I put a Mustang seat on my 1200 and it was very comfortable. I rode from upstate NY to Florida in 3 days, doing about 500 miles per day at age 60 and enjoyed every mile.
Great! I slept on my upstate NY recliner for 3 weeks after massive shoulder surgery & lots of opiates. Every time I closed my eyes I took a trip somewhere. Always ended in the couch though, not Florida. “Beam me up, Scotty”, my trip is over & time to return to the recliner- haha
I am 6'1 and feel comfortable on this bike. I think you will be fine but some will say you should look at something a little bigger like a Harley Breakout. As a beginner rider it does have good torque but I think you could start on it if easy on the throttle. I would say an Iron 883 would be a great starter but the 1200 will give you room to grow.
The mirrors on the late Irons are inverted like in the video but traditionally all Sportsters had the mirrors upward. Sportsters have never had very good rear shocks from the factory and since 2008 or so there has been a trend for them to come from the factory with very short travel shocks. A lot people like the slammed look and HD was trying to encourage more women to get a bikes so HD cheated the seat height down with shorter shocks. Most people quickly upgrade with Progressive 412 shocks. When I got mine, I installed 12.5" to replace the stock 11.5" and I have to say that the extra 1.5" of travel makes a huge night and day difference that completely changes the riding experience. I know I said the shocks I bought are 1" longer but the travel of that model of shock has 1.5" more travel than the stock HD 11.5". Also, by raising the rear end slightly, the steering/handling is improved and that "loose" feeling that you had when going fast is reduced.
Yeah I love the look of the Irons and the Sportsters! Ahh okay I see what you are saying about raising the rear and changing the way the steering feels.
Absolutely love my iron 1200 which I bought brand new (2020 model) immediately after I learned how to ride. I really didn't ride the past whole year because I developed a fear of riding but I am now riding more often, mainly to work and am focusing more ride time on weekends. Stock pipes don't sound impressive but plan on installing slip ons when I can afford to.
For those who want to put passenger pegs on the sportster, it's not worth it unless you have a special someone that you want to ride with. If this is your only bike and have some one you might want to, but as a second bike it just isn't worth the cost or the aggravation. I put some on mine and have never used them for the past 4 years since I have other bikes for 2 up riding. I have a different seat on mine but I would have been happy with a solo seat and a luggage rack on the fender behind the solo seat since I don't take a passenger on my Iron 1200. I love doing motocamping on my sportster. A tall sissy bar is a must. Also a swing arm bag, sissy bar bag and tank bag is all you need. I love my sportster for ripping back roads and city riding. It's a raw machine that unleashes the primal spirt in me.
I’m one year into owning this bike. It’s been good fun, nice cruiser. Ride it on the highway a lot for a 30 minute commute and the handlebars / riding position is a big relief coming from a CBR… also it will top out close to 120. Only downside is , if you hit a pothole, that suspension bucks.
I'm thinking about making this my first bike!! I just got my license, in your opinion is this a good beginner bike? I've never ridden anything before, no ATV, Dirt or motorcycle..just learned off the MSF course! I'm willing to learn though!
I suppose it could be but if you’ve never rode I’d get something a bit lighter in weight. I’m not 100% when it comes to cruisers as I am a sport bike rider mainly.
I'm an old-school guy I guess because I really don't like that all-black look of the newer bikes. I have the '09 XL1200 Custom with a lot of chrome on vivid black with metallic orange paint. I don't know if you are familiar with the '72, a super retro looking Sportster with lots of chrome, ape-hangers, peanut tank, wild flashy large-flake metallic paint and whitewall tires. I just love that look. I put wide-whitewall Shinko SR777 tires on mine and I think it now has that retro vibe that I was going for. I have the V&H 3" Twin-slash slip-ons, Arlen Ness high-flow air-cleaner, and V&H Fuelpak3 tuner. My bike came with lower handlebars with mirrors up high. I like the position just fine and tbh I wouldn't want them higher or lower. I think that the newer bikes have the mini-apes because without them, the inverted mirrors would hit the tank. I was hoping that the blackout fad and inverted-mirror fad would have played out by now but it seems to be continuing. Some people say they love the look of the small tank and raised tanks but I don't see the attraction. I have the larger 4.5G tank and I think it looks fine and I get really good range, about 150mi (240km), which is enough for my commute for a full week. I guess the features that I like on a bike are old-fashioned but all of us Sportster fans can make our bikes into whatever we like and there's not really any wrong way.
