Gooseless in Washington!

[Spokane2303]

In August I picked up an older (2004) Harley Xl1200C Sportster.  After riding it and my V7 over the remaining months of Summer, I made the hard decision to sell off my V7 and make the Sportster my only ride.

Why?

A less busy, more comfortable ride combined with ease of service, reliability, cheaper parts (new/used) and a huge support community of dealers and independents. 

I'll miss my Guzzi, she was a a sexy little bike; but, she was a fickle little thing, broke my heart on more then one occasion and I never trusted her more then an hour away from home!

This forum was my "go to site" and I thank all of you for the support!

[cookiemech]

Well, I'm no Sportster expert (I have Touring models), but I service two Sportsters for friends, and yes, they are solid, easy to service machines! If yours is comfortable (unfortunately, my friends' machines are lowered, as they are short, so riding them is a torturous experience for me), then I think you've made the right choice! Tons of aftermarket support, and they are cheap to maintain.

Good luck to you!

[Muzz]

Can I ask in what way was it "fickle"?

[wirespokes]

I'm also curious how she broke your heart and why she was untrustworthy.

[Spokane2303]

1. Low Sportster - yes, the bike as purchased was too low with very limited rear shock travel. That was addressed by replacing the stock 2004 11 7/8" shocks with a take off set of stock 13 3/8" Emulsion shocks off of a 2017 Sportster. Cost: $100. Increased length of the kick stand to compensate for the added height - Cost: $2.50 (Canadian hockey puck from local Ice Arena)

2. Fickle -  intermittent short from front coil shorting against frame (repaired), intermittent short from spark plug cap shorting to head (replaced with upgraded NGK caps and plugs), surging when started (oil blinded sensor in throttle body from excess oil being pulled into air cleaner when filled to spec - learned to underfill oil to max 1.75 liters), burnt catalytic converter (left side), front tire chronically loosing air (porous wheel casting), numerous vacuum leaks (crap rubber hoses and fittings -repaired), mysterious torque specifications - Service Manual errors (saved by this site!), over charging electrical system - replaced regulator and short lived battery, disappearing nuts and bolts, etc...  I honestly never went on a trip over an hour without something odd happening. I actually purchased a small trailer for frequent recovery of the bike from local road trips.  I never did replace the expanding fuel filter.   

I loved the sound and looks of the V7!  She just didn't like being ridden for over and hour at a time and required endless maintenance. The cost of parts and lubricants were too high and dealers in the Pacific Northwest are a dead or dying breed. 

[Muzz]

I must admit I am surprised.

I have had some massive gearbox problems but the rest of the bike has literally never missed a beat.

I can understand your frustration.

[Kev m]

I'm lucky my V7 hasn't been AS fickle or it would probably have been the death of the brand to me. Let's see I have had:

* Surging on cold start - it's been getting worse lately and I've been starting to think about Beetle.
* Voltage regulator - upgraded that. Somehow the battery survived in a weakened state and I've been nursing her for 2-3 more years. At 6 years now I'll probably replace the battery come spring and call it even.
* Spark plug caps - I'm planning on replacing them finally, I've been gentle and they've been fine.


I did the fuel filter but I'm confident mine was fine so I don't count that.

Other than that mine's been trouble-free.

On the Sporty thing I really get it. The 04-06 carbureted rubbermounts are exceptionally well built in a lot of ways. Beware they can over-cool in cold/wet climates so make sure you get her up to temperature on your rides, but that could be the worst problem (other than the stock suspension which you seem to have already started to address).

If you haven't, wander over the www.xlforum.net and you'll find more information than you need and rabid moderators keeping civility. But it's a decent crowd and the mods are rarely needed.

RIDE SAFE!

[greer]

Spokane, thank you for posting back with the details on your V7.  It was a '13, is that right?  Congrats on that Sportster, and I'd also encourage a visit to the XL forum.  Those folks know the bikes inside out, and have always been friendly and helpful whenever I've asked a question.  The site offers a wealth of information, and the search function works pretty well, too.

Sarah 

[TimmyTheHog]

Regardless what you ride, ride safe my friend

Also truly appreciate your pipe...if weren't for you, I would be down a good 200 big ones..

[Lcarlson]

I had a 2006 Sportster 1200 Custom for several years, purchased used/low mileage. It was dead reliable and ran perfectly. The stock suspension was terrible, but Progressive 412s were an improvement. Build quality was impeccable. It would not have been a good choice for touring, but was a very fun to ride runabout, and I really enjoyed it. Eventually, though, I just got tired of it, and sold it. Good memories, though.




pacific rim plot

[Kev m]

It would not have been a good choice for touring, but was a very fun to ride runabout

Tell that to my buddy Chris:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/would-you-ride-the-iron-butt-rally-on-a-sportster

I'd have to check with him, but I think he's up to about 250k on his 2006.

OK, he's a rabid example, but he's not alone and you'd be surprised how comfy they CAN be if you want them to be.

Mine was my go-to for touring for a while till I stupidly picked up and RK and now I'm spoiled again. 

[Guzzi Gal]

Who says you have to go?    

[cookiemech]

Mine was my go-to for touring for a while till I stupidly picked up and RK and now I'm spoiled again. 

My wife asked me recently what bike I'd have if I could only have one (I have six).

No question, the Road King . . .

[Kev m]

My wife asked me recently what bike I'd have if I could only have one (I have six).

No question, the Road King . . .

I'd have a hard time with that challenge, but I might come down with the same answer.

Or it could be a Sportster.

Or it could have been a Tonti Cali.

Or.... I'll stop there.