Rabid Hedgehog's review of the 2016 Harley Roadster
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.ค. 2016
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I was actually quite surprised with this bike. I was expecting just another Sporty. What I rode was a well rounded machine.
Specifications and Details
MSRP base $11,199
Loaded out $12,939 (ABS, Security, Two tone option)
1200CC Air Cooled Evo Engine
Approx. 74HP (Harley does not publish but a few tests have indicated)
76 Ft. Lb of Torque
3.3 Gallon Fuel Tank
48 combined MPG
568 Lbs ready to ride
30.9 inch seat
Twin disk breaks up front with dual calipers and ABS option
Single Disk rear with dual calipers and ABS option
5 speed transmission
Bike provided by Iron Nation Harley Davidson
Lead Rider Monty (tell him Rabid Hedgehog sent you)
This is not a paid endorsement for reviews
www.ironnationhd.com
3433 S Broadway
Edmond, OK 73013 - บันเทิง
I've had the opportunity to ride the Roadster twice. The first time was a test ride, the second time was because I had so much fun the first time. I love this bike and I have vowed it is my next bike.
I want one. I want a play bike and I keep getting tossed about as to what I want and this one is in the running.
I love your podcast
Nice review. With regard to the Jabroni along for the ride - helmets are for those who have brains to protect.
I am a big proponent for helmets and I do tend to bash them for not wearing them.
I was about 5 minutes into this video when I went "holy shit, he's in OKC." That almost never happens on TH-cam. I'm an Edmond guy myself. Great review. Thanks.
Thanks for the support! Yup I'm around everywhere through the metro area. There are getting to be a few more in this area. FreeSpiritPhil is Enid area. Heartland Dual Sport is in and around here as well. Hopefully we get more soon!
yup right when i saw the bicycle shop i thought the same exact thing word for word. Im in edmond as well.
I have an old 01 sportster hugger , tested the 1200 roadster here in Glasgow Scotland , wow.. A hooligan of a bike , very nimble , loved the crusher pipes . Nice video man. Cheers
One of the better balanced Harley out there. When it was first announced my thought was really, okay another Sportster, what's it going to matter? Well I'm glad it did because it's an awesome bike that should be considered if anyone is thinking of a sporting type cruiser.
Thanks for taking the time to review
6 weeks ago I went in to trade my '93 lowrider in for the new Lowrider S, ended up saving a few thousand dollars and bought this amazing bike. I love it so much more than I ever loved my old low rider. Something special about this bike. I never have had so many strangers, Harley folks and regular folks, come up and talk to me about my bike. What a dream to ride. I live in a rural mountain area, so the twists and curves are perfect for this bike.
I have learned to never under estimate the Sporty and what it can do. And if you want to get some more power out of it there are plenty of upgrades for the Evo 1200 that will get you faster than the Dyna's 103 or even the 110 like the Lowrider S. And yes that bike would be wonderful in the twisty roads so you will have long term enjoyment. RSMF!
Just curious would you be able to give some examples of what you could do to upgrade the 1200 to get it up to 110ci specs? I test rode a roadster today and I enjoyed it. But I'm also interested in the low rider s but haven't been able to ride it to compare. Thanks.
Here is a good place to start
www.nrhsperformance.com/ekit8831200.shtml
Thanks!
Harley seems to be upping their game!
And I am hearing some interesting rumors too to be announced August. I hope they are real but it is a new 107 base engine. for the big twins that will include some sort of liquid cooling as well. Might make better and more reliable power.
I've been really interested in this bike since it came out great review
Thank you! I believe if you get it you'll definitely be happy with it.
I'm sure it would it would not be my first Harley
Good review. Ride safe man.
I'm just kind of wondering if those rear shocks felt real stiff I have an opportunity to buy some of these shocks fairly cheap as it take off and put on my custom XL 1200 C
I purchased the Roadster last Wednesday, I love it ! I was looking at Ducati sport bikes and stumbled across this bike at a Harley dealer in Florida. When I saw the Roadster it was love at first site. Beautiful bike in my opinion.