(Owner: thank you for letting him do the review of your Iron 1200. ) you could tell it has a lot of torque as he accelerated. I’d let you ride my Iron 883 to see what you think. (Reviewers are stupid to talk about whether they like mid controls or not, as controls are rider specific. Gonna get better shocks.
I have a 2012 and I don’t like the wheels can I get wheels off a new one and just swap them? I like the look of the wheels like the one on this sporster
Harley just delivered mine today, but I’m jumping up from a Suzuki S40. The torque is insane, and no the bags are not stock, the mirrors typically come on top.
That bike is gonna be a classic. The last "real" sportster. From your complaints about the mid controls and the handlebar height - you would prefer the Sportster 48 - which is very nearly the same bike but has more forward foot controls and a lower handlebar. I found the forward controls way more comfortable when I test rode back to back.
I just bought the same bike idont know how to drive it. It's my 1st bike ever. And you seem very cool nice guy. I wish ilive close to you. You can teach me driving !!
I put a Mustang solo seat on mine and went from breaking my ass after 20 minutes to riding all day with no discomfort. My Sportster has the 4.5G (17L) tank and I still thought that the wider thicker seat looks huge at first. I got used to it pretty fast and I'm glad the new seat is there every time I get on the bike. The seat does raise my butt about an inch and I thought I wouldn't like it because my heels started feeling like they were coming off the ground a little, but I got used to that after a week or two. Now I can't imagine ever going back to the original HD Brawler seat.
Can anyone educate me on what you do to make the bike feel more comfortable if you are a 6ft and up rider,, I’m planning on getting a sportster 1200 soon and I am a 6’0 rider
I am 6' and I do slouch a little when I'm riding. I think it helps to raise the handlebars to about the height in this video. Its very easy to adjust and tune in to what is comfortable for you. Still learning
This is my bike. I wanted to hear an outside opinion on the bike from someone neutral. I am short and started on sport bikes, and can no longer ride in lean- over position. You did it justice. She’s a sweet bike and I love it. Since I’m short, the baby apes and mud controls are perfect for me (Lady 5’1”). I enjoyed your commentary.
I meant mid -controls. Whoops! Great post. Well done, audio and video. Very professional and yet , I felt like a friend was telling me about it. Great job! I’ve only gone to 85-90 mph. I bought it last year and I’m still feeling it out. Scraped a peg leaning into a corner. I just wished it was night so I could see sparks🤣
Haha! Sparks would be awesome! 🎇 Thanks! I try to bring the average everyday rider aspect and I’m glad you enjoyed the video! ☺️ by the way what sport bike did you use to ride? Please don’t say GSXR… 😂 jk!!
Do you still have the Iron 1200? Done anything else to it, different seat, etc? My gf is 5'1 (and a half) and she has an Iron 883. She really likes her Mustang Wide Tripper seat and said it helps her reach the ground better.
@@m3talc0re no I haven't yet. Well, she's in the garage without her seat on! I bought a small windscreen and luggage rack, but haven't installed them yet. A work mate gave me some storage -saddle bags, too. They aren't quite large enough for a fuel can. Maybe in the Spring. I wanted the option to travel further. Carry more, and not feel like I have to flex my neck against wind. The reality is I've become a big baby. I like having options. In truth, I can only ride for a couple hours ride on the country roads, and I live in an idyllic place (in all directions), that affords this type of ride. I haven't done anything with the seat, to answer your question😎
You said that bike has 60HP but I don't think so. The 883 stock has 60 to 63 and the 1200 has 73. With the V&H 3" Twin-Slash slip-ons and assuming it has the high-flow air-cleaner and a tune, it's making closer to 80HP. Judging by the sound and the rate that speedo was climbing, hell yeah, there's way more than 60HP there. I've been riding my '09 XL1200C since new and still loving it.
Making that power from them would require some costly upgrades to stock. 45/61hp is no doubt in brake hp. One way to check is that if a guy on a 250 rebel beats your ass you have 45hp or 400 to beat the 1200. Joking of course…I have owned 7 sportsters inc my 1200 iron. I almost think all of them together might equal 61 horses but a lot less poop.
@@itsmeericb Thanks for the feedback!! As I'm looking at a Scout Bobber, HD Streetbob or Low Rider S... but am also considering buying my friend's Iron1200... So it's good to know which one others prefer.. great video btw keep it up!
