[Clackamas]

So, here is my deal:

I recently had an accident with my 2007 HD XL1200C I bought in 01/2007... while I am waiting for the adjuster, I believe the bike will be totaled due to frame damage. I got up and rode the bike home after the the accident. Basically, I breaked to avoid a change in traffic speed, but went into a low slide in which the engine crash bar pulled the cross-member out of alighnment. I passed the MSF in 8/2006 and I am fully endorsed by my state.

Anyway, I am thinking about my next bike. I loved my HD and it has been a great first bike for me and I honestly was intending to keep it forever

But, now that have 91xx miles of riding experience since I bought the above bike in 01/2007, my interests and needs have changed. And I may get another Sportster. But, I am thinking about other bikes. My main and only complaint about the Sportster 1200 was the shifting... the clunkiness really bothered me.

At the time I bought my first bike, I was not commuting every day. I am now. Finding after market side bags, etc is high on my list of needs.

Also, have the 2007 models improved on the rear suspension? What kind of performance difference am I in for (I don't care which bike people this is better, I only care about differences I might find).... basically, I got the point wiht the Sportster where I was able to lean into the foot pegs.

Non-Crusier bikes I am considering are the Suzuki V-Storm, Bandit and the Moto Guzi Guzzi and Breva 1100 bikes.

I appreciate your time.

 

[crazydave]

I would buy my 900 Custom again and make the same modes I did which the one that is the most noticeable is the scoot works front pulley. I use mine to commute daily, 75 miles and have been very pleased with everything it does.

My other bike gets used on the weekends and when I am in a mood to turn it up a notch, but the custom to me is my work horse. The V-Storm is a reliable commuter, the Bandit ok, I would stay away from the Moto Guzzi unless you have a personal friend that is a Moto Guzzi mechanic.

 

[sisooktom]

I love my 900 Custom, and I think it's pretty close to the Sporty in terms of utility. Meaning, that although you can throw bags on it and do some light touring or what have you, I don't think it's best suited for that. It's really an around town bike at heart. If commuting is high on your priority list, why not look at something that comes with bags from the factory like the 900LT or Nomad?

Anyway with respect to performance, I think you'll be pleased. The Custom handles pretty well, the tranny is great and it has plenty of power on tap at legal speeds (although maybe a little less than your Sporty). As for scraping the pegs, the Custom has good clearance for a cruiser, so it's not something I do regularly although I want to get comfortable enough to do it at will

 

[cmptrmn.1]

The 1200 is a quicker bike and more agile. But, you would find many differences in the two bikes which pushed me to the 900. Do some research and if you can ride them both, you will see that the 900 has more to offer.

 

[JohnScott]

So, here is my deal:

I recently had an accident with my 2007 HD XL1200C I bought in 01/2007... while I am waiting for the adjuster, I believe the bike will be totaled due to frame damage. I passed the MSF in 8/2006 and I am fully endorsed by my state.


At the time I bought my first bike, I was not commuting every day. I am now. Finding after market side bags, etc is high on my list of needs.

I looked at the 07 1200C and bought the 900 Classic. I like the looks of the Fat Boy and bigger bikes, and the 900 classic has that look at 1/3 the price. The 900 Custom is more like a mini softail standard or wide glide.

If bags are in your future, get the 900 Classic LT which comes with bags, sheild and sissy bar, which makes it kinda like a mini heritage, only with belt drive instead of chain.

You could also look at the Nomad which has hard bags, like the road king only with more capacity, and low maintanence due to it's shaft drive.

 

[skewterdewd]

What is you commute like? If you have to slug it up & down I-5 at rush hour everyday, you'll really like having a liquid cooled ride. How do you feel about grooved cement? The 900c has a pretty active front end. If you ride in the rain or have to ride the bridges every day, the wider tire on the classic might be a more comfortable ride.

That being said, I might have a nice blk v900c for sale very soon!

 

[JohnScott]

That being said, I might have a nice blk v900c for sale very soon!

Ooooh, Upgrading Skewterdewd?

 

[c_law23]

I am thinking about the vulcan 900 custom

i think about it every couple moments or so... it so purty

 

[joejoe7]

vulcan 900 is a awesome scoot. i ride a classic myself. plenty of power. Gotta love the wide front tire..

 

[Spyderider]

I ride the 900 Classic.
It gets buzzy @ 65mph.
If I had a 1200, I wouldn't go smaller.

 

[joejoe7]

Buzzy huh? That's interesting,i had mine burning up 15 @ 80 mph. Smooth as glass.

Sent from my N860 using Motorcycle.com Free App

 

[Spyderider]

Buzzy huh? That's interesting,i had mine burning up 15 @ 80 mph. Smooth as glass.

Sent from my N860 using Motorcycle.com Free App

Stock?