I don't think these critics realise the 1200 air cooled 'old school' engine is a selling point for some harley fans! Admittedly not all, but I certainly like the raw, old school feel.

Certainly something about a HD Sportster that's pure, honest and fun to ride no matter what your level of experience or ability.

Some of the haters on here... Like us HD riders would troll Yamaha Honda etc reviews..... Too busy enjoying our Harley’s.

@SavgSith

3 жыл бұрын

Ayy

I'm 64 with a 2017 SGS and a 2018 Iron 1200. This is who wants an Iron 1200. I'm 5'6" also with short legs. The mid controls are perfect for me and I can stand up on rough patches of road like a dirt bike.

@naturalforlife6741

3 жыл бұрын

@legend of Awww Sheet ! I like it a lot. I've done the stage 1, a wind screen, a new Drag Specialty seat, a sissy bar, and I'm putting on some 13 inch Legends shocks on it with with a 1" lowering kit. So It should only be a 1" rise in the seat. I also got the swing arm bag. I also installed some high way pegs on it. The shocks should make it a lot more comfortable to ride. Just need to wait for the temps to climb and the snow to melt for a nice long camping trip.

Refreshing balanced view on a traditional brand going through what feels very much a transitional phase with the 2018 range. A nice, easy, witty video to watch, thank you.

Ive ownee japanese 4 cylinders. Ducati V twins and parallel twins and Japanese singles. And i currently ride a 2015 1200 sportster and the gripes this man brings to light are very opinionated. These engines dont get any hotter than liquid cooled 4 cylinders from newer bikes. And plenty of power the effortless torque is addicting and FUN. Plus comfort is a HUGE seeling point not only for harleys hut cruisers in general, its literally like riding a lazy boy with a engine on it. Great bikes, if you havent taken a ride on a harley do your self the favor and try it before you knock it. 😎🤙

Brilliant exposition of Harleys generally. Personally I have never even considered them but then the 48 came along and now I find myself wanting one. It is so raw and different to modern bikes.

But even so, the Sportster is the most honest 'real' HD. Most customisable as u say, and a 32yo engine means it really is good ol' Harley.

@davidmacgregor5193

6 жыл бұрын

The Sportster engine's bottom end can be directly traced back to the 1929 "Flat Head" motor, so it's an 89 year old engine.

@universalcitizen7544

4 жыл бұрын

@Reality Check Not at all, at least not the Sportster Evo engines. I own a 2015 Sportster 48 and did 20k kms on it so far without a single fault.

@universalcitizen7544

4 жыл бұрын

@Gary Walker Exactly so! Besides, this "32 yo" engine has proved to be the most reliable HD engine ever built. Whereas the new Milwaukee 8 engine on the new softails has questionable reliability

@pinkiewerewolf

3 жыл бұрын

@@universalcitizen7544 I have a 2017 Ultra Classic with the M8, 25,000 miles... not kilometers, and have had zero issues with the M* engine. It is impressive, coming from a guy who has owned 4 full size Harleys through the years.

@universalcitizen7544

3 жыл бұрын

@@pinkiewerewolf I'm really glad to hear that. Enjoy it and ride safe!

Hello from the future. I am buying a used 2021 Iron 1200 with 416 miles on it this weekend. This bike it in mint condition, and I am lucky to find one before all the good ones are gone forever. The Sportster type S has almost sold me, but I will let the young riders have their fun with them first.

Great review and spot on for the most part. Love my 48, despite everything!

Excellent production MCN.

God! Finally a good review, good comparison with alot of informations! Thanks !

I own a 48 at the age of 65 yrs. Plenty of power, I was used to the AMF bikes 2 Sportsters with 1000 cc engines and they were fine with me and a 1200 cc Electra Glide the same power as the 48 Sportster. The EG riding 2 up fully loaded with 2 weeks worth of gear, turned it into a dog going over the Cascade mts. in WA. USA had to run it in 2nd gear. The top end was shot at 20000 miles burning a qrt. of oil every 200 miles. I did strip it down and made a nice bobber out of it and sold all of the touring junk separately Always had a good time riding Harleys, learned how to turn a wrench which really came in handy especially on group rides. .

Really enjoy riding my Sportster probably even more than the many various other bikes I've owned. Have no need for one of the larger Harleys, bit like telling the owner of a Tracer he should have bought a FJR.