Great looking bike! The exhaust makes it sound amazing as well!
I put a Mustang seat on my 1200 and it was very comfortable. I rode from upstate NY to Florida in 3 days, doing about 500 miles per day at age 60 and enjoyed every mile.
Nice! Now that’s what I like to hear! 💪
Holy shit I have the same bike and could never
Yea definitly crazy. 500 miles in a couch would be to much for me lol
Great! I slept on my upstate NY recliner for 3 weeks after massive shoulder surgery & lots of opiates. Every time I closed my eyes I took a trip somewhere. Always ended in the couch though, not Florida. “Beam me up, Scotty”, my trip is over & time to return to the recliner- haha
Wait a minute ! R u shooting in korea? Awesome! Nice and friendly people there right? Nice clip i loved it!
Yes! It’s awesome here! Thanks! 😃
With the way the world is I would not want to live there, way to close to China, Taiwan and NK. Stay safe.
Im 6’2 would this be a good bike for me? Also im a beginner rider
I am 6'1 and feel comfortable on this bike. I think you will be fine but some will say you should look at something a little bigger like a Harley Breakout. As a beginner rider it does have good torque but I think you could start on it if easy on the throttle. I would say an Iron 883 would be a great starter but the 1200 will give you room to grow.
@@itsmeericb thank you for your response , ill definitely look into it!
The mirrors on the late Irons are inverted like in the video but traditionally all Sportsters had the mirrors upward. Sportsters have never had very good rear shocks from the factory and since 2008 or so there has been a trend for them to come from the factory with very short travel shocks. A lot people like the slammed look and HD was trying to encourage more women to get a bikes so HD cheated the seat height down with shorter shocks. Most people quickly upgrade with Progressive 412 shocks. When I got mine, I installed 12.5" to replace the stock 11.5" and I have to say that the extra 1.5" of travel makes a huge night and day difference that completely changes the riding experience. I know I said the shocks I bought are 1" longer but the travel of that model of shock has 1.5" more travel than the stock HD 11.5". Also, by raising the rear end slightly, the steering/handling is improved and that "loose" feeling that you had when going fast is reduced.
Yeah I love the look of the Irons and the Sportsters! Ahh okay I see what you are saying about raising the rear and changing the way the steering feels.
Absolutely love my iron 1200 which I bought brand new (2020 model) immediately after I learned how to ride. I really didn't ride the past whole year because I developed a fear of riding but I am now riding more often, mainly to work and am focusing more ride time on weekends. Stock pipes don't sound impressive but plan on installing slip ons when I can afford to.
I think it’s a very nice looking bike and fun to ride! You just gotta get out more and ride! That will help with becoming more confident! 💪
I 100% recommend shorties on the sportster, way better sound
With the recent cancellation of all the EVO engine models, it's the end of an era. I'm hanging onto mine.
For those who want to put passenger pegs on the sportster, it's not worth it unless you have a special someone that you want to ride with. If this is your only bike and have some one you might want to, but as a second bike it just isn't worth the cost or the aggravation. I put some on mine and have never used them for the past 4 years since I have other bikes for 2 up riding. I have a different seat on mine but I would have been happy with a solo seat and a luggage rack on the fender behind the solo seat since I don't take a passenger on my Iron 1200. I love doing motocamping on my sportster. A tall sissy bar is a must. Also a swing arm bag, sissy bar bag and tank bag is all you need. I love my sportster for ripping back roads and city riding. It's a raw machine that unleashes the primal spirt in me.
I’m one year into owning this bike. It’s been good fun, nice cruiser. Ride it on the highway a lot for a 30 minute commute and the handlebars / riding position is a big relief coming from a CBR… also it will top out close to 120.
Only downside is , if you hit a pothole, that suspension bucks.
Oh nice you came from sport bikes! 💪 Yeah I figured it could go faster, just didn’t have the road for it. Haha!
Nice bike great video.
My 1982 Yamaha maxim xj650 has 73 Hp !
Anyone 6'3" and taller here using this bike with mid controls and perhaps longer rear shock to rise the seat? Thanks!!
lifting a sportster tank like This is so stupid looking I can't believe anyone would really do it.
Yeah I thought it seemed a little weird, but hey different strokes different folks. 🤷♂️
Can you cruise at 75 on the highway?
I would imagine so 👍
@@itsmeericb thanks man, there are a few people say otherwise. I'm seriously thinking about buying one in the near future.
