Well I just test rode the bike and it was fun, here are some thoughts:
Brakes and handling were on par with my K75s which isn't suprising since they use similar bias ply tires. The sportster has better brakes, but than it's 16 or so years newer! I did get a peg down getting on the freeway, but it has more clearance than other cruisers I've ridden. It shifts about the same as my K75, not smooth like the Triumph or a Japanese bike, but not horrible either. It has a manly-man clutch pull though!
Ergonomically it was really nice for general riding and nicer for my neck than my ST mild lean forward bikes. It has an aftermarket Mustang saddle and a windshield that was nice, quiet and I could look over it. 70 - 80 on the freeway wasn't bad.
Specific HD stuff: Man it shakes at idle! Now I know why women like to ride these! It was like extra special "me" time at each light. Once off idle the rubber mounts kick in. Not smooth, but not objectionable either. Turnsignals: one on each side but they self-cancel!
Why don't more bikes have a self cancelling set up?
Noise: Typical HD and Susan mentioned one of the aftermarket baffles blew out. I figure I saved at least 10 lives on my one hour ride
. She has the stock pipes for it also. I live in a condo complex so this or quieter aftermarket pipes would be a must. I found out it wasn't the transmission that was rebulit, it was the primary drive chain and sprockets.
Overall for something that costs $3K not bad at all. It's a good looking bike and comes with bags, windshield and those auxillary lights up front so many cruisers have.
Going to sleep on it, but I liked it a lot.