@Lasergun74

6 жыл бұрын

splodge 57 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!!!! Sorry, I get the metaphorical comparison, but can’t help laughing thinking of a tracer compared to a sportster

Damn fabulous review. Honest and thought provoking for the unaware. Great to see you expand on the brand and allow viewers to understand what we get as Harley riders / owners. Refreshing to hear and well put together. I wouldn’t buy one as I have a Twin Cam Dyna and love it. For others new to HD or Sportster diehards I can see the market well. Subscribed 👍👍👍

I had a 30 year old Merc. Sold it for 12.000 euros and bought a new 48. I love her. Good review, made the purchase easier and right.

Ok I used to ride a 50cc moped in my early 20s, now in my late 30s I want a real bike. HD for me 🔥

A couple of minutes into this review I was thinking OK, this is going to be a H-D bashing video. I watched it through and really enjoyed the review because he is correct on pretty much all points. I've never ridden a Sportster 1200 but I've owned quite a few full size models and recently bought a 2018 883 Iron. The Iron has turned into my favorite daily ride. It isn't fast, it vibrates, but it puts a smile on my face every time and makes me kinda look forward to going to work. Nice review, Cheers from Nor-Cal.

super summary of the HD 1200 situation

Nice roundup! Great sense of humour

Great video👍

It's all about different tastes when it boils down. I've owned litre bikes, done multiple track days and had my knee-down fun in the twisties for years. As I age though, my desires and values have changed, and all I want now is the wind on my chest and a fat, raw rumble below. I've had my high speed fun. HD it is for me nowadays.

@Ebbeebbeee

3 жыл бұрын

See thats where me at 20 is at a crossroads, I have a dyna which is nice but in the city here in dalls it gets a little slow on the handling for me in traffic and I'm not sure which to get a sportster iron 1200 or a kawi z900rs

key to getting more people riding is not so much releasing 100 new models but it is making it more accessible. South America, Africa, Asia are continents with a few Harley Davidson stores.

Fantastic review bud until tou got to the end ! ...well done ! ;-) Ive been sports bike or sports tourer rider most my life I'm 53. Didi couple of years schoolboy mx at 14 and ride occasionally off road and done bit of flat track. Never been fan of Harley until this week when i test rode the new iron 1200 and absolutely LOVED IT !!! :-) Had so much FUN at realistic speeds and a Grin from ear to ear. Been wanting a new bike for so long just too much choice and everything I've test rode from Triumphs to Motoo Guzzi V7 just aint come lose to this Baby! Enjoyed it so much I've bitten the Bullet and am buying one. OP: You did really well with that view until the end. The bikes you prefer are a lot more expensive and imho you can't compare. For mere mortals like myself spending £9935 on a new Sportster is the biggest amount of cash I've ever parted with for a bike. I don't think at my level pound for pound you can't beat this ;-)

AMF Harley came out with some stylish looking bikes.

@cliffordwood3712

5 жыл бұрын

Amf made shitty bikes that looked stylish. Harley sold out in the 70s and later on Harley got with a group of investors and bought it back.

@cliffordwood3712

5 жыл бұрын

Don't get me wrong I love the new style the iron 1200 went after but the only color I want is the wine red

@edwardm9227

4 жыл бұрын

AMF nearly finished HD for good,not looking after the brand!

I can’t believe that he would prefer a big twin, soft tail or bagger over a sportster!! 🤔. Duh? I would too! Unfortunately, the day I went to the dealership in town they weren’t selling any of the soft tails for the same price as a sportster?🤷🏻‍♂️. Not even a used one! So, being as I wanted a Harley Davidson motorcycle and I only had a limited amount of funds available, I opted for the sportster. Whatcha gonna do? It was that or a Honda? Oh yeah, it’s also my first motorcycle!! It’s a darn good time too!! Nice video!

True air cooled? 5 speed? Soft suspension? Single disc brake? 10K£? WTF does HD think they’re doing?

@noobasdfjkl

5 жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with air cooled. The rest of it is bad though. I will say that how much does the CB1100EX cost in the UK? That bike has pretty wimpy equipment too.

@filipecoelho3827

5 жыл бұрын

I think you are in the wrong bike section

@djmysticalone321

4 жыл бұрын

Yes and i love my 1200

My XR1200X is almost worth the same price as i bought it 2010.

That white 1200 looks awesome 👌

What helmet is the black one? The MCN article does not mention it

These are the nicest looking bike Harley makes now in my view , out of the box bobbers

Hey MCM can u review the monster 1200 R?

These are great solo bikes for commute and travel. Interesting point about them dropping the 883. The 1200 needs an extra gear or taller 5th gear.

@11123DRUMMER32111

5 жыл бұрын

MrHasie it would be excellent to have a 6th.

@dalehumphrey2477

4 жыл бұрын

5 speed does the job.

The review should mention that the Iron 1200 now in fact is a Nightster (1200) ten year later

Very balanced review

@moorshound3243

5 жыл бұрын

the worst review on a sporty that I have ever seen, this guy is a prick!