I'm thinking about making this my first bike!! I just got my license, in your opinion is this a good beginner bike? I've never ridden anything before, no ATV, Dirt or motorcycle..just learned off the MSF course! I'm willing to learn though!
I suppose it could be but if you’ve never rode I’d get something a bit lighter in weight. I’m not 100% when it comes to cruisers as I am a sport bike rider mainly.
I'm an old-school guy I guess because I really don't like that all-black look of the newer bikes. I have the '09 XL1200 Custom with a lot of chrome on vivid black with metallic orange paint. I don't know if you are familiar with the '72, a super retro looking Sportster with lots of chrome, ape-hangers, peanut tank, wild flashy large-flake metallic paint and whitewall tires. I just love that look. I put wide-whitewall Shinko SR777 tires on mine and I think it now has that retro vibe that I was going for. I have the V&H 3" Twin-slash slip-ons, Arlen Ness high-flow air-cleaner, and V&H Fuelpak3 tuner. My bike came with lower handlebars with mirrors up high. I like the position just fine and tbh I wouldn't want them higher or lower. I think that the newer bikes have the mini-apes because without them, the inverted mirrors would hit the tank. I was hoping that the blackout fad and inverted-mirror fad would have played out by now but it seems to be continuing. Some people say they love the look of the small tank and raised tanks but I don't see the attraction. I have the larger 4.5G tank and I think it looks fine and I get really good range, about 150mi (240km), which is enough for my commute for a full week. I guess the features that I like on a bike are old-fashioned but all of us Sportster fans can make our bikes into whatever we like and there's not really any wrong way.
I need to know the high of this handlebar, to put it on my xl883.
I will purchase it.
Is it the 13" or 8.75"?
🤔
Not sure
The same one I got. I love it!!
They should have left the old style look. The 2023 bikes look to futuristic.
I have the same bike, same year, same color. Love it!
(Owner: thank you for letting him do the review of your Iron 1200. ) you could tell it has a lot of torque as he accelerated. I’d let you ride my Iron 883 to see what you think. (Reviewers are stupid to talk about whether they like mid controls or not, as controls are rider specific. Gonna get better shocks.
I have a 2012 and I don’t like the wheels can I get wheels off a new one and just swap them? I like the look of the wheels like the one on this sporster
Not sure but I’m sure you could. Just don’t know if Harley changed anything with the wheels, forks and swing arms since then.
I wish the 1200 had the denim black paint like the 883 because I'm not a fan of the 70s paint schemes on the 1200s
Harley just delivered mine today, but I’m jumping up from a Suzuki S40. The torque is insane, and no the bags are not stock, the mirrors typically come on top.
Oh nice that’s awesome! Congrats! Okay that is good to know! 👍👍
That bike is gonna be a classic. The last "real" sportster. From your complaints about the mid controls and the handlebar height - you would prefer the Sportster 48 - which is very nearly the same bike but has more forward foot controls and a lower handlebar. I found the forward controls way more comfortable when I test rode back to back.
Wait hold up…
A push-to start keyless bike?!?! I need one🤨👀
Yeah some sport bikes have that feature as well. Pretty nice!
I just bought my first 2020 1200 iron and couldn’t be more excited!!!
Heck yeah! Enjoy it!
What country is this?
South Korea 🇰🇷
I just bought the same bike idont know how to drive it. It's my 1st bike ever. And you seem very cool nice guy. I wish ilive close to you. You can teach me driving !!
Just take your time. Nice and easy in an empty parking lot then move to an empty road. You’ll have it in no time! 👍👍
@@itsmeericb thank you
Nice bike but jump on a 103 Street Bob … they’re available for a good price on the used market
Where are you (location)?
Currently in South Korea
I put a Mustang solo seat on mine and went from breaking my ass after 20 minutes to riding all day with no discomfort. My Sportster has the 4.5G (17L) tank and I still thought that the wider thicker seat looks huge at first. I got used to it pretty fast and I'm glad the new seat is there every time I get on the bike. The seat does raise my butt about an inch and I thought I wouldn't like it because my heels started feeling like they were coming off the ground a little, but I got used to that after a week or two. Now I can't imagine ever going back to the original HD Brawler seat.
Men I miss Korea. When I return I’ll need to rent a bike and go for a ride
You should get into the habit of riding with your lights (brights) on 24/7. Will greatly help drivers see you.
