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This is probably a good thing. However we were told Harley sold all the plans and tooling to a Chinese company. Either that wasn't true or Harley will have to start from scratch. They will have to do some redesign to be able to meet emissions. I liked my Sportster except for the horrible suspension. Stay tuned.kk
Any source to that? I suspect this is in reference to the SWM Stormbreaker V1200. I haven't found anything to indicate that's associated with Harley-Davidson, just another reverse engineered copycat bike. Don't forget, Japanese brands were doing similar blatant copying across brands decades ago…..
Any source to that? I suspect this is in reference to the SWM Stormbreaker V1200. I haven't found anything to indicate that's associated with Harley-Davidson, just another reverse engineered copycat bike. Don't forget, Japanese brands were doing similar blatant copying across brands decades ago.Very true, but I read that in more than one place. I can't remember where but they were fairly reputable sources. Most likely not true if Harley can bring it back at a reasonable cost they must still have everything. However as much as Harley protects everything from infringement I find it hard to believe that another company was able to do that much copycatting without some push back. Who knows for sure but I wish them the best.kk
Here's an '05 1200R with V-Rod front rotors and Brembo 4-piston calipers. The handlebar switchgear is from a late model bagger. Direct bolt-on. And aftermarket support is most excellent.
Thought I posted this video last fall, with more info about the HD sportster-Shineray-SMW connection but cannot find the thread so here it is againhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otl5KQBXVbE
I watched that video and found a guy being lead to conclusions by AI generated responses without any sources cited. If you type questions into Google or ChatGPT, running into wrong answers and "AI hallucinations" isn't uncommon. I think that if any of those events happened, Harley selling the blueprints or the production line, there would be leaked evidence from it and employees unofficially confirming it. Shineray producing a reverse engineered clone makes more sense to me, especially when the bike's design is so old that little of it other than logos has legal protection from being copied, and the majority of the bike was already available as aftermarket reproduction parts. You'll note that SWM haven't touted bringing it to the US market, where Harley-Davidson would have a leg up in court against them for selling a knock-off.Bringing the 883 back makes sense to me because it was the cheaper model and more suitable as an entry level bike. Not just an engine difference, but different trim, suspension, brakes, etc. Sure their customer base want the 1200 back and are more vocal about that, but people want bigger and better until it comes time to actually buy it and then fewer come through. I suspect that 883 to 1200 kits would see a revival just as they weren't uncommon on the original bikes when people started with the economy model and later found they desired more performance out of it.
I always found the 883 to be slow as molasses. The 1200 was the only Sportster I ever rode that had an amount of hp that made it entertaining. They are versatile bikes that can have a huge aftermarket following of parts and accessory. Can't imagine it being made in Milwaukee at a price that would be profitable, and if it's made overseas that will crimp its appeal to US riders. Time will tell.
Maybe the newer 883's run better. TBH I only rode an 883 once and it's been a while, I think 2005 or 6, and just remember feeling it was underpowered. I had taken my 2004 FXDXI to the dealer and while they tried to bleed the brakes I took out a base model 883, not Custom or Low. When I pulled out, the power seemed pretty good at partial throttle but after shifting into 3rd and 4th when I gave it more throttle there wasn't much more power than when it was at 1/2 throttle. Acceleration was sluggish. It also vibrated more than the Dyna and it started feeling a busy and vibrated even more at a lower speed than I imagined it would, maybe 60 or so, I can't recall exactly. Also at 5'-11 I felt very cramped and even a large crack in the road was punishing.I currently have a 08 1200 Sportster R and it also vibrates like that 883, its suspension is a little more compliant but still fairly harsh. With the taller gearing its smooth range in 5th is from 60 to 75-80 or so where it feels relaxed. 50-60 is smooth in 4th. Acceleration on the 1200 improves from sluggish to moderate and it feels noticeably quicker to 60 and even more so to 70.Maybe my favorite looking Sportsters were the 883Rs. I'd love to see Harley bring that back with the 1200 motor and top shelf suspension.
My first HD was a 1993 1200 Sportster standard. I felt the power was good but those were hard mounted. Ironically, it was smooth up until 59 MPH, then it was paint shaker city. A good thing the national limit was still 55 at the time. Of course, it was the 2.5 gallon peanut tank so you only had about 90 miles before you had to get off anyway. I had to sell it in the fall due to financial reasons but really was crying to see it go. I just loved it. I was recently considering finding a nice low mileage 20 year old one to buy for a song, but got a roamer instead. A little more HP than the 883 at 55, but not quite as much as the 1200 but probably 75 lbs lighter than either and it can rev to 7000 which would have blown up the Harley.
My now gone 2006 XL1200C.
