This is a strong motivator for my choosing the Sportster. Popularity and numbers matter, but it's really a great machine to illustrate mechanical work and how-to with videos. That's where a lot of time will be spent once I bring the Sportster into the shop/studio. Thanks for sharing your experience and comments!
After riding older Bonneville's for years I now own an 2008 Nightster. Reasons for getting it, fairly cheap compared to other bikes of same power, very good power to weight ratio reliability, light enough to throw around.
Interesting how we gravitate from vintage British bikes to the Harley-Davidson Evolution Sportster. Must be an instinct. Pleased to see your comment about "light enough to throw around". Thanks for the feedback and subscription!
since 1966 I've owned about every type of bike. The most memorable times were in the 70's riding BSA Thunderbolt. Got too old to manhandle a Road KIng, so I sold it and bought a 2004 Sportster. The price of old Limeys are too far out for what you get and put up with, but the Sportster is proud to take it's place.
Fully agree...I, too, value the vintage British bikes, having owned three BSAs. The A65L was my favorite for handling, the 750 Rocket III for smooth, exceptional performance. The B44 (441 Victor Special single) taught me respect for compression release starting...They're each among today's pricy collectibles, it would have been smart to keep them. Your rubber mount, carbureted 2004 should get the job done. Looking forward to learning more about it...Thanks for your subscription!
Another outstanding vid! And for what it's worth, my compliment is from a guy who is NOT a mechanic and understands next to nothing about engines or how they function. Terms and their definitions I can note but grasping their interconnectedness and why one design is superior to another, is beyond my comprehension. As I've long said, I'm a rider, not a wrencher. Now doubt the mechanics here will be doubly blessed as they hear an expert explain the reasons behind the design changes and improvements to the Sportster's engine over time. On a simpler subject, I've long loved the Sportster line. And after owning 3 883s over the last 2 decades, in 2019 I was finally able to purchase my favorite Sportster model; the classic XL1200X. As many guys do, I slowly began climbing the performance ladder. As she now sits, I have the Stage 3 upgrades, a V&H FP3 Tuner, and Bassani 2 into 1 Road Rage exhaust. Having recently ended a 5-year relationship, my rear seat and sissy bar has been replaced by a Harley Davidson Bobber Seat. That particular seat has been out of production for 3 years and I was fortunate to find the LAST new seat at a Harley dealer in Connecticut 2 summers ago. It's by no means the most comfortable, but it LOOKS great (Lol)!! Lastly, 2 summers ago I rode both the Sportster S and Nightster. I much preferred the seating on the S and without a doubt the bike was a missile in Sport Mode. I'm by no means a "speed racer" when I ride, but who doesn't like knowing that there's lots of ponies for a twist of the wrist? Was I tempted to trade? Maybe, until the pitiful offer for my bike was shared with me!! (A bike I recently paid off) I remain saddened by Harley's refusal to price their bikes in such a way as to make them affordable for the vast majority of their customer base. But as you aptly pointed out, good used bikes which average earners can afford will always be around. Looking forward to the next installment!! And my apologies for the chapter length "comment"!
Thanks for the kudos! I like bringing tech stuff down to a useful level. I taught Adult Ed level automotive technology and welding to tough, former gang affiliated students. Those students made me a better instructor...I am very pleased that you have the XL1200X, a very cool edition that captures classic H-D and Sportster cues! I'm sure the bike looks great with the Bobber Seat...My search for the right Evolution Sportster is impartial, I'm leaning toward several options and remaining open. One thing for certain, once I get the right bike, the next phase will be a lot of time on the shop lift, beginning with preventive maintenance how-to. I want the projects to serve all Evolution Sportster models...The Evolution Sportster is sensible and affordable in today's market. Motorcycling should be about riding and wrenching, not payment coupons. Many enthusiasts can find their way into Sportsters in good or restorable condition.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Sounds great! I think you're off to an excellent start!! As for the bobber seat, apparently there was a final edition of a 2022 Xl1200X somewhere in Europe I believe. It actually came with that very seat. I think it was the Riding In The Ozarks channel that showcased that model.
Helpful endorsement of a rigid engine mount model! What's your maintenance strategy for going strong at thirty years? Has vibration been an issue? Your insight is valuable to fellow owners and newcomers to the Evolution Sportster...Thanks for subscribing!
Fully agree...My pending video talks to the issue of rigid versus rubber mount models. I will follow that episode with a carburetion versus EFI comparison. Thanks for your subscription!
An important consideration...I live east of Reno, Nevada. There are great rides in the region with many miles between towns. Carrying extra fuel canisters has become popular, especially for off-roaders. I'm not a fan. Carrying extra flammables on a motorcycle just doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather have a motorcycle with range, like you share. Thanks for your comments and subscription!