The Roadster is one of the better looking of the line (minus the issue of the breather color, but that is easy to fix). Must have left an impression for you to change from getting a Ducati to this machine, but it's a great machine to have for sure.
Don McGuckian How r the vibrations when on the move. Also how is the Comfort when doing long distance rides. I am looking to buy one and your feedback will be helpful.
How good is the clutch...is it heavy? And the tank size?
Beautiful bike
Really nice video man. I want this bike really bad and I've been saving up for it, but then again I'm 17 and don't have a motorcycle license yet.
Depends on your state to be honest, but training can start as low as 14 years old a like here in Oklahoma. You are limited to a 250CC class and no interstate travel and some other restrictions, but it is still a license. At 16 you can then get your full endorsement and ride any size here. So at 17 you would be able to do so in your area I would hope. The next thing is this recommendation, always go through the MSF course to learn to ride one. It will help you greatly achieve this dream. The Roadster is not a bad starter either. Wish you luck.
Oh, what proper suspension, brakes and sitting position will do for a bike. Best Spoetster out there, for sure. I wish Harley would make more bikes like this.
I wish they would bring back the XR1200
Rabid Hedgehog Harley really needs a standard.
I did notice how good the suspension was too over bumps when I test rode it. I'm having a hard time faulting this bike on much of anything.
I did too. It's seriously amazing what a decent shock set will do. Harley I think put on the longer stroke rear sets that most people put aftermarket anyways and of course that inverted fork setup. Much better than the typical sporty.
this is one of those bikes where you can make a crotch rocket guy go into hulk smash rage mode. Awesome review dude i love it.
Jared Aycock Thanks!
Brother Jared - They are nothing alike. I’m struggling to get the comment.
Nice dude great machine
H-D seem to have kept the best aspect of the Nightster and the XR1200. The XR1200 had the performance but was not the most attractive bike. I've been trying to test ride one but the local dealerships can't keep the Roadsters in stock. While at the same time, the 48s are gathering dust. The only thing missing on it now is a 6 speed tranny.
Thanks for the review.
It was a bit hard for me to get on this one because most of our dealers don't allow test rides very often. I think they did a perfect blend of those two bikes for real. I did actually like the XR1200 and have been passively searching for one around, but I might wait for these to hit the used market and pick up a good one later.
You've just pointed out the best and worse aspect of living in California. There's 7 H-D and 3 Indian/Vic dealerships within an hour from me and soon as I enter and look at a bike, a salesman will almost always tell me go ahead and test ride it (without an escort).
The worse aspect is that it could be a nightmare to try an register an out-of-state bike here. So, the bikes here are at least $500 more than anywhere else. A used XR or Roadster would definitely be cool.
RSMF
+Rabid Hedgehog excellent idea. my second just may be a used Roadster. looks like a fun bike to mod.
I was going to look at a XR1200 to buy and did wonder how it compared to this current Nightster. The XR1200 lean is 40*/39* vs 30*/31* on the Nightster. The height on the Nightster was slightly higher. The local H/D dealer has a demo, Nightster with a stage 3 kit wanting me to take it for a ride. IT'S SOO TEMPTING.
The Roadster is a very tempting machine. It definitely reminds me of the mighty XR1200 and with a stage 3 I bet that thing was screaming.
Do you think this is a good bike for tall riders? I'm 6'4" and around 225lb and I've always wanted a Sportster family bike but have heard that big riders might not fit well.
I would try it on to be honest. I might be a bit cramped for you still. But maybe a seat swap away from being just right.
Rabid Hedgehog I am interested in getting a roadster but I do not have a lot of experience driving, what advice would you have if I want this bike? (Smaller step, cc amount recommended for a beginner,..) How much do you need to maintain a Roadster? (miles driver untill it breaks down or needs to head for a mecanic?
