Test ride on a 2016 HD Roadster today...

[Adk.IBO]

I have ridden an Iron 883 and a 1200 Custom (with the fat tires). I was surprised to dislike the Custom as much as I did. It didn't work for me. The Roadster caught my attention right away. So I was in the local dealer today and someone else took one out for a test ride. The salesman asked if I wanted to ride it. Yup. Brakes?- excellent. Cornering clearance?- best of the Sportsters, no complaints at all. Motor?- always liked the Sportster motor. Ergonomics?- at 5'3" 135 a set of 48 bars would most likely make it work for me. Aerodynamics?- Dart Flyscreen or HD 1/4 Fairing would come quickly. Exhaust?- I like quiet performance but I don't like getting burned, so I would want a D&D Bobcat to get it away from my leg at stops. Tin?- euro rear plate mount and tail light is more to my liking, and so is the larger 4.5 gallon tank of the Custom. Came away liking it actually. Until... I rode away on my '09 Norge! Truly an 'ahhh this is better' moment. I still want to own one Harley before it's over and the Roadster is at the top of the heap but probably not as an only motorcycle, for me anyway.

Stay safe, John

[elvisboy77]

Great story, I get it.  That's how I wound up with my Eldorado!

[dl.allen]

I love that bike.  Sat on one haven't ridden it yet.  Similar range to the 2004 Lemans, similar engine and brakes.  Little more relaxed riding position.  I wonder if it could replace the Lemans when I get rid of it?

[fotoguzzi]

I love that bike.    I wonder if it could replace the Lemans when I get rid of it?

LOL!

[dl.allen]

Seriously they feel similar in size weight, inverted fork, double disc, lots of lean angle, light wheels.  Looks are really deceiving on this Harley.  It looks like it could be ridden hard.  Needs different foot pegs or mild rear sets and then look out

[drlapo]

Ride a new triumph Thruxton
Should put HD out of business
But schwinn should have put Harley out of business.
HD has yet to make a product that interests me

[rocker59]

I love that bike.  Sat on one haven't ridden it yet.  Similar range to the 2004 Lemans, similar engine and brakes.  Little more relaxed riding position.  I wonder if it could replace the Lemans when I get rid of it?

Seriously they feel similar in size weight, inverted fork, double disc, lots of lean angle, light wheels.  Looks are really deceiving on this Harley.  It looks like it could be ridden hard.  Needs different foot pegs or mild rear sets and then look out

d00d.  You can't be serious...   

The Sportster is 50+ lbs heavier.  Has half the rear suspension travel of the V11 LeMans.  Etc., Etc...

I like Sportsters.  Have owned two.  Would not consider a Sportster as a "replacement" for a V11 Lemans.

Horses for Courses.  There are reasons Quarter Horses and Clydesdales don't run with the Thoroughbreds for the triple crown.  There are also reasons why those Thoroughbreds don't herd cows and run 1/4-mile, or pull beer wagons...

[rboe]

I was attracted to the Roadster, nice bike - at least on the showroom floor. Same with the R. But they fill the same niche as the Griso and I think the Griso does a better job at it. But if I had more money and space......

[dl.allen]

I'm sure the Thruxton R is the ticket.  But its 4k more than the Harley!

I bet I could keep up with any stock Lemans on the Roadster.  Now if you will excuse me I got a new GoPro for fathers day and have to put it on the Lemans for a big ride! 

[mjptexas]

I was attracted to the Roadster, nice bike - at least on the showroom floor. Same with the R. But they fill the same niche as the Griso and I think the Griso does a better job at it. But if I had more money and space......

Well, the suspension is arguably the best HD has put on a Sportster in some time.  Every bit as comfortable as my Griso - to a point.  That point is about 80 mph.  After that, no contest.  However, I'm finding this incarnation of the Sportster pretty entertaining.

[Kev m]

I still want the new Roadster.

A Griso? Not as much.

[Rough Edge racing]

I still want the new Roadster.

A Griso? Not as much.

  Yes...But I have never ridden a Griso.....I owned a much modified 63 Sporty a long time ago..It was fast and brutal.....The I sorta fell into the Sporty is a girls bike or an agricultural pile of junk....Then I rode a friend;'s Buell and a few weeks later bought a 97 Buell. A nicely tuned 1200 rubber mounted Sportster is a pretty fine thing..
 But I still need to ride a Griso...

[Kev m]

  Yes...But I have never ridden a Griso.....I owned a much modified 63 Sporty a long time ago..It was fast and brutal.....The I sorta fell into the Sporty is a girls bike or an agricultural pile of junk....Then I rode a friend;'s Buell and a few weeks later bought a 97 Buell. A nicely tuned 1200 rubber mounted Sportster is a pretty fine thing..
 But I still need to ride a Griso...

I have, and it (Griso) is a wonderful thing.

Actually it was very similar to my Buell S3T when it came down to it.

I still want the new CX!

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'm sure the Thruxton R is the ticket.  But its 4k more than the Harley!

I bet I could keep up with any stock Lemans on the Roadster. Now if you will excuse me I got a new GoPro for fathers day and have to put it on the Lemans for a big ride!

I bet you had better be a pretty darn good rider..  Now if it's on a straight road, pfffft.. kids can do that.

[mjptexas]

I'm sure the Thruxton R is the ticket.  But its 4k more than the Harley!

I bet I could keep up with any stock Lemans on the Roadster.  Now if you will excuse me I got a new GoPro for fathers day and have to put it on the Lemans for a big ride!

Hate to break it to you DL, but any V11 Sport variant will eat the Roadster's lunch.  The Sporty just doesn't have the speed the Guzzi V11s do.