2020 Harley Roadster Review (XL1200CX) - Is it the best sportster 1200? Is it a beginner bike?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- This week's video is the 2020 Harley Roadster review with first ride impressions (XL1200CX) catered to beginner and new motorcyclists or anyone interested in the very last Roadster for the sportster evolution engine series. Is the sportster 1200 beginner bike? The review covers everything from roadster specs, overall comfort, and comparison with Sportster Iron 883 and Sportster 1200 48. The roadster stems from the older infamous 91Hp XR1200 but they are not the same motorcycle.
In a nutshell, I was very impressed with the ride, the roadster sportster stock exhaust was surprisingly loud, the brakes were very solid, the upgraded shocks worked well, and the acceleration was amazing on the highway. But because the bike has a taller seat height it may be a challenge to shorter riders.
Timestamps for returning viewers:
00:00 Intro
00:43 Giveaway update announcement
01:12 Barnes Harley Davidson
02:09 Harley Roadster 1200 roll-out
02:53 Harley Roadster walkaround and initial sit-down impressions
04:00 Harley Sportster 1200 Controls overview
05:46 HD Roadster start-up sound
06:26 Harley Roadster Friction test and comparison to XR1200 with engine specs
08:48 Harley Roadster Test Ride
13:18 Is the Harley Roadster is the top of the line Sportster
14:12 HD Roadster 1200 Highway test ride
18:11 Close call with a car that illegally switched lanes
18:36 Harley Roadster suspension, brakes, and clutch
20:30 HD Roadster Side by side with Iron 883
22:55 Why it sucks to do a review on bikes better than mine
24:41 Who I recommend the Roadster to
25:47 Closing remarks
Special thanks to Steeve from Barnes Harley Davidson dealership in Victoria, British Columbia - Canada. Contact Steeve email: steeve@barneshd.com or 1-778-747-2964
www.barneshd.com/
#harleyroadster #sportster1200 #xl1200cx
Motorcycle: 2020 Harley Davidson Roadster 1200 and 2020 Harley Sportster Iron 883
Instagram: KS_MOTO_CAFE / ks_moto_cafe
Please subscribe and like! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Thanks for watching and supporting my review! Worked long hours to bring this to you all.
Timestamps for returning viewers:
00:43 Giveaway update announcement
01:12 Barnes Harley Davidson shoutout
02:09 Roadster roll-out
02:53 Roadster walkaround and initial sit-down impressions
04:00 Instrument overview
05:46 Roadster start-up and Cold Start
06:26 Friction test and comparison to XR1200 with engine specs
08:48 Start of real test ride
13:18 Why Roadster is the top of the line Sportster
14:12 Highway test ride
18:11 Close call with a car that illegally switched lanes
18:36 Thoughts on suspension, brakes, and clutch
20:30 Side by side with my Iron 883
22:55 Why it sucks to do a review on bikes better than mine
24:41 Who I recommend the Roadster to
25:47 Closing remarks
15:55 Thats the sound of pure joy
@@MidnightSportster to this date, this moment was still one of the most exciting riding moments. I didn't expect it to push the speed so easily! I had similar experience on the Ducati Monster 821 but it was expected. Thanks for noticing the details.
I miss riding my bike...it's been 4 1/2 months already, this is how I get my excitement these days! Soon though, winter is almost gone! Thanks for taking us along!
Happy to do so!!
Awesome seeing these great videos around our home town and dealership! Another quality video good job Kris 🤟
hell yeah! Good to see you here Brennan! Glad I haven't overstayed my welcome! haha
Liked the review especially about the suspension difference and how it is suitable for tall people. Comparing 2 bikes side by side etc.
Really valuable info, bro.
Thanks for such kind feedback! I was still in the early stages of figuring out how to do my reviews at this time. If you liked my style, be sure to check out my Fat Bob 114 review!
Great review... Loved seeing BC again through your camera... I'm gonna get my roadster this week here in Brazil.
Thanks for watching! Glad to see more people recognizing this amazing place from my lens. Also congrats on your Roadster brother! Such an amazing sportster, you are going to love it!
