhead. If you can't travel on that modern bike with a 5 speed and suspension then you just got a weak spirit.
J Black knows..
I’d say people who buy a bike based on what other people will think of them are the true weak willed. Congrats, you are def cooler and tougher because you “USED” to ride a hardtail a few times a year. So did you make more friends and have people telling you how cool you were all the time on that hardtail? That’s probably why you had it and don’t have it anymore cuz you got to that age you realized being cool sometimes just ain’t worth it. I ride my shit everyday it’s not raining because I love to ride more than I worry about impressing others. I’ll upgrade my shit to how I want and Then get a bigger bike maybe. But til then I’ll be on my Sportster and you’ll be on.... what you ride now???!
Bout to take a trip on my 883 screaming eagle 1200 450 miles one way with my fiancé as passenger lol
Amen ,sissies now days lol 😆
I've got an '05 883 and I'd regularly ride 200 mile trips in a weekend to visit friends and cruise around. I've topped at 105mph so I can pull around trucks and stuff pretty easily and the engine never feels like its working too hard going the speed limit!
I agree I can over take and pass very easily
Installing a taller front belt pulley and a quality oil cooler helps for extended highway trips. In May 2020, a pal of mine did a ride from Cleveland, OH, to NorCal and back. Other than a flat (rear tire) he didn't encounter any real problems with his 1200 Sporty.
I have a 2007 Sportster 883 low. I rode it for a few months as my first bike, no issues on my daily interstate travel with passing traffic. Since then I have upgraded with the hammer performance 1275 kit, dyno tune, bassani road rage mega power exhaust, screaming eagle heavy air cleaner, progressive rear shocks and front fork monotubes, saddlemen explorer seat, forward controls, milwaukee twins oil cooler, pc racing reusable oil filter, and the harley sportster windshield. Not only does my bike tour long distance fast, comfortable and with ease but the road kings/glides struggle to keep pace most of the time.
I ride my 72 ever year from LA to Sturgis. Great ride.
72 is nice. That's what's up.
The ride is part of the experience, enjoy
I had a new 1988 1200 Sportster that I did my first trip on with camping gear from Orlando to the Keys. Great time, bike had no issues, a great trip. I ran out of gas, I didn't switch my petcock back the last time I had got gas. No fuel lights back then, about 20 miles on reserve. Anyway pushed it about a mile and didn't make that mistake again. The bike was flawless for the 10k miles I drove it. All I replaced was a chain and a battery. Pretty much the same motor, 5 speed now, and rubber mounts. One of my bikes I own now is a 2022 48. Still digging the 1200 motor. All it needs now is some slipons, and 13" rear shocks. Go the distance and wear the right gear. Good video. As far as the 883, one of my friends had one, he road 2 up on several trips around Florida. The thing never missed a beat. Of course we were younger!
That's awesome! 🔥
The right seat and suspension set up helps a ton as well.
No doubt! Thanks for stopping by!
@@TheMotoJawn Of course
Lol nice plug
I put a saddleman on my 883, worth every penny
@@larrysimmons9732 Thanks for the kind words. We appreciate you.
I did the iron butt in Alaska on my 2011 sportster 1200 custom. All stock except pipes. 1030 miles in 21 hours. Was an awesome ride.
Sounds like a wild ride
What makes the sportsters really good touring machines are a good seat, good suspension, and a small adjustable tombstone windscreen.. I've taken a 94 XL1200 all over the USA and loved every minute of it. I completed the iron butt challenge in 2015 with my Sportster. Average speed was 75mph. 5speed gearbox, full protective textile suit, and an Arai helmet.
That's awesome
Suspension? Are you kiddin
My dad rode a Yamaha 750 back and forth from Detroit to Virginia in the 1970's many times. A friends uncle rode a 1960's era Sporster across Europe and part of Asia in '68-'69 after he got out of the Marines in '68. The only people who think you can't ride Sportys long distance are people who have been spoiled by big bikes and people who never tried. There's a lady on youtube somewhere who did the Iron Butt challenge on a Sportster. Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done.
My Iron 883 could hit 90 on the interstate and had no problem passing other vehicles. However, the RPM's were really high, engine screaming and it wasn't what I would call comfy. It's awesome at first but it gets tiresome and I wouldn't say it's a good interstate bike. But it can be done easily with the right preparation.