Love the "mechanical sympathy" comment. That pretty much nails why the sportster is still around. The bike needs you in order to work as it should. Great review.

These bikes may be too small for me, but they are undeniably cool in their own right

man i would love to be a video editor or videographer for MCN

Awesome

Am I only the type of person who wants to have 3 harleys at one 1200 iron 48 Fatboy

@k9is2sick

4 жыл бұрын

48 Fat bob Soft tail

@teslaedison6236

4 жыл бұрын

1200 iron Fat boy My first Harley ( 2005 xl1200c)

@vincentbeijing6926

3 жыл бұрын

Roadster Ultra Limited Panamerica

@Coletrainbaby

2 жыл бұрын

Fat bob, iron 1200, panamerica.

I'd put the mini ape hangers and solo Cafe racer seat on a 1200 Roadster for the twin discs. There is a larger tank you can fit. These are city commuter bikes with a bit of freeway thrown in. Get Ohlins for these?

Hi. Anyone know what helmet he used in the video?

Harley davidson forty eight kick ass!! 👏🏼

Sportster engine could traced back to the -52 K model, and -57 was first real sportster. It's bullet proof, air cooled pushrod twin, and it's loved just because of its somwhat crude mechanical perspective. And Sportster is one of the easiest to tune to your own taste (like the MCN guy already told). Also good performance parts from Hammerperf or S&S... Plenty of mid range torque and sound that way!

So which ones is faster ?

Honest question? Has there ever been a time that Harley has ever competed, performance and value wise, with the other dominant brands? I'm not a Harley hater, quite the opposite because I understand that they don't really measure themselves against the competition in the same way the other brands do. Just would be intresting to know.

shoutout to the haters on their japanese vacuums

Whats the bar name ?

I swapped a Stryker 1300 Motor onto my '16 Yamaha Star Bolt R-Spec and I have yet to meet a Forty-Eight, Iron 1200, or Street Bob I can't gap by atleast a car length or two. That being said I am currently in the market for a '17-'19 H/D Street Bob! Lol.

@dalehumphrey2477

4 жыл бұрын

Pics or it didn't happen.

Excellent, funny review! More of the same please, perhaps adding more B-roll footage of the bikes. As for HD, I must admit that one of several moments pushing a non-traditional biker to get my licence and a bike was seeing a guy on his Iron 883 cruise around Piccadilly Circus one Saturday evening. I must admit it looked pretty cool to the casual observer. Anyhow, I trained on a Hornet, bought a Fazer, and have got a beautiful XSR900 now. I admire the paint scheme of these Harleys, but owning one? No, thank you.

@motorcyclenewsdotcom

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gerhard, we agree Jordan is very funny! Noted on the B-roll - sometimes it's hard to get enough due to time constraints but keep the comments and views coming in. Cheers bud, MCN :)

MCN's favourite word (or acronym): PCP :P

@exexpat11

6 жыл бұрын

The Motor Company is about to become The Clothing Brand Company if they do not start getting innovative and competitive.

Nicest Harleys yet

Most say the Sporty is the only "real Harley" left.

Not my thing but that forty eight is kind of nice

I never had a dog in this fight. I love them all. I buy what I like but who cares. Some just need a hobby

The 883 sportster was made to compare to the old sportsters when they 1st came out years ago....900 cc. They were orginally built to stump on Triumps on the track back in the day. There's just something about a Brit talking / cutting down Harleys and Indians that I don't really care for....

As an ex HD parts manager, and therefore had the run of any of the demos whenever I liked, I could never have recommended ANY of the wrongly titled Sportsters, I can only go back to the 90's though but cannot imagine them being any better previously, biggest con in bike market. If you want a HD get a big one, size does matter with a Harley, Heritage is my fave.

@splodge5714

6 жыл бұрын

Er not everyone wants the size and weight of the larger Harleys.. and 1200cc is not a small engine.

@H4rleyBoy

6 жыл бұрын

splodge 57 no it isn't, it just performs like one, may like decent 250 or 350 from Japan

@ozzytupo

6 жыл бұрын

i've ridden mine through winter etc, not had any issues.

@splodge5714

6 жыл бұрын

Stephen Brown ..yes, my one! Its a 2001 Sportster 1200S

@rebel1052k

5 жыл бұрын

@@H4rleyBoy Why compare to Japan? If we wanted a Japanese bike we would of bought one!

I love Harley’s. But I hate that they could be so much better. It’s yesterday’s tech for tomorrow’s price. They look and sound great though no denying it 🤷‍♂️

The evolution engine is perfect.....ish!!!