Good review. I have a 2017 Roadster and love it. Thank you!
I am jealous! Roadster is by far the most complete sportster for a bargain compared to 883 going through the aftermarket upgrades
Thank you for your effort! Helped a lot!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love the intro! It's my first time seeing it. Great video!
thanks!
Thanks for the great review!
no problem thanks for watching and supporting!
Thanks a lot for your review! i've planned a testdrive for this week. lets see if this will be my machine..
nice! let us know how it goes for you :)
Thanks for the detailed review on the bike. Already gives me a good idea on what to expect when it finally comes to taking a test ride at the dealership.
What I find most interesting is how the speedometer gets blurred at higher speeds. Really useful in court. "I was totally unaware of speeding, your honor." 😜
Cheers and safe travels!
Thanks for watching! Roadster is definitely the best bang for the buck from HD. The dual disc brakes is a serious game changer and worked like a charm. 😅
Thank you for a great,honest review... (at 60 years old)...I have many Japanese bikes of all sizes ( 50cc..up to 1200cc)...and have been riding for 44-odd years...and never owned a Harley (!)...the roadster looks like the one for me...however ..with 'sawn off' legs (30" inseam)...I may have to slightly alter the suspension for 'planted ' control...also..maybe fit slightly higher bars......you have inspired me to 'go for it' !....thanks...
hey thanks for coming by! Harley bikes are not like Japanese bikes. Harley bikes are shakey and loud, so just don't be thrown off when you feel like the bike is about to fall apart because of its signature shakes (the sportsters and Dyna softails); with that said, the new softails with Milwaukee 8 engine are smooth and more like japnese cruisers. I tested out the softail slim and it is a fantastic bobber with so much comfort. This Roadster looks great but due its handlebar angle, it can hurt your lower back after a while. But always test one out to be sure, my inseam is 30" as well so I can relate!
Nice bike. Keep up the great work. Ride safe🤟🏼
thanks man!
Looks like a solid bike Buddy ! I sure miss the Vance & Haynes rumbling sound from my previous bike (Suzuki Boulevard) as my current bike (Triumph Trophy) is quieter than a fart under the blankets ! Despite what some may say, I do believe loud pipes (may) save lives, so to overcome my bike’s stealth mode, I had install an air horn. (Now when I press the horn cars and people get freaked out thinking a train is coming)
Note: If I am not mistaken I recognize some of the roads (looks like around Langford and the road that leads to Sooke) as I was there last September. Well done bro ! All the best as always ! Be good and be safe !
After riding on my 883 with stock pipes and then switching to VH slip-ons, I can 💯 agree with the Loud Pipes Saves Lives. I made a video on it on my earlier episodes with my VH review but I am going to refresh it because my editing has gotten better and that message needs to be heard! There is a threshold of loudness though - from safe loud to obnoxiously distracting loud to become dangerous again. And your geography is correct! I entered the highway from where the dealership is and then looped around where Thetis Lake is!
Great video thanks 😊
thank you! it was a very fun bike
Lol, the way you caress the tank @4:18 , I do the same thing. It must be a learned habit 🤔🤔.
lol Yeah I do it without even knowing that I am doing that. It's like petting a good dog around the head and neck. I just feel like it wants to be caressed lol!!
New to the Cafe...really like what you are doing with your channel. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks very much for the support! I also just checked yours and subbed :)
@@KSMotoCafe Wow, much appreciated. Looking forward to watching your channel grow. Keep up the good work.
I rode this before I got my iron 1200. It's a bit to forward for my taste. But that one is very nice looking. Great review mate
yeah my lower back started to hurt after the ride. If i was to get this bike, I would change the handle bars to pull back more like the Iron and then it would be perfect
@@KSMotoCafe agreed mate.
Its a fantastic sportster, the 1200cc engine gives very decent torque sufficient to move off very quickly. An excellent city bike with 5 gears but probably not so good for interstate touring, understandably so too as the tank is small.
I could have bought the XR1200 the same time I got my Iron. I wasn’t about that bright Orange though. Thus, I got the most blacked out bike HD had. I’d rock the XR now though.