Comprehensive analysis-thank you; from the UK- I'm 69 and have always wanted a Harley (new is too expensive); however the seat height seems SO low- I'm not a huge bloke by USA standards, at about 6 feet; can I seriously ride a bike with such a low ride height ? Are seats available to lift the height (I'm over in USA next week so good chance to buy any gear recommended-any suggestions welcome)-Tom
Tom...I fully understand your point. A 31-32 inch saddle is possible with some stock models. There are aftermarket seats as well. Also, Corbin and others can build up an original seat to any standard. See what bike(s) you find of interest. Look further at the seat options and custom seat work. Let me know if questions arise!
My pending video breaks that down. There are variables that you can consider in that video, which will be available soon! I can build a case for several years and models. The video helps here. Thanks for subscribing!
I had to smile when reading your comments. I've published in magazines and newspapers since 1983, over 4,500 full-length articles and columns to date, and am the author and illustrator of seven Bentley Publishers technical books. I taught automotive technology and welding for seven years at the Adult Ed level and wrote curriculum. Nearly all of that work was well before Chat GPT existed...If I sound A.I., Chat GPT must be using my writing for its A.I. mill. I've never used A.I. writing and am too old to start now...Thanks for your interest in the channel. I'll try to be less formal.
There was an obvious loss here. Next generation emissions requirements played a large role. The Sportster S is a complete departure from the Evolution Sportster. The "S" will meet pending European and EPA standards while competing with other global brand sport cruiser bikes.
@MotorcycleTechandTravel yes sir, I understand that. I spent over 40 years in the motorcycle industry and about half of that with Harley. But, Harley could still sell them here and other places like Asia. It was their most reliable engine and most affordable. I've seen Sportsters with 400k on the clock. I've been building hot rod Sportsters since the mid 90s and it really is fun beating up on Ducatis, BMWs and the like on back roads with a Harley.
Valuable insight and shared experience. Longevity of motorcycles is always a big question. Your comment about 400K miles is a testimonial to the Evolution's integrity. Many are uncertain about reliability, and other motorcycles wear out much faster. The Sportster's legacy is proven, time-honored engineering. Aside from your obvious riding skill, what tuning and upgrades can improve a Sportster's cornering on the back roads? Which Evolution era Sportster model do you like most?
@MotorcycleTechandTravel for me, the 91-03 5 speed, non rubber mount. The 04 and up bikes are just too heavy, and there's nothing you can do about that. My current bike has a Buell engine. 93 frame. The Buells had a lighter crankshaft and rev quicker than a regular Sportster, not to mention the Buell heads had better porting. Carl Marrow from Carl's Speed shop was close to Harley Davidson of Westminster, and Carl used to come in from time to time when he needed OE parts. I got to know him, and he shared some porting and assembly secrets that REALLY improved how a Sportster makes power. I have fully adjustable Works shocks and GSXR 750 forks in Buell triple clamps and Sportster hub adapted with many hours on lathe and mill to make it all fit with laced wheels. I did all that just to do it and have fully adjustable front forks with radial calipers. But you can go very fast on a Sportster with the stock forks that have heavier oil and springs...and maybe some cartridge simulators. I run Storz high pipes with different silencers. I prefer reverse cone mufflers from cone engineering. It saddened me when the woke idiot German ceo discontinued the evo Sportster. Very bad move for Harley.
That's certainly a buyer's option. Unfortunately, my preference would be the vintage 1969 BSA Rocket III that I bought in 1973, which would now be a pricy collectible. The Evolution Sportster is a traditional Harley-Davidson prototype. Owners and buyers are invested in the history and V-twin technology. The Sportster has a large and loyal following, though it's not for everyone.
Hands down the Evo Sportster was the most reliable and easiest to work on Harley I've ever owned and the only one I would buy again.
This is a strong motivator for my choosing the Sportster. Popularity and numbers matter, but it's really a great machine to illustrate mechanical work and how-to with videos. That's where a lot of time will be spent once I bring the Sportster into the shop/studio. Thanks for sharing your experience and comments!
After riding older Bonneville's for years I now own an 2008 Nightster. Reasons for getting it, fairly cheap compared to other bikes of same power, very good power to weight ratio reliability, light enough to throw around.
Interesting how we gravitate from vintage British bikes to the Harley-Davidson Evolution Sportster. Must be an instinct. Pleased to see your comment about "light enough to throw around". Thanks for the feedback and subscription!
"Because I want it" can be a good enough reason in and of itself.