I do most of the time. Depends on the bike. Most modern sport bikes have really bright DRL’s. 👍
Can anyone educate me on what you do to make the bike feel more comfortable if you are a 6ft and up rider,, I’m planning on getting a sportster 1200 soon and I am a 6’0 rider
I am 6' and I do slouch a little when I'm riding. I think it helps to raise the handlebars to about the height in this video. Its very easy to adjust and tune in to what is comfortable for you. Still learning
It needs a version with a larger fuel tank.
It ain't a Harley Davidson without straight pipes
Ive ALWAYS wanted this Bike
You can opt into forward controls for us 6 footers lol.
I'm about to buy one 😊 just got approved by HD. I'm honestly excited AF.
Heck yeah congrats!
@@itsmeericb lol thanks brotha appreciate it. Be safe riding 🤟🏽
That’s sounds good tbh. Love the black look
Fresh review brah 🤟
Thanks!
I’m gonna be picking one of these up next month.. can’t wait. Nice to have a more up to date video of the 1200!
That’s awesome! You’re gonna love it!
yeah I like it, cool looking harley
This is my bike. I wanted to hear an outside opinion on the bike from someone neutral. I am short and started on sport bikes, and can no longer ride in lean- over position. You did it justice. She’s a sweet bike and I love it. Since I’m short, the baby apes and mud controls are perfect for me (Lady 5’1”). I enjoyed your commentary.
I meant mid -controls. Whoops! Great post. Well done, audio and video. Very professional and yet , I felt like a friend was telling me about it. Great job! I’ve only gone to 85-90 mph. I bought it last year and I’m still feeling it out. Scraped a peg leaning into a corner. I just wished it was night so I could see sparks🤣
Haha! Sparks would be awesome! 🎇 Thanks! I try to bring the average everyday rider aspect and I’m glad you enjoyed the video! ☺️ by the way what sport bike did you use to ride? Please don’t say GSXR… 😂 jk!!
My favorite for (9 years).
Suzuki Bandit, 400cc ‘s. Super cute! I had the 600 too. I didn’t like it as much.
Do you still have the Iron 1200? Done anything else to it, different seat, etc? My gf is 5'1 (and a half) and she has an Iron 883. She really likes her Mustang Wide Tripper seat and said it helps her reach the ground better.
@@m3talc0re no I haven't yet. Well, she's in the garage without her seat on! I bought a small windscreen and luggage rack, but haven't installed them yet. A work mate gave me some storage -saddle bags, too. They aren't quite large enough for a fuel can. Maybe in the Spring. I wanted the option to travel further. Carry more, and not feel like I have to flex my neck against wind. The reality is I've become a big baby. I like having options. In truth, I can only ride for a couple hours ride on the country roads, and I live in an idyllic place (in all directions), that affords this type of ride. I haven't done anything with the seat, to answer your question😎
Hi, you live in korea. Good to see you
Hello! Yes I do!
I’m 5’3 .. do you guys think I can ride this?
Have you sat on one yet to see how it feels?
My girlfriend is 5’3-5’4 and she’s about to buy this exact bike. She just test rode it today and fell in love
Nice bike
You said that bike has 60HP but I don't think so. The 883 stock has 60 to 63 and the 1200 has 73. With the V&H 3" Twin-Slash slip-ons and assuming it has the high-flow air-cleaner and a tune, it's making closer to 80HP. Judging by the sound and the rate that speedo was climbing, hell yeah, there's way more than 60HP there. I've been riding my '09 XL1200C since new and still loving it.
The 883 has 45hp. My ninja 400 is quicker due to lighter weight
Making that power from them would require some costly upgrades to stock. 45/61hp is no doubt in brake hp. One way to check is that if a guy on a 250 rebel beats your ass you have 45hp or 400 to beat the 1200. Joking of course…I have owned 7 sportsters inc my 1200 iron. I almost think all of them together might equal 61 horses but a lot less poop.
Where is gear nr 6?🤠
If I recall it doesn’t have one lol
This or the indian scout bobber?
My personal opinion? Scout Bobber 😅
@@itsmeericb Thanks for the feedback!! As I'm looking at a Scout Bobber, HD Streetbob or Low Rider S... but am also considering buying my friend's Iron1200... So it's good to know which one others prefer.. great video btw keep it up!
man i really liked the review, i’m planning to get this bike or yamaha bolt. keep it up man!
Thanks!