You know what? I also was not a fan of the orange and didn't think much of it. Now that I had the chance to own my iron and ride this roadster, colour is the least of my worries since I can always change the tank colour. I am now on the hunt for XR1200 lol. I want to know what 91HP harley sportster is like and it is super collectable. But as you get to the end of the video, when I get back on my bike, it is hard to resist upgrading haha. good thing I don't have the extra money to trade right now.
A review of motorcycle that entered the history and now part of the past.
Sadly true! Hope it is because they want to bring back XR1200 with Rev Max engine.
@@KSMotoCafe Sportster must retire that is ok. however I'm disappointed at HD that they did not come with a new platform to replace the Sportster at similar or lower price. I own the XL1200T , I love it it has everything i need for touring from factory, for me it is the mini RoadKing and it do not feel small. However I will never go back to Harley again because out there so many great choice for less money and add to that here in Europe BMW is the king.
Enjoy riding and have fun. 😉👍
@@betruly7894 How about the Pan America? Are people in europe talking about it or is it only in North America with a lot of presales?
@@KSMotoCafe Here in Europe BMW is the king, they set a reference already. It will take HD a lot of effort to introduce the PAN.AM into the crowded European marked. In Europe you don't need a big engine motorcycle to ride adventure, a simple Himalayan or equivalent will do the job with ease. The Sportster that called by the Harliest girl bike or starter bike in USA, is a big heavy expensive bike here :). I think the PAN has some good opportunities against Ducati, but for almost the same money you can get a BMW who has a big experience in adventure market and a huge community and to that they are reliable. Why to buy a Harley copy of the original BMW, just get the original BMW. I'm looking to get in few years the R1250RT is more my style of riding, almost the same size and weight as my XL1200T but made out present design and technology.
Good video
one of my favorite things about this bike is the gauge for rpms instead of digital you can see where they are at and the redline. and the bike is also better with a different exhaust and air intake
yeah I do like the design of the gauge on these roadsters
I changed the air filter and did the fuel upgrade but keep the stock exhaust! I've been riding it since 2016 and am happy with the performance. When the stock mufflers get some miles on them they sound good!
Sweet review 🤟👍🏼
Thank you my iron sister!! Hope you are clocking in those kms/miles on your 883!!
@@KSMotoCafe I am trying my best jej🤟👍🏼🙌🏼
A good review, l will stick with my Heritage. Only days away now to my first ride
you need to message me when you go for your first ride on the heritage and tell me all about the experience!
@@KSMotoCafe Kris, l am getting very excited to take my first ride on the Heritage. I will definitely tell you all about it.
I have a 1999 1200 Sportster I replace the clutch plates once and I have had my clutch cables brake twice replace the brake pads twice never had to mess with the belt or sprokets they last the life of the bike without having to mess with it like u would have to do a chain. I like it for the town running around but not the freeway because it really does not have that quick passing power or going up mountain. The best all around bike I like the most for going from Las Vegas to FLa on the freeway is a kawaski rs with windshield and settle bags nothing can beat it in all around use and the heater grips. Ecu flash, it's perfect and will last a life time no matter how fast u drive it's like made out of titaumin it's never let me down the clutch,trans,and moter, and ever thing else on it never went out no matter how fast I drive. Been driving bikes for over 50 years and the best bike u can buy is the Kawasaki 900 rs. 0 to 60 3 sec.
110 hp. 6 speed. The Harley only has about 67 hp handles ruf at freeway speeds and is not smooth
And does not handle like the Kawasaki 900 rs. If u want a bike that will last u the rest of your life and one that u will fall in love with buy a kawaski rs believe me I know I have been across the u.s. 8 times. And in the rain when I take off on the Harley Sportster my back tire spens and I fish tail in the rain it's not that stable. And the kaw has traction control but they handle so great because of the perfect balance. So buy the best get the kaw900. O a friend of mine took his 883 of his truck and it went down his ramp and it bump the ground just a little and the Frame broke that holds the moter in the front. And on my 1200 my back wheel bearing lock up and my tire locked up and I hit the payment . I did have over 100,000 mi. On my bike and never checked the wheel bearings. On the kaw u never have to worry about anything going out just check your chain often for a 1/4 inch slack up and down . I always use 90 weight gear oil on my chain it works perfect🧝⚡💤
I would be racking up speeding tickets with that Kawasaki bike! Thanks for a such a thoughtful write-up. I tried over 100hp bikes since this review and yeah, for the type of riding I do on a regular basis, I have no need for a rocket (yet). By any chance your last name has link to the davidson brothers of Hd?