Comprehensive.... say no more , enjoyed GHR

Test-driven for a good 50 miles a month ago, very relaxed, a little too much for my taste. Geared way way too long, doing 40/50 mph you can’t go over third gear otherwise it will sputter and stall. Scraped the pegs on the third corner I’ve approached, definitely not my piece of cake. Riding position exhausting after half an our. And like most HD, NO BRAKES AT ALL. Last but not least, stock exhaust is too quiet, definitely not “Harley” enough. On the other hand, loved the self-resetting indicators and overall the electric handlebar switches. Clutch smooth and not too heavy. Wouldn’t buy though.

@dalehumphrey2477

4 жыл бұрын

I call bullshit

@Lasergun74

4 жыл бұрын

Dale Humphrey dear Dale, I just honestly posted my personal opinion after a thorough test ride. I confirm my remarks: geared too tall, engine underwhelming in terms of torque (but the sensation maybe due to the wrong gearing). Also I didn’t like the brakes and the riding position. But that’s just me. I’ve had tons of different bikes in my life: offroad, cruiser, naked, now I own a Triumph sport touring. Never been into Japanese sportbikes, hate the cramped riding position. I’m not a racing rider, like it more relaxed. A good sports tourer is what suites my taste now. And the Triumph Triple 1050 engine is better than the 1200HD (in MY opinion) under all circumstances. You are welcome to think different. Bikes are a thing of feelings, and everyone is different. Ride safe, ciao 👍🏻

@decadantdog4444

Жыл бұрын

Taller rear shocks will give a better ride and allow the bike to corner better.

You don't get it. If you want a Harley you want most of the things your winging about. Go back and play with a sports bike.

@rebel1052k

5 жыл бұрын

Well said. Gets so boring people slating Harley. If they don't like them, DON'T RIDE THEM! Simple.

only 66hp out of a 1200cc engine?

@dalehumphrey2477

4 жыл бұрын

Plenty of power...more like 72 HP at the crankshaft. My 06 1200 with open drag pipes runs quick enough to give me an adrenaline rush.

@gilvansouza9944

4 жыл бұрын

@@dalehumphrey2477 i don't understand how forgiving people are about triumph. Over priced bikes for what they are in my opinion.

@omarsalgado9715

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, but at 5000 RPM, not 15000 like high revving engines, which means if ridden normaly, can make a pleasant and satisfying ride. Hey, at 3000 they really push hard, whilst a high revving engine needs to be taken near the red line to similarly push hard. So it's not about max. horsepower, but about how an effortless ride you can take any day on public roads.

They don't kick out nearly as much heat as a water cooled Ducati

Harley Davidson don,t make motorbikes they make Harley's. Had my Sportster for 3 years it worth the same today as the day I rode it out the shop . If I had bought a Japanese or especially want Italian bike I would be looking at about 60% loses. . win win . Welcome Harley. Right go for it .... Now all the hater,s.

Wanted a sportster for several years. Just came home with the iron 1200. XL1200NS. So far, I really enjoy it. It’s not for everyone and I absolutely hate the paint job. But this bike is a clean canvas to learn on and build up to the bike I’m seeing in my head. It’s a lot of fun and it fits me and my riding style perfectly. No doubt there are BETTER bikes out there, but this is the one I WANTED and that’s what matters to me. The twisted cherry color is the most tolerable of these paint schemes.

66bph? Only Americans could get so little power from such a large engine.

@davidmacgregor5193

Жыл бұрын

That's true, my 1980 Benelli 900 Sei produces 80bhp and it wasn't classed as a powerful machine in the 900cc class when it was new. In the early 1980's I owner a Laverda 1200 with a tuned-up motor which produced 97bhp, it was a hooligan machine to ride. In 2011, I bought an XL883N, I still have it in 2022, my riding style has mellowed with the passing years and the 883 suits me fine these days. If I want to have a blast, that's what the Benelli is in my garage for.

@sacredgeometry

Жыл бұрын

@@davidmacgregor5193 I guess its just tuned entirely for torque but still with a 1200 twin? There is absolutely no reason you couldnt have more of both.

Sportster vs Sportster. 1200 vs 1200. Bobber vs Bobber. Special Edition vs Special Edition. Evo vs Evo. Did I miss anything? To detractors it is not a bad bike. It is not a very innovative bike. That goes for all of HD's line. I can buy a Sportster that is 10 years old and it isn't that far behind a 2018. I could buy a 1990 Sportster and it looks the part of a 2018 with more miles on it. Plus I get the used discount of paying half to a third of a new one. Unless Harley designs something from the ground up that appeals to everyone it is going to go the way of the Dodo.