No doubt 🤟
NINETY! (That’s 145 kilometres per hour and that’s what we use here in Oz). If I was to do that kind of speed here in Australia, they’d take my bike and crush it. SERIOUSLY! That’s called ‘driving dangerously here and the penalty is at least a 6 month loss of licence, plus a fine of about a thousand bucks, plus the aforementioned permanent loss of your vehicle. I have a ’97 Sporty with a 1275 Hammer Performance kit in it, with a standard 1200 Sporty final drive front belt pulley which has 29 teeth (instead of the 883’s 27) and that means that at 70mph, the revs are a few hundred RPMs lower than you would get on a standard 883. You can put one of those in an 883, which will allow it to cruise faster without the vibration, but you will have to change down more often when you want to overtake. The Carillo pistons that come in the Hammer kit are the idea weight for this motor, unlike the factory 1200 ones, which are on the heavy side, which is why they have rev limiters on them. My Sporty started as an 883 and the kit is the best money I ever spent on it in the 16 years I’ve owned it. Huge amount of bang for your buck. Overtaking is not a problem. (Just have to be careful to watch for the Cops and speed cameras that are EVERYWHERE here!)
I have a 2021 XL Iron 1200. I am having the tank modified to hold 5 gals. I am working on some other upgrades and I am going to ride from Dallas TX to Sturgis SD in 2022. 1075 miles. One of my mods is putting front and back cameras on the bike and recording that trip. I have done multiple 75 mile one way trips on the bike going from Dallas to Choctaw Casino daily do to work. Longest trip was a weekend trip to LA. 201 miles one way. No issues with cramping, or being uncomfortable. Bike worked well at speeds of 60 to 90 mph. the 3.2 gallon tank was an issue that is why I am have the tank worked on to get up to 5 gals.
Bigger tank will be nice.
From my experience having highway pegs or an engine guard to put your legs up makes all the differents
I have a rigid 883 and 1200 and choose to ride the 883 long distance as i easily get 130miles a tank before i hit reserve. i have mid controls but added highway pegs and mid sized windshield which helps with comfort. Long distance is no problem and i have crossed europe quite a few times... I do sometimes use the autobahn but prefer the interesting twisty little backroads....very capable machines!
Traveling on a rigid 883!? Thats wild good stuff. Thanks for tuning in!
I’m 5’4”, rode my 1200 XLC from Windsor Ontario (Detroit) to Vancouver - return 5000 miles. Loved every second. Through the Glen Meadow canyon Vail Colorado, I70,Northern Utah Bonneville Flats Interstate 80 had her up to 120 mph, cruised at 100. The forward controls are extremely comfortable, mind you I’m too short for hiway pegs, and the evo runs strong. When someone says you can’t tour on a Sporty, they’re thinking of the old ones. Mine has a wide front tire, rubber engine mounts and a 17 litre gas tank good for 120 miles before low fuel light comes on. The bigger bikes are good if you need to take a passenger, but solo riding for one third of the purchase price ? Trust me, I have no problem loading up and keeping up to anyone on any road. Stay Safe.
Sounds like a hell of a ride!
I ride from Chatham Ontario to Brockville Ontario. Eat a burger and fries. Return to Chatham as a day trip. 1234 kms or 767 miles. I own a 2004 XL1200C. It has 151,712 kms or 94270 miles and the motor has never been apart. It is the best bike I have owned.
Did 250 miles from Devon on a 98 evo W/Glide ( with screen on ) quite comfy.went past Stonehenge as the sun went down behind it ,deep red sky.Sight of that ancient place, and the sound of that bike i will never forget.Forgot to add it was January and freezing ,lucky no snow or ice..i had so much warm clothes on i think i was 20 lbs heavier .LoL.
Sounds like an amazing trip.
I rode from central Arizona to Wyoming, and South Dakota on my 883, fully loaded with all my camping gear. It did just fine. I have also done tours into Utah, and Colorado. The bike is a blast to ride. Fun all the way. Will ride with the big bikes all day. It cruises 75 all day if I ask it to. Admittedly I prefer riding secondary scenic roads that are in the 35 to 60 mile per hour range. Love the fact I get 62 mpg if I average 55 mph. Ours is an 2005, 883 with carburetor. It has been super reliable. Stock other than re-jetting, air filter, and pipes. It is a keeper.
Sounds like an awesome ride.
my 2004 883 has a crazy tune on it, if i stay around 60mph, i get 52mpg running on super. 75+ puts me at 47 mpg. I love my sportster!
I think the sweet spot on a Sportster (1990 XLH 1200cc for me) is around 110-115 km/h, that would be 70 miles/hour. Cruising in 4th gear, with an extra gear to overtake a car or truck is fine. I don't use a windshield. If I did, I'd be more comfortable with higher speeds. Going at 130 km/h or above, that is 80+ miles/hour, has the wind push you back, as it hits you on the chest and helmet. Sure, a bagger would be better for long trips, but the Sportster is so much more nimble and fun to ride. Great to see you put your bike to good use.
in 2015 I rode my XL1200 from Alabama to Wyoming via Sturgis, and the XLForum rally in Dubois. The sportster is one of my absolute favorite bikes. The Buel XB12x was another fantastic bike to tour on.
I have traveled 150 miles (goes 47 miles per gallon) on a 3.30 gallon tank on my H-D 1200 Custom..
Plus, traveling all around state of Michigan. This summer of 2021, I'll be going state to state.... Best bike, best to maneuver around traffic and not get hit, comfortable with foot pegs to the front of engine; to extend legs. Powerful engine - got up to 118 mph to test it; smooth and fast....
Definitely a great bike to maneuver in traffic.
Very much!! Have a great & safe motorcycle riding season!!
Me too...
I have a 2004 883 with a damn good tune on it, 75 mph up, i get 47 mpg.
I've got a '93 Sporty, 883, that I bought new. I've still got it and while I don't ride it like I used to, I still might have a trip left in me. I'm 76 and my Sporty has got 111thou on it. It's got another trip left in it maybe. Back in the '50s people used to take trips on whatever they owned. In 1958-59, used to be an old guy from north Alabama used to come through the Harley dealers in northern Tennessee heading to Illinois on a Cushman Super Eagle.
. He was a confirmed Harley rider but Harley quit making the 45 in '51 which he loved. The Cushman was as close as he could find to a 45. Reliable and not much slower and still had a hand-shift. He wouldn't ride a foot shift. Different world back then.
111k that's a lot!
I rode a 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special from San Diego to Forest Grove, Oregon. I was young and no problems. My 1980 Sportster from Whidbey Island to Forest Grove, Oregon many times and then my 1983 FXWG same as Sportster.
Awesome trips 👌
In 1978 I circled the U.S.A. on my new Yamaha 1100 XE. I did it because I had a shaft drive, tubeless tires, and a five gallon fuel tank. This year, I'm going to circle the U.S.A. in a Sporty (modified for touring). Talley Ho Y'all.
I live in North Wilmington De just over the Pa line from Chichester. I ride a 2000 883 with a 1200 kit in it. I’ve been riding for 40 plus years on any bike you can imagine. My first Harley was a 1971 900 Sportster, and having come back to a Sportster again, I’m having a blast on it. If you ever want a great country ride check out Beaver Valley De, or let me know and we can take a ride. I’ll show you around. Country roads, covered bridges, twists and turns. Fun time. Loved coming back to a sporty. Nothing but fun.
Sounds good ill have to check that out!
Did the North Coast 500 in Scotland on my 1200 Iron from where I live on South coast of England last year with load of friends,the Sporty was brilliant on it 😎
Great video. I did a 780 mile trip on my Honda Rebel 500 that i used to have. 75mph that 500 was yelling like a banshee out of hell. Had the two brothers exhaust on it, so I definitely could be heard. Thing I don’t like about the sportsters, is lack of fuel guage, but if you got a 1200, a long road trip ain’t nothing for it.
They make a sensor now that will give distance to empty. I used to ride from Albuquerque to Denver and back in the 80s on my KZ440. It was cheap and it was what I had.
Just went on a 150 mile ride today on my 95 Harley 883 runs 3500rpm around 70 mph but it’s a great 55-65 mph cruiser
I love hanging around 55- 70 type cruising
Got 30+k miles on my 2009 Sportster Nightster. It is all in the setup. Raised my rear to 11.5" Progressive 412 Shocks. Got rid of the bathed spring front suspension for a one-piece drop-in Progressive Cartridge/spring setup. Swapped out the small 29 tooth front transmission pulley for a 31 tooth. That vastly reduced my RPMs at highway speeds. opened up the intake and put on Freedom Exhaust and had it Dyno tuned to get rid of the O2 sensors. Put floorboards instead of forwards and is a nice mix of control and comfort. Wish I could post a pic. LOL!
That's some nice work done to that thing! Love to hear it!
@@TheMotoJawn If you are out and about tomorrow (Sat 12th June) I will have it at my store in New Hope pa. Noon to 7pm. Just about a 50 min ride from Philly. Address on my FB page. @Route32rg
Thks for the pertinent info. Just getting a Sportster that's been parked for 4 yrs. I want to try it as a tourer. Nearing my eighth decade and want to do one last ride around the U.S.A. before I domino. At my age, I need all the comfort I can get.