@@KSMotoCafe I'm not Shure .
I used to smoke a joint few puff only and drive 110 crusing and I would see a cop pull out to try and catch me and I would take it up to 160 and loose him. Did it for fun but not that I'm older the 900 rs Kawasaki is the bike for me for I can go to FLa in 3 days from Vegas NV . My bike I used for out running the cops was a zx11 ninga Kawasaki. These days I just like to cruise and enjoy the senery.
Betting on football is the only thing to do out in Vegas to win some money it's Preseason so I think I will put a little money on the felcons and the jaguars Friday
I know don't laugh I have my reason and if I bet them both it pays more money. Any way I think the 900 Kawasaki rs is the best all around bike u can buy🧝⚡💤
I have the same checkered flag tank
Interesting take. I actually got this as a downgrade because my '16 Dyna Fatbob was miserable in the city, especially when you live in one with a population of over 1 million. That thing cruised at 150kph and was practically idling in top gear at 100. That said, I don't think the Roadster really belongs on a highway. I mean it has no problems going 110-120kph, but to me, it feels most comfortable around 80 where it can lazily chug along; the riding position is definitely not meant for chewing highway miles. It's much more at home tearing up a twisty country road.
So just a little context behind this review - I was still a very new rider during this first ride, I started this channel to capture my only one time "new rider" experience and thought the internet needed bike reviews from the lens of a real new/beginner rider to recommend if the bike is truly new rider friendly. So yeah, at the time, I was giddy about it because of its power upgrade from my iron 883. With that said, I have ridden the dyna fat bob and I agree with your statemnt 😅
Nice review. I really like everything about it……except the handlebars. I want to trade up from my 2012 Sportster Custom. This would do it, but need to change those handlebars.
Well I think going from the Custom to Roadster would be a lateral move since you would be losing that sweet large fuel tank from the custom and better seating position. In return however, you get dual disc front brakes, better suspension, but more painful riding ergonomics. But I am glad I could help!
Those handlebars are either way turned down or those are not the original handlebars from Harley. I know I have a 2017 Roadster.
@recklessrt the handlebars were stock but I think they rotated it to be more downward
I did it, I bought one. I paid 12k AUD for it (about 8 grand USD ) I bought 11 shockies for it and HD are fitting them for me. Needed some help with the height because I’m a shortie, 5’5, 60 kilo girl, the bike has raised z bars and it’s a nice positioning. It will be ready on Tuesday 🥳🥳 it’s Saturday mid afternoon here in Australia and I’m counting the hours down 🤣 but it’s also raining so I’m binge watching roasters videos and seeing what mods I can do to it 😁
that is so exciting!! congrats on your roadster 😍! the hours will so much slowerrrr until Tuesday lol.
@@KSMotoCafe omg I wrote roasters 🤣🤣 my phone has it in for me for sure lol.
Thank you, think I made a great choice for a second bike. 😁🥳
Every highway test ride I see on any 1200 makes me want to either trade in my 883 or just upgrade it to the 1250/1275 right away
Lol now imagine actually test riding one and not able to trade in... like me. it takes about two weeks for me to forget the bigger engine feeling and revert back to loving my 883 😂. But for real, if you do a lot of highway riding, upgrade is the safer route because it handles it much better. Which 883 do you have?
I bought the 19 Roadster from Steve in 2020 and got 5 k off !! Paid 10 for it new !
oh man! I look back and I regret not getting the Roadster when it was similar price to my iron!
The Roadster, livewire, and Pan America are the only Harleys hold my interest.
