Touring on a Sportster?

The issue with a Magna or other VF-based Honda is how much "stuff" is under the induction system. To change the thermostat or deal with the various attendant hoses on my VFR, I have to pull the fuel injection throttle bodies out completely. The same would apply, I believe, to these older bikes with carbs.

That was always a complaint that I've heard with the VF bikes; dealing with the carbs between the cylinder banks. It's crowded. I've not worked on a Magna so maybe the frame makes this easier but with the aluminum spar frame on my VFR800 VTEC it's a bit like proctology. And no factory Magna had EFI. I still really like my VFR overall but there are caveats. At least the Magna's had gear driven cams...

I'm wondering what the OP would think of a Ducati Monster. I know they're small but a Sportster doesn't exactly have a big frame once you discount the front fork rake angle.

In reply to Xceler8x:

Lol, it doesn't take much to run a tank of fuel through a sporty. My low fuel light comes on between 85-90 miles. She is on fumes at 120, with the standard 3.3gal tank. I don't start getting uncomfortable until after the third tank of fuel. I did about 350 miles Sunday and my legs didn't go until the last 50 or so miles. I need a taller seat for sure and I'm really thinking about some highway pegs.

I have been going back and forth between a road king and a deluxe softail for commuting and general summer fun. You are certifiable, and probably more fun at parties.

I'm used to riding a 125cc scooter with 10" wheels, and have taken it out on more than one 300+ mile day, so I probably am certifiable, but I can assure you I'm not that fun at parties

Looks like I'll start casually looking at craigslist at roadsters, and maybe go back to the dealer when they have a 1200 custom in stock. As I'm used to small stuff, I may see about getting a smaller bike as an intermediate ride, just to get used to shifting on a 2 wheeler again, and maybe that'll help me decide between a scooter and a Harley when i go bigger.

Carkid, please shoot me the details, I'll probably pass, but who knows.

pres589 wrote: ...I'm wondering what the OP would think of a Ducati Monster. I know they're small but a Sportster doesn't exactly have a big frame once you discount the front fork rake angle.

I have a monster and I definitely would not want to tour on it. But I have toured on real touring bikes and there is something to be said for not knowing better.

Carkid89, is this one yours?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4830444908.html

In reply to SEADave:

Would you want to tour on a Sportster? On a long trip out west I ran into some guys in Wyoming on their own multi-day tour. One was riding one of those Ducati Classic 1000's, the GT with more upright bars, and I don't know if that's all that much better than an M900.

Ok, sorry for the long story, but you asked:
A few years ago I was at Daytona Bikeweek, and I went to the Harley display to take a test ride. I rode the then-new Nightster, which was (IIRC) some sort of blacked-out 883 Sportster. When I came back, the Harley guy running the demo's asked how I like it. I told him that it was ok, trying to be nice. Well he looks at me with my non-black full-face helmet and textile jacket and says "are you a sportbike guy?" I said yes, and he says "try this" and puts me on a 1200 Roadster. Well that bike had a tach and dual discs and a lot more power, and when I got back I told him that yes, that was much more to my liking, and that I really enjoyed it. I was both impressed with the bike and that guy who went out of his way to make sure that I came away with a positive Harley experience.

So long story short - yes I would tour on Sporter, but not all Sporters are the same. The Nightster had a tiny tank, cramped leg position (I'm only 5'8") and my right knee wanted to be right where the air filter was. The Roadster fixed all those things, was really a nice, raw bike and partially inspired me to buy the Honda ACE cruiser I used to have.

Yeah, I'm too tall for much of what I see in HD's lineup, and bikes like the Nightster confuse me. Are they trying to corner the market on motorcycles sized for midgets? Well, midgets with frighteningly long arms, I guess.

In reply to SEADave:

I think you rode an Iron, The Nightster is a 1200. The Iron has the Nightster stupid ridiculous suspension but with an 883.