2011 Sportster xl1200l Low

[Dan K]

Anyone know anything about this bike?  Looks like I'm renting one in a couple weeks for a few days.

- Dan

[1KPerDay]

How's your lower back?

[Dan K]

Should I grab a Fat Boy or Road King instead?  Just riding for a couple days on the flat, straight streets of Florida... and I only weigh about 165-170...

- Dan

[chornbe]

The 2" of rear suspension travel will get old pretty quick.

Harley has slammed their entire line of sportsters.  

[stromgal]

If they've got a more 'standard' Sporty, grab that instead.

[Dan K]

Just the low, but it does have mid controls.  It's way less expensive than the other bikes...

Are the problems the kind you find immediately or only with sustained riding?
 
Just as I write this asking the question, I am thinking I'll get a Road King or Fat Boy.  I had fun on a Fat Boy in Arizona a while back, and once I became familiar with its limited lean angles (and stopped dragging the boards) I had a blast on it.

Thought the sporty would be sportier than the other options is all.

- Dan

[1KPerDay]

Should I grab a Fat Boy or Road King instead?  

Uh, yeah...


If they have a standard sporty as stromgal says, or an XL1200R, or a superglide, or even a low rider... it would be preferable IMO.

The sporty's riding position gets old quick for most people. Like sitting in a straight-backed chair with no back.

Road kings are great bikes.

The sporty in question may be sportier than the other bikes, but remember that is a relative term, relative to other harleys.

And the "low" has zero lean angle. But it is florida....

[chornbe]

Just the low, but it does have mid controls.  It's way less expensive than the other bikes...

Are the problems the kind you find immediately or only with sustained riding?
 
Just as I write this asking the question, I am thinking I'll get a Road King or Fat Boy.  I had fun on a Fat Boy in Arizona a while back, and once I became familiar with its limited lean angles (and stopped dragging the boards) I had a blast on it.

Thought the sporty would be sportier than the other options is all.

- Dan

Actually in stock trim, the Road King will be the bike to get. Especially if it's the latest generation. They actually handle, like... for real.  

[atadaskew]

There's nothing sporty about the XL1200L.  The 'suspension' takes care of that.

Treat yourself.  Rent the Road King.

[Dan K]

Actually in stock trim, the Road King will be the bike to get. Especially if it's the latest generation. They actually handle, like... for real.  

Noted.  That's what I'll do.  They only rent 2011 models with saddlebags.  Peterson Harley in Miami is the easiest place to rent from since I can't find anything else but scooters.  I did find one place with a CBR 600 I could rent, but I'll be in Florida.  Busa was fun there because they go fast in a straight line.  Harley's are good for just cruising, and likely that's what I'll be doing.

- Dan

[2DFlyer]

I love the Sportster but with the mid controls always felt like my knees were in my face.  I'd pony up for a Super Glide at a minimum.