Took my 2014 XL1200T Sporty on a 3300 mile trip with no problems. South Florida to PA and back. Combination of highway and rural roads.
Whew sounds like a heck of trip! That would be awesome to do.
@@TheMotoJawn surprised myself. 60+ yrs old and first time out other than day rides. Maintaining speeds over 75 a little tough on the interstates for me. Hubby likes to cruise at 80. Purchased after market front fork deflectors after that trip which really help. If you have a stock seat, get a Butt Buffer pad. They are made in PA. I never ride without it. I may be tired after riding all day, but my butt and back are not sore.
Just did a 1700 mile road trip on a 2014 iron 883 from Buellton Ca to Wichita Ks. Original Stock Setup. Many Fuel ups and motel sleeps. Daytime Riding only because I-40 in Arizona and New Mexico is Horrible for Motorcycle riding. Times I admit I wondered if I made a huge mistake. God watched over me and got me there/here safely.
That's awesome 👌
I've done buffalo ny to Washington DC handled it great. My butt did hurt on the way home though
Most I've done in one day is 400 miles. Wasn't bad. Handled it perfectly lots of stops help.
I rode my sporty everywhere. Distance didn’t matter. You just had to fill more often. Loved that bike.
Yeah filling up more often is the only downside but not a huge deal.
I just rode 4520 miles on a 20 year old sportster Omaha Nebraska to Key West Florida and back and the only thing that I would add would be foot boards because the pegs were tiring. But you’re right
I have been on several long trips with friends on Sportsters. one had an 883 and a girl with a 1200 Sportster that was the most beautiful and best sounding HD I have ever heard. The only issues is the 883 needed gas every 100 miles. They can do it.
For sure it can do anything.
I got a sportster 1200 about a year ago with plans of taking it on a long distance trip. Then got hit by a careless driver and totaled the bike. Broken arm and broken leg later, I waited for recovery and months later... bought another 1200 sporty and want to take a trip soon (how I found this video: doing research)
Used to have an older 800 Suzuki cruiser and took a 180 mile ride from Dallas to Ft Hood. Then about a year later, took a 200 mile ride from Arlington, Texas to Austin on a Harley Nightrod... which is not meant for long distance, but it’s manageable! Take your breaks, rest your back a lil. It’s all about what you’re willing to handle. Good info tho! I’ll hopefully post an update down the road.
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you get to take that trip soon!
Thank you for this video, i appreciate your comments. I have the XL1200T Great for touring, 3 hours on the saddle no problems at all. Sure if one day I start taking travel on bike more seriously i will get a BMW R12050RT instead of any Harley out there.
Buy the bike that suite your type of riding and your type of body (length, strength and health), do not buy it based on the look only. Becarful of the reviews in UA-cam some are pure for marketing disguised in honest reviews. You follow the today trends in USA you absolutely need 4l engine and very heavy bike to go anywhere more than 50km. In Europe the trend start to change toward light and small displacement and cheaper bikes.
I put a better seat, a bigger tank and forward controls on my iron 1200. It rides way more comfortable now. Taking my first roadtrip in july.
Nice you'll have a good time.
Everyone on the Harley groups I asked for help deciding between a sportster 1200, and a dyna/softail told me I would want more power, than my current Triumph Bonneville's 865cc. I think this video sold me on a Sportster 1200. I can prob save myself a bit of cash also. older Dynas/softail are still a few thousand more than the sportster. Thanks for the vid!
You do anything on a sporty maybe just not as comfortable. The softails are great but cost definitely plays a factor.
@@TheMotoJawn I'm sure it will at least be more comfortable than my bonnie. Being able to get forward controls should help a lot since I'm a tall boy. haha
Check out the Scooter Cannonball Run on UA-cam. Guys and girls riding scooters from Maine to CA. Two guys rode Honda Trail 125s pulling trailers from Texas to Maine, then from Maine to CA, then from CA back home to Texas. They had fun and no mechanical problems aside from wearing out a few tires. Touring is a state of mind. If I'm in a big hurry to get somewhere I have a car that works well for that.
That sounds wild
I have a 2019 883 and the longest I’ve ridden so far in the few months I’ve had it was 6 hours. I think I need a bigger wind screen because anything over 70 feels super windy. I think higher bars would help as well as relocating the blinkers so I could have bigger saddle bags for longer camping trips would help
Higher bars definitely help for longer trips
I’ve had a Vulcan S for a year and it’s great but I’ve wanted up upgrade and all your videos have made me decide to pick up a Iron 1200
Yo thats awesome to hear!
