Nevertheless, there is no replacement for miles in the saddle when it comes to really getting to know a motorcycle. Sometimes you end up liking a machine less over time (what's that old saying about familiarity and contempt?) while in others slowly fall in love.
The Harley Sportster 1200 Roadster, which we ended up 'owning' for a couple of months, probably falls into the latter category - though it still isn't everyone's preferred brew. What's new?
Just a quick recap here on this particular generation Sporty, which covers the 883 and 1200s series. There's been a whole host of changes, including to conrods, pistons sensors and so-on. However the big change is with the chassis - this is the first Sportster series to have a rubber-mounted powerplant. The company has also gone to a fair bit of trouble to stiffen up the frame.
And what's it like? Well maybe it depends on where you're coming from. Spannerman from Motorcycle Trader reckons they still feel agricultural, and he wasn't exactly overwhelmed.
He's right in a sense, in that the Sporty still has a far bit of vibration, and the controls require a pretty assertive approach to get the best out of them. That said, they're much more civilised beasts than a couple of generations ago and they're not difficult to ride. In fact, I reckon they're a lot of fun.
We're not talking huge quantities of horsepower, or razor sharp handling, but the general package has enough oomph to lose your licence, and is perfectly capable of keeping the rider entertained in the process. Which, to me, is quite sufficient.
It of course has the huge cachet of 'that' name on the fuel tank and the general standard of finish seems to have lifted a couple of notches over the last few years. As you'd expect, there were no reliability issues.
Okay, so what's not to like? Cornering clearance, particularly on the left, could be improved - the frame could easily handle it. Also, the stock tyres (Dunlop Elites) need to be binned for something that actually grips. Dunlop makes some excellent rubber, but these hoops are out of date.
Steering and braking are fine - though I'm mystified about why H-D would develop a new set of brake calipers for the Sporty range when the four-spotters from the 1450 series are a better package with a bit more feel and power.
Anyone who has ridden older H-Ds will be pleasantly surprised by the clutch and gearbox, which are a joy to use and among the best V-twin cruiser packages on the market.
Though it was the Roadster which we had long-term, we also spent a fair bit of time on the Custom. I'm generally not a fan of feet-forward motorcycles, but this is a particularly good one and is actually nicer to ride than many of the larger offerings, such as the Wide Glide.
In general, the message is that if you're in the market for a cruiser and more particularly a Harley, you should have a look at the Sportster range. It's reliable and has a fair bit to offer.
H-D SPORTSTER XL 1200 (CUSTOM MODEL IN BRACKETS)
ENGINE:
Type: Air-cooled, 45 degree V-twin, four-stroke;
Bore x stroke: 88.8mm x 86.8mm;
Displacement: 1202cc;
Compression ratio: 9.7:1.
TRANSMISSION:
Type: Five-speed, constant mesh;
Final drive: Belt.
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR:
Frame type: Double cradle;
Front suspension: 39mm conventional telescopic forks;
Rear suspension: Twin coil over shocks;
Front brake: Twin 292mm discs with twin-piston calipers
Rear brake: 292mm disc with twin-piston caliper.
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES:
Dry weight: 251kg (255kg);
Seat height: 713mm (668mm)
Fuel capacity: 12.9lt (17lt).
PERFORMANCE:
Max power: 62PS at 6000rpm;
Max torque: 9.18kg-m at 2700rpm;
Test bike supplied by: Harley-Davidson Australia;
Warranty: 24 mths/unlimited km;
Price: $16,495 ($16,995).
by Guy Allen