I totally agree! That's incentive enough...
since 1966 I've owned about every type of bike. The most memorable times were in the 70's riding BSA Thunderbolt. Got too old to manhandle a Road KIng, so I sold it and bought a 2004 Sportster. The price of old Limeys are too far out for what you get and put up with, but the Sportster is proud to take it's place.
Fully agree...I, too, value the vintage British bikes, having owned three BSAs. The A65L was my favorite for handling, the 750 Rocket III for smooth, exceptional performance. The B44 (441 Victor Special single) taught me respect for compression release starting...They're each among today's pricy collectibles, it would have been smart to keep them. Your rubber mount, carbureted 2004 should get the job done. Looking forward to learning more about it...Thanks for your subscription!
Another outstanding vid! And for what it's worth, my compliment is from a guy who is NOT a mechanic and understands next to nothing about engines or how they function. Terms and their definitions I can note but grasping their interconnectedness and why one design is superior to another, is beyond my comprehension. As I've long said, I'm a rider, not a wrencher. Now doubt the mechanics here will be doubly blessed as they hear an expert explain the reasons behind the design changes and improvements to the Sportster's engine over time.
On a simpler subject, I've long loved the Sportster line. And after owning 3 883s over the last 2 decades, in 2019 I was finally able to purchase my favorite Sportster model; the classic XL1200X. As many guys do, I slowly began climbing the performance ladder. As she now sits, I have the Stage 3 upgrades, a V&H FP3 Tuner, and Bassani 2 into 1 Road Rage exhaust. Having recently ended a 5-year relationship, my rear seat and sissy bar has been replaced by a Harley Davidson Bobber Seat. That particular seat has been out of production for 3 years and I was fortunate to find the LAST new seat at a Harley dealer in Connecticut 2 summers ago. It's by no means the most comfortable, but it LOOKS great (Lol)!!
Lastly, 2 summers ago I rode both the Sportster S and Nightster. I much preferred the seating on the S and without a doubt the bike was a missile in Sport Mode. I'm by no means a "speed racer" when I ride, but who doesn't like knowing that there's lots of ponies for a twist of the wrist? Was I tempted to trade? Maybe, until the pitiful offer for my bike was shared with me!! (A bike I recently paid off) I remain saddened by Harley's refusal to price their bikes in such a way as to make them affordable for the vast majority of their customer base. But as you aptly pointed out, good used bikes which average earners can afford will always be around.
Looking forward to the next installment!! And my apologies for the chapter length "comment"!
Thanks for the kudos! I like bringing tech stuff down to a useful level. I taught Adult Ed level automotive technology and welding to tough, former gang affiliated students. Those students made me a better instructor...I am very pleased that you have the XL1200X, a very cool edition that captures classic H-D and Sportster cues! I'm sure the bike looks great with the Bobber Seat...My search for the right Evolution Sportster is impartial, I'm leaning toward several options and remaining open. One thing for certain, once I get the right bike, the next phase will be a lot of time on the shop lift, beginning with preventive maintenance how-to. I want the projects to serve all Evolution Sportster models...The Evolution Sportster is sensible and affordable in today's market. Motorcycling should be about riding and wrenching, not payment coupons. Many enthusiasts can find their way into Sportsters in good or restorable condition.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Sounds great! I think you're off to an excellent start!!
As for the bobber seat, apparently there was a final edition of a 2022 Xl1200X somewhere in Europe I believe. It actually came with that very seat. I think it was the Riding In The Ozarks channel that showcased that model.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel ua-cam.com/video/9nIx3Zeh0Rg/v-deo.html
You got lucky! Good choice...Looks sharp!
I can see why you were excited to find this rare seat. How's the ride? Does the seat work well?
Bought a new 94 sportster,$4995.Salesman told me it was bullit proof.30 years later and he was pretty much right!
Helpful endorsement of a rigid engine mount model! What's your maintenance strategy for going strong at thirty years? Has vibration been an issue? Your insight is valuable to fellow owners and newcomers to the Evolution Sportster...Thanks for subscribing!
Pre-2003 sportsters are one of the easiest & cheapest to maintain
Fully agree...My pending video talks to the issue of rigid versus rubber mount models. I will follow that episode with a carburetion versus EFI comparison. Thanks for your subscription!
My first Harley was a new 1988 hugger.
Tank range didn't work out.
An important consideration...I live east of Reno, Nevada. There are great rides in the region with many miles between towns. Carrying extra fuel canisters has become popular, especially for off-roaders. I'm not a fan. Carrying extra flammables on a motorcycle just doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather have a motorcycle with range, like you share. Thanks for your comments and subscription!
Comprehensive analysis-thank you; from the UK- I'm 69 and have always wanted a Harley (new is too expensive); however the seat height seems SO low- I'm not a huge bloke by USA standards, at about 6 feet; can I seriously ride a bike with such a low ride height ? Are seats available to lift the height (I'm over in USA next week so good chance to buy any gear recommended-any suggestions welcome)-Tom
Tom...I fully understand your point. A 31-32 inch saddle is possible with some stock models. There are aftermarket seats as well. Also, Corbin and others can build up an original seat to any standard. See what bike(s) you find of interest. Look further at the seat options and custom seat work. Let me know if questions arise!
I got me a 2021 baby! The only bike I need forever! Side note, your voice sounds like A.I. LOL!
I appreciate your comments and subscription...You'll see my lips moving, an indication that it's not A.I. Thanks for joining us!
What was the best year to buy a Sportster?
My pending video breaks that down. There are variables that you can consider in that video, which will be available soon! I can build a case for several years and models. The video helps here. Thanks for subscribing!
thanks
Watch for the video's release. If questions arise, please ask. Glad you're interested!
Might want to rely less on chat GPT for your script. Use it for outline, then write your own.
I had to smile when reading your comments. I've published in magazines and newspapers since 1983, over 4,500 full-length articles and columns to date, and am the author and illustrator of seven Bentley Publishers technical books. I taught automotive technology and welding for seven years at the Adult Ed level and wrote curriculum. Nearly all of that work was well before Chat GPT existed...If I sound A.I., Chat GPT must be using my writing for its A.I. mill. I've never used A.I. writing and am too old to start now...Thanks for your interest in the channel. I'll try to be less formal.
Harley really screwed up when they discontinued the evolution Sportster.
There was an obvious loss here. Next generation emissions requirements played a large role. The Sportster S is a complete departure from the Evolution Sportster. The "S" will meet pending European and EPA standards while competing with other global brand sport cruiser bikes.
@MotorcycleTechandTravel yes sir, I understand that. I spent over 40 years in the motorcycle industry and about half of that with Harley. But, Harley could still sell them here and other places like Asia. It was their most reliable engine and most affordable. I've seen Sportsters with 400k on the clock. I've been building hot rod Sportsters since the mid 90s and it really is fun beating up on Ducatis, BMWs and the like on back roads with a Harley.
Valuable insight and shared experience. Longevity of motorcycles is always a big question. Your comment about 400K miles is a testimonial to the Evolution's integrity. Many are uncertain about reliability, and other motorcycles wear out much faster. The Sportster's legacy is proven, time-honored engineering. Aside from your obvious riding skill, what tuning and upgrades can improve a Sportster's cornering on the back roads? Which Evolution era Sportster model do you like most?
@MotorcycleTechandTravel for me, the 91-03 5 speed, non rubber mount. The 04 and up bikes are just too heavy, and there's nothing you can do about that. My current bike has a Buell engine. 93 frame. The Buells had a lighter crankshaft and rev quicker than a regular Sportster, not to mention the Buell heads had better porting. Carl Marrow from Carl's Speed shop was close to Harley Davidson of Westminster, and Carl used to come in from time to time when he needed OE parts. I got to know him, and he shared some porting and assembly secrets that REALLY improved how a Sportster makes power. I have fully adjustable Works shocks and GSXR 750 forks in Buell triple clamps and Sportster hub adapted with many hours on lathe and mill to make it all fit with laced wheels. I did all that just to do it and have fully adjustable front forks with radial calipers. But you can go very fast on a Sportster with the stock forks that have heavier oil and springs...and maybe some cartridge simulators. I run Storz high pipes with different silencers. I prefer reverse cone mufflers from cone engineering. It saddened me when the woke idiot German ceo discontinued the evo Sportster. Very bad move for Harley.
Absolutely.
Thats what happens when non motorcyclists are in charge of a motorcycle company.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
What can I say? Thanks for watching...!
I have owned allsorts of bikes and ridden barleys and cannot see a single reason to ever buy any harley
If you want to go very straight pretty slowly, with your legs straight out in front of you (!) Buy a Harley.
Otherwise buy a motor cycle.
I prefer mid-controls and not riding with my feet out in front...Thanks for your input!
so why not just buy a rocket 3 or a real motorcycle like a royal enfield?
That's certainly a buyer's option. Unfortunately, my preference would be the vintage 1969 BSA Rocket III that I bought in 1973, which would now be a pricy collectible. The Evolution Sportster is a traditional Harley-Davidson prototype. Owners and buyers are invested in the history and V-twin technology. The Sportster has a large and loyal following, though it's not for everyone.