Taking my iron 1200 from Houston TX to the born free motorcycle show in Silverado California at the end of august. Thanks for the video! Love your channel man.
Sounds like a great trip! Thanks I appreciate that!
1984 Bakersfield Ca. To Atoka Okla, and back. January cold as can be, weather took me 5 days. Snow and ice. 1969 ironhead kick start, 10 over drag bars.Ride hard , die free
Hell yeah! 🤟
Love the country roads. Thanks for sharing. I got the 48 with 883 tank. Wish it has a 6th gear.
Cool idea to add the bigger 883 tank.
So many people are just spoiled nowadays. Those savages back in the day would ride cross country to Sturgis on rickety hard tails with no power and tiny 2 gal tanks.
Thats a good point! So true.
Back in the early 80s, a friend of mine and his wife rode from Arkansas to California on a '47 knucklehead hardtail pretty much held together with baling wire, and rode it all the way back home again.
Touring is a state of mind, not machine.
Yes we did
I have been building and riding sportster s sense 1984 when I got my first 1! I have never had any other kind! They will run every time you need them! And I have crossed America more than once
And never had one leave me stranded!
Sounds like awesome trips!
I own a 1998 Sportster Sport here in Peru in South America, and I have taken trips of around 2,000 miles. I have gone through an overpass nearly 16,000 feet above sea level in the Andes mountains on my way to the jungle with no problem. You can definitely travel long distance on a Sportster. I am 5.6 feet and close to 215 lbs.
That's awesome to hear! Sounds amazing. Thanks for tuning in!
This is a dream of mine, and hopefully this summer im gonna make it happen, taking time off work or giving my 2 weeks and heading out. Illinois to florida🤘🏻 lifes too short to spend it working everyday and not get out and make new experiences.
Nice make it happen! Thats a heck of a trip
I’m from Bloomington. But moved to tennesee when you pass through stop by moonshine Harley. Ask for cal. See you soon
@@ckillian-detail6153 im heading out in about 3 weeks🤘🏻
I used to ride 220mi round trip a day for work, it was an iron 883. I love sporsters. I miss mine.
Damn thats a long commute
I've done plenty of distance on my iron 883. I'd frequently ride 600+ miles and most of my rides were at least 200 miles. I think it does excellent on the highway up until 90 ish and then I wish it had more power. I can keep it in triple digits going uphill in WV mountains so it has enough power. Only thing that gets to me is the lack of wind protection on the highway.
My memphis shades fairing helps with the wind a little bit.
@@TheMotoJawn i put the 15 inch detachable Memphis shades detachable on mine, i love it!
Love riding up to Hersheypark and going back, I'm from lancaster, so when I get depressed or board, that's usually my go-to ride, lol. I have a 2011 48 sportster xl1200x.
Great Riding out that way
550 in one day used to be my sporty commute back in the 80s. I was in my 20s then and it was no problem. I knew where the gas stations were. Wish I still had that ironhead sporty-put over 100k on it. New top end once, very dependable bike. Set up right, they are a good bike for whatever.
I just recently bought my second bike which happened to be a 1983 883 and I’ve went on my first long distance trip up to sturgis and the engine never skipped a beat granted I only went about 150 miles one way
I've got a 2003 883 Hugger that I've ridden from the Lansdale area out as far as Intercourse, PA. I avoid interstates. My bike certainly CAN hit those higher speeds, but it's just so damn buzzy at higher RPM that I prefer not to. I also got tires with a sportier profile (Metzeler Cruisetec) which I like for winding rural roads, but to my inexperienced self feel a bit squirrelly at higher speeds, especially on grooved or otherwise beaten up PA roads. Maybe that will change when I do a full suspension upgrade in the next week or two. I already upgraded the godawful OEM shocks for Street Glide take-off air shocks, and it made a world of difference, but now I'm going for the Bitubo dual adjustables AND upgrading the fork springs as well (fork fluid almost certainly needs replacement as well). Here's hoping!
Nice thats some good riding.
I just rode my iron 883 from central Mexico, all the way up to Montana, and way back to central Mexico. 10,000 kms 21 days. The only inconvenience I encountered was a bad stator, that I had to get replaced about 8,000 kms into my trip.