Sexiest bikes HD makes.

Two lovely bikes ruined by apehangers.

It dont get that hot

Great job by this reporter. Just don't understand why people buy Harleys: old tech, underpowered, low ground clearance, awful braking, expensive. Just so many better bikes out there for the money. Guess people who buy them buy into the brand, the image and the group rides and meets but in this country there appears to be bikers who ride every other brand of machine and Harley riders.

@dalehumphrey2477

4 жыл бұрын

Go ride one, and report back.

@Banditmanuk

4 жыл бұрын

@@dalehumphrey2477 Maybe if I ever make it to America I would ride route 66 and hire a Harley. Designed for wide long American roads. For tighter technical European roads I just see better choices for me personally.

You want a rice burner for what you want .Harleys are not for speeding through the country side ,If you were sitting on it where you were filming it you could have cooked an egg on the seat ..

Perfect bikes for the 'murican roadtrash... For the rest (and sensible part) of the world there are only better choices.

@exexpat11

6 жыл бұрын

We have elitist bikers over here also. Waxed mustache, Heinke Gein Field Coat, Beret Wearing, Metal Box Panniers, BMW riders. Their are plenty of types of riders to make fun of. Next up the Super Sport Power Ranger Suit Hooligan Biker... (Hello Snowcat!)

Went for a test ride,turned up on my 1200 Kawasaki, oh you're to o tall?!! Have an original Bonneville which I've 'improved' which makes quite a bit more power than a current 1200. I know that they know for an experienced rider they're a joke, hence the attempt at misstique,won't let me have a play and I'm getting towards their pensioner demographic!😪😧😦😮

Had to stop at 1 min 11 the sound from the intake of every breath was intolerable.

@snippy1988

6 жыл бұрын

Toby you need to get out more, take a chill pill

Paint looks like doodoo

The narrator talks funny.

@tonyneal4716

2 жыл бұрын

He's English.

Single disc brakes 🤦‍♂️

@djmysticalone321

4 жыл бұрын

Yes and they work good

@Addy29plus5

4 жыл бұрын

angel Del llano not a fan personally but I concede as I haven’t tried those brakes personally

Just tried to watch this again and I'm still surprised by how hilariously incompetent it is. The reviewer somehow seems to get every fact he can wrong. If you're going to slate something at least do your research. Mind you to be fair, it's not just Harleys they are crap on.

@vincentbeijing6926

3 жыл бұрын

Why would you say that? I own one and feel like he does about it on most aspects

I absolutely hate those paint schemes.

@exexpat11

6 жыл бұрын

The paint is camouflage to disguise how old or new your Sportster it is. Did you buy it new or did you buy a 25 year old Sportster? Can't tell can you? Same tech in both (one has a slapped on EFI system).

@exexpat11

5 жыл бұрын

@@rebel1052k Don't get me wrong. I'd love a 48... with a bigger tank.

@rebel1052k

5 жыл бұрын

@@exexpat11 You can upgrade the tank :) 3.3gal 'peanut style' tanks are around £300 then you just need it painted and fitted.

The mouth breathing and lip smacking made this really hard 2 watch !

Sad era cuz Japanese bikes make better cruisers.

@exexpat11

6 жыл бұрын

Slightly more reliable. Most bikes and their brand names are bulletproof these days (I am not talking about Ural, Enfield, and those Korean things). HD is locked in the past and won't come forward is the problem.

@thebayleaf221

6 жыл бұрын

True... I love how the Japanese makers gave us classic looking bikes but with modern performance and way better reliability.

Disgusting....

Hideous.

@glennfryer1539

6 жыл бұрын

Ducati Ltwin ... yep I love my L Twin popping and cracking coming of the throttle... nothing sounds like it .. quality...

@reerbaadia1896

6 жыл бұрын

And noisy too. Wouldn't be caught on one of them.

@splodge5714

6 жыл бұрын

Ducati Ltwin ...what the review?

Garbage. Harley has lost its way. Indian WILL crush Harley into oblivion

@moorshound3243

5 жыл бұрын

funny how I always blast past Indian's when I'm riding. They ride like slow ass toffs.

This guy is super pompous and uppity.

Stolen paint schemer idea from lakeside hd build off bike last year....... dont believe me have a look at there last year battle of the kings bike.

@davidmacgregor5193

6 жыл бұрын

That's wrong, Lakeside H-D stole the paint scheme from the AMF Harley-Davidson's of the 1970's. The paint scheme was AMF's brainchild, H-D have reintroduced it as part of their 40 year heritage with those colours. Have a look at any of the 1970's Harley's and you'll see what I mean.

Boring )-:

Boring )-: