I had a 1200 Sportster a few years back, as I thought I would scratch the HD itch. Was trying to find a scruffy one to ride to an annual event in Czechia, as lots that attend have highly polished cruisers. Could not believe how much people were asking for rat ones.
Found a nice tidy looking 1994 one cheap on ebay, so went to see it. It was fitted with Edelbrock heads, Edelbrock inlet manifold, Mukini (or Keihin, I forget) carb, Andrews cams, Dyna ignition oils, S&S exhaust, Lockhart oil cooler and a few bolt on cosmetic parts.
Didn't own it for long. After years of sportsbikes, the laid back riding position was bad for my lower back. But that was the least of the issues.
The standard chassis needed uprating to handle the extra power. Shocks and forks way too soft, and it had a single front disc, poorly gripped by a single piston caliper. Great on straight roads, but bends, and roundabouts were a bit challenging.
Sold it easily enough and even made a fair profit on it. Condition wise it was excellent after polishing the paintwork and spending an hour or so on the casings with Solvol.
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I've not ruled out another one in the future, as there are loads here.
Nice that HD riders here acknowledge riders of other brands of bikes with the hand gesture out on the road.