Sounds awesome
Last month I did about 2,000miles from NE Connecticut to Tennessee and back, while it was uncomfortable at times, it was awesome. Forward controls and a different seat other than stock is a must though, at the end of the day my back was the only thing that bothered me. I have a 2017 Iron 883, light came on around 95-100miles with still a gallon left in the tank when I went to fill up. A wind deflector will help me in the future, traveling around 80mph, I was about 4000rpm.
Going through PA on I-84 up until I got to I-81 was the worst, too many damn potholes.
Biggest thing like you said and I saw in other comments, anything is possible, nothing like being on 2wheels on a road trip.
@@RamboHikes Amazing! thanks for the perspective! A windshield or fairing definitely helps a lot at those high speeds. I agree the bumpy roads and potholes certainly get irritating after hours of riding. Ride Safe!
I have a 2019 iron 1200. Changing out the suspension is all it needs to make long distance easy. I do have t bars, and a bigger fairing on mine as well. Those items aren’t a necessity but it did make a difference to me.
Definitely considering suspension. Also like the idea of t bars
@@TheMotoJawn if you have an Instagram you can see my bike there. My handle is vairon1200ryder. It’s a work in progress
Did a 1000km weekend on my 1200C with drag bars and forward pegs. Not comfortable but the bike didn't complain! I've gone back to standard bars and will do mid controls but keep the forwards as highway pegs.
Sounds like a solid plan 👌
I rode my 98 hugger 883 with over 50,000 miles from Sturgis back to Canon City CO. (500 miles) without any bike problems. (Well I would occasionally hear a chatter sound. Come to find out the Harley shop I took my bike to prior to going to the rally forgot a spring I do believe it was on my front break. Tried to say the chattering sound was from no baffles in pipes) Anyway, I kept her at around 75 mph. No windshield or wind deflectors. No crash or highway bars. Drag bars on her, screaming eagle pipes with baffles cut out of them, and a bobber seat with no springs or any kind of suspension under the ass. The wind sucked across Wyoming. Had to adjust weight. Rode most of the way across Wyoming literally laying on the top of my tank so I didn't have as much wind resistance. My bike was the smallest but it kept up with the big ones. Took around 9 hours to get from A to B. But there were 3 stops along the way and a 30 minute lunch break. Not to mention traffic and a complete standstill for about an hour just south of Castle Rock due to an accident. Hit a thunderstorm with big ass drops and some hail in it but kept on going. I loved it and I'd do it again. Would like to ride to rally in AZ and Daytona not to mention Little Sturgis! Who wants to ride on the back when. You can have your own fist full of throttle ❗
I have 2k 1200 . I put a 5 gal. tank on it with a cissy bar and saddlebags. A batwing windscreen a monster sucker air cleaner and floorboards with forward controls. I have no problems with long trips. (4 days or so). For longer rides or rallies I take the 12` electraglide custom.
I put 52,000 miles on my 1996 sportster. I rode it everywhere and loved it. I’m saving up to buy another one.
That's awesome. Go for another.
Over the summer I rode my 1200 sporty from northeast pa to skyline dr in Virginia with no issues and loved every minute of it. Just mounted the windshield, tied a book bag to the sissy bar and enjoyed the ride. I also have plans to try and get a poker chip from every pa dealership on the sporty as well.
That's awesome I want to do philly to skyline Dr this year.
The Moto Jawn you definitely should! This year I plan on taking my bike to tail of the dragon if everything goes right. I’m in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area so only about 2 hours from you.
@@mikeyt7547 nice I haven't ridden up there yet but might this summer.
The Moto Jawn I’ll be down that way this summer as well. Couple dealerships I need to get to down that way.
Great egret is a vlogger with an 883. Rode route 66 from chicago to la. I'm 6'2" 225 and I ride the same bike as you. Forward controls of course. It's a fun bike. I have no problem riding long and fast, just stop for gas. The bike never the issue it's the rider.
Rode my 17 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 600 miles with a passenger in a day, yeah these smaller bikes can do it but require more frequent stops, in my opinion stopping more often is a good thing, because you can get rehydrated or if you burn easily like me reapply sunscreen. Only thing I have done to my bike is have the seat re-padded to give a slight more comfort than the poem which was like one sheet of bubble wrap glued to a board lol.
Frequent stops are definitely good
New rider here from Philly as well. Got an 883 at the end of Feb, rode it out to the Poconos ended up on the turnpike on the way back to Philly. 70 and 80 all the way back. Happy as a fly on shit.