The Roadster is an easy going motorcycle. It is good for both new and experienced bikers and if you treat it right it will last you a long time. Generally a Sporty is one that does not require major wrench turning and service intervals are at 5K intervals except the 1st at 1K and the second 4K after at 5K and after that the 5Ks begin. Average cost at those is 280.00.
nice review. do you think that an average rider coming from a sport bike will be scraping the pegs on this bike?
These bikes can make it to around 30.8 right and 31.1 left. A more aggressive more advance rider can for sure hit them as I can on this bike easily. Some average riders that know how to lean into a turn can scrape them as well, but maybe not as often. So a yes and no.
This is a bike I wanted to love. Then I rode it. It needs rearsets since the foot positioning is off. Then HD conveniently adds rearsets as an accessory for $700. Fail. If they only added the rearsets from the factory I would own one.
Does anyone know if you can buy specific custom rearsets ?
cristian garcia yes Harley has that, as well as aftermarket. They will cancel passenger pegs though. If not I would have done it
I like the concept, I would just like to have rear sets. I think would make me more comfortable on long rides, and a sporty feel. Otherwise they should have done this years ago.
Great review.
Which camera are you running. It's sharp like the gp4.
It is a Hero 4 Silver. 1080 60P with Pro tune on.
+Rabid Hedgehog been eyeing the 4 silver or another cam.. Just can't make up my dang mind just yet lol. The detail is so dang sharp, it's really nice.
I have a small army of cams. I have the aforementioned Hero 4 Silver, The Hero4 Session, Sony AS-100V, and a Garmin VirbXe. Each have their own function (the Garmin is 100% waterproof and will be used if I'm ever doing a vlog in the rain). And also contains multiple sensors such as g-force, GPS with elevation and map tracking and such.This does not have the best of pictures though. The Session is used as an auxiliary as it is not able to use an external mic at all, so it is for like a swing arm view or handlebar. The AS-100V is what the majority of my videos are filmed from right up until the Suzuki Bandit. It provides a very good picture as well and is splash proof out of the box, but is limited in position to mount unless you do not mind it hanging a mile off the helmet in the front.
+Rabid Hedgehog I've heard of those , to bad Garmin won't up the optical quality, it packs a punch in its other features. Go pros session is something else. I have the gp3+ , a Xioami yi , looking at the yi2 or gp4 silver, have a gp hero 2 , a sjcam 4000 (not fond off it) , a SJ cam M10 ( nice little cam) . But now I use the first two the most. I'm looking to let the 3+ go.
The 4 Silver really is the best bet in this case.
So I road tested one this afternoon n I really liked it I could see myself owning one
That's great! Seriously where do you people live that your dealers are willing to let you take a spin? lol
New Jersey , I bought a streetbob n a buell from them a few years ago . I just showed up said I was interested n he rolled a red one from the showroom outside .
+Davyboy Colon Must be nice. Most of our dealers here it's show up, I'm interested, please sign this credit app and we'll run it. If it's favorable then we'll let you ride it....
Most of the time you have to go to a sponsored ride event when they bring in the truck. However, some dealers have go to know me and actually are starting to let me take a few out.
not here in jersey n u go on solo rides not escorted
Nice looking bike. I'd been looking at the Sportsters and like the 1200 Custom but this might be the best of the Sportster bunch.
It is by a decent margin. This one is also tuned to get a but more out of the 1200 vs the others. But the suspension is where this one shines above the other so much more.
@@RabidHedgehog I appreciate the info! Especially from an old video. That is a sweet looking bike, for sure.
I'm looking into buying a roadster but it would be my first motorcycle ,would this motorcycle be good for a beginner.
steven rodriguez I feel that as long as you have gone through a safety course to learn clutch and power control, and you can handle the weight of the bike without issue and also flat foot it for extra security it will be fine. It can still scare you due to the power it has as a beginner. My only thing would be since it is a first you might start with something a bit less expensive and work towards it. Get that first drop out of your system basically.
I wish they have a 883 like this. The 883 motor would be good enough for me.