I just did a review of the Livewire last week! And I had the chance to test ride the Pan America yesterday, so the first impression video will be up tmr.
It's bad ass
Hey, I have this bike but I don't have the rear fender extension & large light & plate. How can I get one?
that design is different from country to country. I would think the dealership parts could get you one or ebay
@@KSMotoCafe Thanks I have searched & searched HD website eBay, amazon haven't found anything. Actually I was searching for something when I seen your vid because I bought the Viking saddlebags & have to relocate the plate & turn signal / brake lights. I guess I'll call the dealership & see what they say.
That is the best Sportster ever produced! Too sad the entire lineup has been axed. The Chinese had recently made a 1200cc Sportster copy which is on its way for the European market as well so I think the MoCo dropping the Sportsters due to emissions regulations is no longer an excuse
I wonder what the roadster would feel like if it had the stock 883 riser and handlebars on it....
In my honest opinion- Roadster with Iron 883 riser/handlebar would make this bike the best Sportster. Dual disc brakes, 1200cc, inverted forks, and upgraded rear suspension are all expensive mods for 883. So it would be best to just pick up a Roadster and switch out the handlebars. That is what I would do if I had to redo my "first" bike.
Hey man I just started a channel as well! It’s called two wheeled Texan. Your videos are really incredible! I just wanted to know what editing software you use and where do you make your thumbnails?
Hey man - thanks for sharing your channel. I will check it out :) We motovloggers need to support each other as you will soon find out. As for my editing software, I use Shotcut, which is free and very easy to use if you already know the fundamentals of editing. For thumbnails I use Microsoft Powerpoint lol. I am a cheap guy and try to save money anywhere I can. Hope you liked the review and stick around to subscribe!
Post under your channel man. Have to go subscribe to everyone again under the new page. That’s what I did.
Nice review I have the 1200C but nearly bought the Roadster, the top gear ⚙️ is different in that model for more relaxed high speed riding. I found the bars awkward so would change them or the footrests to rearsets which would be better for the bar angle.
Thanks for your time! I agree with you - the only thing that stopped me from asking for a trade in was the bar. As you saw, the only time I likes the bar was on the highway but during city riding, I was more comfortable on my 883's height. You can always change the bar afterwards and I am still thinking about it haha. That speed was something else. 1200C is amazing too because it has bigger gas tank right?
@@KSMotoCafe I started my H-D riding on the 883 Iron and moved upto the 1200 Custom which is so much smoother and better torque and power but still has some of the suspension limitations of the Iron.
We can’t buy the Sportster now in the UK 🇬🇧 except for old stock so any upgrade has to be one of the big V twins or wait for the 1250 to come out RIP Sportster unique and great bike in my bias opinion 😂
yeah UK, Europe, India, and Brazil all stopped their sales for 2021 Sportsters which will definitely drive HD to shake things up since those are the biggest growing market for HD. How long did you have your 883 before moving up to 1200?
@@KSMotoCafe 2 years on the 883 Iron and I’ve had my 1200C 2 years
I’ve been riding 30 years had just about everything even a Buell M2 Cyclone which was mental stage 3 tuned mad bike!
Prefer the character and more steady nature of the Sportster now 😂
@@stuarthull5706 It is always nice to hear a motorcycle veteran showing love to the Sportster =D!! That Buell must have been crazy fun to ride haha.
I have a Harley-Davidson XL1200 CX Roadster 2020
amazing! The Roadster is hands down the best sportster that has everything!
Certainly the best Sportster since the XR1200. No, it's not a beginner's bike but it might be a great follow on bike after a new rider has some miles behind them.
It is definitely the most complex sportster!
I’m think about getting one, it will be my second bike. I have a street 500 and done about 25 thousand k’s on it. I’m ready for an upgrade.
If you can find one for the right price - the Roadster will be a very nice upgrade to your Street 500! If you enjoyed the smooth ride of the Revolution X engine from your street, the Nightster 975 is also a good option (if high cost isnt a factor)
@@KSMotoCafe thank you, I will check out the nightster too. The only thing that concerns me about the roadster is that I’m a shortish girl. 5’5. So I’ve been looking for something with mid controls already, that has some grunt and I can touch the ground lol. I found one for 12 grand with low k’s - bit of a bargain.
