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[RedDevil]

A Sportster by any other name is still a Sportster....The MoCo has 5 basic models (XL, VR, FXR, FXST, and FLH) of bikes that they just change the tins on or add windshields, fairings, saddle bags, etc, to come up with what looks like a huge line of motor cycles....but face it, it's a pretty stagnant line.  Changing the cover on a book doesn't make it read any different.  I have no problems with HD keeping their high end line up for us "old geezers" and loyal HD riders, but if they want to have a loyal following to take our place, they're going to have to modernize the entry level motorcycles.  IMO they killed the line that did just that, the Buells.  Putting new tins on the Sportster frame and taking a few different parts out of the P&A catalog is not going to bring in that younger crowd.  The MoCo needs to wake up and get with the program for entry level motorcycles.  Anybody notice how fast those Buell 1125R's went at $6995?  MoCo, did you take notice of that?  You've got a hidden gold mine there if you cared to open your eyes and see that.

[AZ SESG]

They're using Neal as an advertising medium (rather than a consumer research resource).  How bright can they be  ?

Good point!

[kraut]

Take the Rotax used in the Buells and put it in a Sportster chassis.
Leave it naked, no extra body work and even with the radiator it would be a fun bike.

the 2 1125 CR our dealer got last year are still around. They are tying to sell them nationwide since last september - to no avail as of now. Old XB-Riders usually are disappointed with the handling and the engine is a beast. The bike is our mec's nightmare btw. Successfull bike-building is not just drawing numbers on paper.

[Gecko]

It's not that I don't like the bike.  I've always liked the big-tired, low, minimalist stuff (I even like Russell Mitchell's bikes usually) and have actually considered getting an Iron.  I just don't think it will draw people away from the alternatives in that price range.  You have to want a Harley or nothing else.  People often ask, "why don't they make..."   I don't think Harley is capable or willing to develop anything that compares.  Their modern engines were both developed by someone else; their ABS braking system too.   When they do things themselves we get the 110.  They are still existing mainly on image.  Maybe that's why I have five Motorclothes jackets and do most of my Christmas shopping there.  Thank you sir, may I have another?

[naitram]

They're using Neal as an advertising medium (rather than a consumer research resource).  How bright can they be  ?

nothing so sinster, i saw it and liked the look of it 

[Twolanerider]

nothing so sinster, i saw it and liked the look of it 

Maybe if it was purple ?

[naitram]

hmmmmmmm, maybe but i think the style of it works well in any color as long as its black

[grandpadoc]

I think their new Cuckoo Clock makes more sense and gives new direction to the company...brilliant.   Doc

[SBB]

hmmmmmmm, maybe but i think the style of it works well in any color as long as its black

Didn't Henry Ford say the same thing?

SBB

[ice6900]

hmmmmmmm, maybe but i think the style of it works well in any color as long as its black

It will be a cracker in military green, a miniature WLA

[grc]

hmmmmmmm, maybe but i think the style of it works well in any color as long as its black

Didn't Henry Ford say the same thing?

SBB

Yup, he most surely did.  That was right before he lost a huge chunk of the market to those upstart fella's over at General Motors, who started offering different colors and different styling. 


Jerry

[DDavidson]

The look is cool and not cheap. I like the fat tire on the front. I didn't know license plates could be side mounted. Is that legal in CA? (Red light cameras?)

It does look like a younger guys bike or at least somebody 25 and more pounds lighter than me.  I need a 6-gal tanked bike to help make my gluteus maximus look a little more minimus.  Doesn't really match my 50 yo hair style either. Maybe after a trip to Jiffy Suk-Tuk-n-Dye.

[spydglide]

The small sportster tank has always been a great look and the reason it worked well on the old choppers was that it gave you a reason to stop every 50 miles and get off.  har.  spyder

[marshall10]

OK someone help me here, 48 what ?    Doc

I believe that 1948 was the year the peanut tank was introduced.

[Chains]

What are they thinking, kill the Buell and put your money in a high priced sportster?  Although I like the looks of the bike, it is not the way to draw in the young crowd.  Put Eric's motor in it and see the difference.