In a sense the Iron and this one are not too far off except for the stance and ground clearance. In the day (2006) they had the 883R, which was the Roadster of the day. So if you could find one of those it may work, with the small issue (well to some) that it would still have a carb.
Loved,your,comment,get,the,roadster.
Okc lol, live around that area
Nice review man! Do you think this bike will still be comfortable after a 2-3 hour ride? I'm 6'2"
Well luckily the fuel will be running out for a stretch time during that. It depends on the person. If your torso is longer and you're putting more weight on your wrists or if your legs are longer cause some folding in the hip region it'll be time to get off and shake it off a moment. But as stated fuel endurance will be max 3 hours of straight riding be more than likely 2 hours to maybe 2.5 would be average.
@@RabidHedgehog oh yes I wasn't thinking about the fuel haha, but yes I think I will at least do one fuel stop in the middle of the trip. The problem is that Harley doesn't let you ride the bikes here in Mexico, where I live, but at least I will seat on the bike in the dealership. Thanks man! Love your channel!
I feel ya when it comes to riding. Basically Harley and Indian are the only ones willing to let you ride here. Everyone else is like where's the money or here's a credit app
@@RabidHedgehog yes here it's the same, I have to think very well about what bike to get before I buy it. Plus the roads are pretty rough, so to know how the suspension will work is a mystery haha
I have a 2016. Worst footpegs in motorcycling. Right where you want to put your feet when you stop. OK though when riding. I'll try the HD rearsets one day, but over $700m is steep and excessive to fix an engineering error that should be an easy fix. Shifts like a Harley (clunk!). Forks make a clunk as well when they hit a decent bump. Racetech is in my future. But.....it looks great and is a hoot to ride! I'll keep her. Ride her slow and have fun.
I did not seem to have any issues with positioning of the pegs or anything. Harleys are good at the forks hitting their stops and making big clunking noises. But a bit of some changes does make it a fun bike. I do wish they would bring back the XR1200 to aid in this.
Can the 30.9 inch seat height be lowered?
There are lowering kits for this bike that can get it down a smidge.
what's the difference between a standard and inverted fork?
It's a lot more stable. Resists flexing better.
Wileym is correct. The bike is more planted on the ground as the fork does not flex and it is able to rebound and dampen at a better rate than traditional.
What is the top speed on it? Thanks in advance
Right around 117 mph.
Today is very strange day , i went to harley davidson saw this beautiful machine and go straight buy it ..! After come back home only i open youtube see this video to get know wtf am i buying ? Lol
Munzir Rafik this bike can do that to you. Make you do things you're not expecting.
Rabid Hedgehog i know right ?? Its a fucking gem
Btw you have a sexy voice . You should be on tv lol
Thanks hogman
You're welcome!
what's his buddy riden?
It is the Road Glide Special
would this be a good first bike?
thealize808 I would say it would not be a bad place to start. It does have a lot of pickup that may make a new rider nervous, but it's well balanced and easy to ride. Weight might be a factor, but other than those two things as long as you go through the MSF course first and learn throttle and clutch control techniques it should be fine.
***** thank you.
would this be a decent touring bike?
Well, fuel capacity and range is a bit small, but it is not impossible as I have seen one converted to an adventure touring.
@@RabidHedgehog with knobes? like a scrambler?
Sweet
It actually was a surprise. I was really thinking it would just be another Sporty. Turns out they put together a good bike.
Wait till it gets upgraded like your night rod
Wondering if the Sporty is going to survive the big changes.
3:15 ah but you see the roadster hits a wall at 3750rpm vs the night rod at 6750rpm
Wackypocket Well, the 1200 evo is low end only indeed slapping the power curve wall around 4k... The Night Rod does tend to pull all the way through to the rev limiter around 9k though. Played enough with mine to know.
Rabid Hedgehog ... I love my Scout. The fun is just beginning at 4000 rpms... Has a soft rev limiter that only kicks in at 8200 rpms..