Yoooo nice. Love to hear it. Let's link up for a ride
@@TheMotoJawn Absolutely!
I just returned from 4520 on my 01 883 , properly equipped it was excellent! Omaha to Key West and back! 13 days with DRAG PIPES! WHAT?!
This answer my question..I'm definitely goin on a trip on my iron 1200 now..live here in the four corners and the million dollar highway sounds like a good ride fr Durango Colorado to Ouray Colorado....enjoy the video happy ridin a b safe out der..
Any trip is doable on a sporty. You said it best you just have to have realistic expectations and account for the circumstances. Been out to Hershey many times but not on the bike. Might just have to take that trip.. Maybe hit up Millers if it's still out that way it's been so long but always a great meal if you're into the smorgasbord thing. Anyway have a great trip and ride safe!
Thanks man appreciate it! Hershey has some absolutely awesome riding out that way! Tons of open road and farmland all through central PA!
I have a 2020 883 that I've done some 200+ days on. With periodic stops for gas, it's comfortable enough to be enjoyable with my stock seat. On the highway, my sweet spot is 65-70 mph - the vibration all but cancels out and the motor is really smooth. RPM's at those speeds are 3600-3800. I think if I wanted to go longer days, I'd want to upgrade the seat.
The Sportster is the best bike Harley makes. It will go anywhere.
You got that right!
Yup 👍🏻 for sure! But that HD bs marketing is strong and can convince lots of people they need a 900 pound $30k pig for road trips.
Took my 2010 883 iron 3000 miles. No windshield and no Seattle bags. Just a backpack. One of the best experiences of my life. I sold it and want to pick up a new 1200 iron. They handle so good!
On my 883 had no problems. Filled up every 100 miles. I Went from Orlando to Cocoa beach to Myrtle Beach for bike week to Franklin North Carolina. Rode through the great smokies and blue ridge mountains for 10 days. Then through Georgia back to Orlando. It’s a life must. I was comfortable the whole time. I’m 5’10 in my boots. I will be doing another long ride once I pick up the 1200cc
Nice love to hear it! Get that 1200.
Nice video I have a 1992 Suzuki Intruder motorcycle want to try it out and see how that works thanks for sharing👍
Nice go for it!
I ride a 1200 Nightster here in Alaska, any other town I go to is at least 100 miles away. NGL I'm a little stiff after 2 hours but stopping and stretching at the end for lunch and I was ready to go again!
That's awesome I agree. Get a little stiff after awhile. Gotta get off and shake it out.
Long distance is not ideal on a sporty but it can be done. I rode from Ohio to California and back on a 77 sporty. Depends on how bad you need to get there.
I did a 1000 miles in a day from Austin to Atlanta on my 1200L and fuck I hated those last 5 hours.
To much raddling,/shaking at 80mph, to loud (My ears range for hours afterwards), and my ass hurt so much on the last third I had to get off every hour and walk around for a half hour.
The first 10 hours wasn't that bad.
(I took a two hour nap in a field)
Did a 3,000 mile trip myself on my 48
Had a two gallon gas tank strapped in one bag with tools and the other with clothes . That’s it . Was such a damn arduous and fun ride
Sounds like a blast
I just bought my 2004 XL1200R Sportster in January 2022 and I haven't ridden it yet. I'm looking forward to getting out on it this spring. Anyone with a few tips they want to share will be gladly received, I need to learn some things about it. For what it's worth, I'm going to sub, leave a thumbs up and a tap on the bell. I like your commentary and the scenery, along with the "Sportster music". Thanks for sharing.
Yooo thanks for tuning in! I've got plenty of sportster videos back there that hopefully help give some additional info for you!
@@TheMotoJawn ,
Thanks for the quick reply, I'll give it my best shot at checking out you videos, the more I can pick up the better I'll be at keeping this bike up. It's my first Harley in over 50 years, did I tell you I'm 72 y/o? lol. I'm not throwing in the towel yet.
Back in the day just after the reunificationn of East and West Germany, I had a friend called Jurgen tour The UK and Ireland on a 50cc moped. Size don't matter to anyone except the marketing men trying to sell you something you don't need.
I always take my sportster, an Iron 883 on long rides. I love that bike! Only wish it had a 5 gallon tank and some hard saddle bags... but other than that it’s a great bike and it doesn’t break the bank
More gas would be nice
i forget what they're called, but they make a plastic container that adv riders strap to their bikes when traveling to remote areas. that seems like an easier solution than changing your gas tank...