Hi from Brazil my friend.
Where is this place you were filming?
Canada :)
@@KSMotoCafe Sorry, i mean the city
How many kilograms of this bike? Is it heavy I am not a big guy. 160 centimetres height.
Should be around 255kg. Give or take a few kg.
✌🏼✌🏼
🤟😎
Wake up to reality jajajaja,thank you for your time showing the roadster.
lol thanks for watching David
I respectfully disagree with the recommendation that this is for a taller rider. I'm 5'8" and flat foot my 2020 Roadster with a couple inches to spare. Taller riders actually look very cramped and awkward on this bike. See Matt Laidlaw's review on TH-cam.
Ryan, after riding other types of bikes with few more months of riding under my belt I have to agree that you disagree! It has been a while I came back to this review and I will be sure to correct my opinion of this when I get to the Roadster during the Battle of the Sportster series. I think what I meant to say was that any shorter riders who have difficulty flat footing an Iron with 26inches of seat height, they may struggle with the 30" seat height of the roadster. Thank you for taking the time to write this!
Johnny's 5'6 & can't touch the ground with both feet.
That's it decision made..
😎🤟
I wouldn't recommend a child play with matches any more than I'd recommend the Roadster to a beginner motorcyclist the torque is way too much for the novice rider . Otherwise good review thank you.
If you put the mic inside the visor, or do an overlay after your record it's so much easier to hear.
You're saying things that have been on that bike for the past 5 years then 3 inches is way off!
"A little more sporty style"
... Well it is a Sportster?
The tachometer has been like that since the Roadster released, have you literally never seen one before? The ugly ass exhaust has always been like that and so many other things.
I can't tell if you don't know sportsters or if you maybe only know of one type of Sportster but it's obviously different than an iron because it is not an iron...
thanks for your detailed feedback. The mic/audio battle is never ending and some days I do voice overs and other days it is straight from the helmet. I like to change it up once in awhile since Voice overs are easiest to do but it does give off a different presenter energy than doing it "live". As for my experience with Roadster, this was my first exposure to the bike - I explain myself better in more recent moto reviews where I say that I am still a new rider (in first year of riding) and my intent is to provide an impression as a beginner rider for those who are searching for their first or second bike. It obviously isn't for everyone but it was something I was searching for when I was curious about getting my first bike; I wanted to watch reviews/impressions of a bike from a beginner and see it from their perspective but I couldn't find too many of those. As of today, I know a lot more about the sportsters but at the time of this recording, I was still learning about the different types.
Thanks for your thoughtful feedback and your watch! Cheers
Don't like the Bars still love ape style bars but love the rest of it
I think I would love it if I just put on my Iron 883's handlebars on the roadster. That slight bend forward did aggravate my lower back at the end
@@KSMotoCafe Yeah i know how that is mate. Im the same i have two damaged discs in my neck and 3 in the lower back. So i like being upright. I've im leaned forwards and have to raise my neck more i end up in pain. I get nerve compression.
@@KSMotoCafe I have a 93 model Yamaha xv750 trike and i love the seat and bars its so comfortable. And the bars are perfect. But they are 7/8 fitting so wont fit a Harley without a little modification.
have you tried Harley trikes?
@@KSMotoCafe No but i did nearly buy one it was a 883 sportster trike, But if i buy one i want the 1200. I didn't buy it in the end as it was blue and white and blue is one of my least favourite colours, It belonged to an old guy who passed away so the family was selling it for a very good price actually but it needed some crome work doing where it had been stood for a couple of years. The conversion kit for the sportster is around 5 Grand here in the UK
😵💫
Looks,awesome,harley-davidson,fuckedup.
Bruh, nothing will be enough for us humans. Lol
unfortunately that is our downfall
Dealers are so stingy and stupid with the miserable quality of their stock seats, it's a disgrace. Especially since it costs peanuts to install quality foam in such a small area...
Have you ridden the bike? The seat is more than adequate!