Would you suggest a roadster as a first bike
This is one of those things where I would always say take the MSF course or equivalent so that way you can learn how to use a bike and controls so you can control the power. Once you do this bike would be a bike that you can start with and be able to grow with as well.
Torsten, I agree that you should take some riding class, BUT dont be afraid of XL1200, if you are not short footed then you are ok. It is not a tricky beast and the power is very manageable, so if you like it get one, no real reason to get 883 if you prefer the Roadster.
I don’t care for the tach with digital speedometer. I wish they came with both analog tach and speedo.
Greetings from Skiatook, Oklahoma!
Greetings from Guthrie area!
After a stage 1 maybe a 2 it would be a different story.
I wish it would come from the factory with that kind of power.
@@RabidHedgehog blame California, thats what I do. Everything has to be so subdued to pass emissions.
what's the horsepower on the bike
Around 70 with torque around 79 Ft-Lb.
Okc!
Heck Yes!
I rode this bike last month and overall it was fun but there were 2 things I really didn't like and would have to change right away...1st I'd have to change the handlebars they are way to low and very uncomfortable for me 2nd I'd change the seat I felt that it was very uncomfortable.
Compared to an Iron the seat is amazing, it was the bike I started with and that was one thing I hated about it. But luckily the aftermarket will have a deep selection of seats to change that. I kind of like the low type bars though, then again I ride a Night Rod.
*scrolls through comments* would this be a good first bike, would this be a good first bike, would this be a good first bike, would this be a good first bike JESUS CHRIST PEOPLE
NoahT213 so......would this be a good first bike?..............sorry just kidding lol. But yes you are right.
Hey I do not mind. More folks to wave at.
Sure if you have the money...
I'm beginning to think all m0t0vl0gs are recorded in Tulsa.
Only one was ever recorded in Tulsa. All In OKC area.
@@RabidHedgehog I just see Green country. Keep up the g00d w0rk.
I need to ride up there more due to the fact you actually have turns out there.
No helmets ha?
I wear one! Always will.
Good deal
Cristobal Torres then where do u think the go pro is in?his mouth 😂
Quem pensou que o vídeo era do Brasil dar um joinha ae!
Thanks!
Engine torque is not something you feel. Torque at the rear wheel is dictated by gearing. Don't believe me? Ride 10 mph in first gear, then shift up to fifth. First feels "torquier" eh?
Engine torque is a component of the engine's power. By itself, the number is meaningless. If you have one engine that makes 100 ft*lbs of torque at 10 rpm, it makes 1000 times less power than one making 100 ft*lbs at 10,000 rpm.
uhh no.
You have quite the analytical mind.
A dynamometer reads the power at the rear wheel. That power is then attributed to the engine (the engine actually makes more, some is lost as heat making its way to the rear wheel). Knowing the power and engine rpm, the engine torque can be calculated and graphed.
An engine that makes 100 ft*lbs of torque at 10 rpm is 1000 times less powerful than an engine that makes 100 ft*lbs at 10k rpm. IOW, without knowing the engine rpm, the torque value is meaningless. If you know the power, you know the rpm and the torque.
Unless you're in the business of specifying final gear ratios, engine torque is meaningless. Power tells a rider all they need to know.
If one engine makes more torque at 1k rpm than another, it makes more power at the same rpm too.
All this talk about peak numbers, even hp, is pretty idiotic when talking about street bikes anyway. Few people spend most of their time running WFO (or any other single rpm for that matter).
A much more informative measure would be total power *across* the rev range. It's the area under the power curve. For whatever reason, no one bothers to spec it. Isn't that hard to approximate, but no one does. Bike people seem to be happy showing one another their peak numbers. Whatever floats their boats.
Yer welcome.
Ah yeah, keep telling yourself that.
The only "fact" is that you don't understand basic physics or math and are too stubborn to learn it. Stay too cool Mr Mule.
Nice but super slow
Sometimes it's good to slow down and enjoy the ride :)
It's not look like Italian Ducati,only Ducati is best