Sportster 1200 has plenty of power, it can do it all. I've got a 2016 1200 Custom and my wife rides a 2017 48, we go everywhere on ours. People just have this idea today that you can't travel on anything other than a Street Glide, Road Glide etc.
You got that right!
I like all the comments! I thought keep in mind back in the 1970’s people went coast to coast on Honda CB 350’s. I would definitely take a Sportster over that
Back in the day , people used to ride Honda 350's across country. Probably wasn't ideal...but they did it. Other than ride quality, I'd say a 1200 Sporty is perfectly fine on the long haul.
I'm trying to ready up my sportster 1200 for a 11 hour ride in June! Gunna toss a engine guard with freeway pegs and a 15 inch windshild
Nice that should help stretch out and block some wind.
I'm moving from north west Florida (pensacola area) to Sumter, SC in a few months. Was concerned if the 1200 would handle the trip and now I know it will
Should be no problem at all.
If you really like pain and fear yes, you can in fact ride a 2001 XLH Sportster Rigid Frame Mounted Evo with a 5 speed every day over an hour down the interstate all year. I did. Now I can really appreciate bikes made after 1956 like my 2020 Road King Special lol. That evo motor sounded amazing though. Way better than my M8. So much better it makes me want to buy a 1990's Road King.
I have done 4 Saddlesore 1000 rides on my 1200, one on my wife's 883. No issues on any of them.
That's awesome 👌
I rode from Los angels to nome, Alaska and then from there to southern Argentina in the 80s on a sportster. It only takes the will to do it and of course money.
That sounds amazing
@@TheMotoJawn it was, adventure of a lifetime
Hi there fm northern Quebec, I currently own a 2019 iron 1200, had a 2014 iron 883 before with 84000kms on the clock & owned a couple of pre-rubber mounted 883's &
rode the hell outta them, went as far as south carolina with a rigid mounted 883C, no problem yes you can ride long distance on a sportster if you want to😛👍🤘
Hey that's awesome to hear! Absolutely I think they can handle any situation given. Thanks for the insights ride safe!
You can travel on any bike. I have taken my Vulcan S every where and it is a smaller bike. Your bike is nice btw!
Right on! Thanks man. You can travel on any bike. Just hop on and let it rip!
Got a t shirt from Iron Valley! I used to travel from Pittsburgh every year to calibrate instruments at the wastewater treatment plant.
Nice! 😎
From 2005 until I started working at a power station in 2008 I was a field service tech. I put 50,000 miles on my Sportster in that time span. I got 15,000 miles out of my rear tires, 20,000 from the fronts. If the weather was nice my customers expected me to show up on the bike. Along with my late brother in law, we rode the Tail of the Dragon, went to the Vietnam Veteran Reunion in Kokomo, Indiana, visited Arlington National Cemetery every year, and welcomed Discovery into the Smithsonian. The bike never let me down once, but I developed my own maintenance routine for it. Like this:
The engine is located by three Heim joints, one at the top of the front head, one above the oil filter, and one behind and under the engine. I use a Zip Spout Handy Oiler to keep these joints lubricated. Once a month and immediately after riding in rain or washing the bike will do.
The rear swingarm pivots are also Heim joints and will last a lot longer if you oil them when you oil the motor mounts.
When I put the bike up for the winter, I take the plugs out and pour 2 oz. of Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder. After rotating the engine by hand I find the spot where all four valves are closed. This takes all of the tension off of the valve train and keeps the lifters from collapsing over the winter.
If Harley is not good for a long trips than what is it good for? I think roadtripping is Harleys natural habitat.
I road a 883 from Washington DC to Utah and back no problems at all, I had to get a full face helmet which made all the difference in the world, it’s fine
I have a 2014 Sportster Custom 1200 with a new comfort seat and back suspension. I regularly make 500-600 mile trips and it tops at 118 mph (it is really shaky and scary though). But I would prefer a touring HD for these long trips, they are just way more comfartable
Those are some good distances
I’m getting my sporty this weekend 2003 anniversary edition....so pumped
Nice you'll love it.
@@TheMotoJawn I do love it glad I went for the 1200 .....
I have an 03 anniversary hugger it's a beautiful bike
Nice vid, I live about 30min from philly, (gilbertsville) been riding since last july, furthest i went is up above wallenpaupack and back, roads can get a little rough up there, on a road glide
That's awesome 👌 I bet it's nice up that way
Why wouldn't a 1200 be considered a big enough engine? I tour all over on a 750 Honda with full camping gear and have never once thought I needed a bigger motor. All while getting 60+ mpg...