Has anyone ridden both and have any insight into how they perform and what the crowd preference is?
Vrod vs sportster xr1200 comparison
anup_vince
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Has anyone ridden both and have any insight into how they perform and what the crowd preference is?
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Sportster XR1200 is just a step up from a plain sportster ..... all hyped up ........ took one for a ride that a local dealer had, no intentions to buy ....... fun bike, but wasn't impressed ......
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If all I did was ride city, tight mountain roads and no highway I might pick the Sporty 1200, big fun. But I don't do just that, and I rode one from Orlando to Tampa and back in one day and it was absolute torture. Grips get about 4" in diameter at certain speeds due to the vibration, and the plate in my neck doesn't like that. Wheelbase is just not stable like a V Rod at speed. Fast and smooth kinda like a jackhammer vs a circular saw. My bud just sold this one he rescued from a salvage yard, put a new frame on it since yard put a destruction title on it ( which it didn't deserve ) beautiful bike, he got it running great after lots of money and time and sold it for a loss because he really didn't like it and needed the $ for his Chevelle project. If you had to pick one vs owning both ? V Rod hands down ! 
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Owning both a V and a tuber buell, I can say, different tools for different jobs. I’d buy an XR to add to the collection, but I happen to like the readheaded step child. Hell, I married her!
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There are upgrades to the XR that make it better than the plain sportster, but it's still a sportster. My girlfriend had a 2006 1200C that I've ridden, fun light bike, but nothing I'd want to own let alone take a long trip on. Have ridden my R from upstate NY to the U P Michigan (through Canada, won't do that again), and to Hell Michigan (through the states), Laconia NH every year, Maine, Mass, and wouldn't hesitate to take it on more road trips. I took one for a burn to see, The XR is a good looking fun light bike and has a lower price tag, that's the only appeal.
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You’ve been to hell and back huh?
I’ve only been to Climax MI myself….
And I agree about the R. That IS my touring bike! 🤣
I’ve only been to Climax MI myself….
And I agree about the R. That IS my touring bike! 🤣
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That was the premise of the trip so I can say I've been there ......... not much to look at .... a restaurant with a small bar in it, a souvenir shop and a bar that serves food ............. It was all about the ride anyways
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Anyone been to Intercourse PA ? Sounds like a nice in & out ride ! - just repeat until you go to Climax, MI. ! But don't let the wife find out or you'll be going over to Hell, MI. but you won't be allowed to go back -
Two 2003 VRSCA's: CTHULHU is Black/Sterling, N/A ; EVIL TWIN is Anodized and S/C
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Maybe take a ride on Route 666 through PA in your way to MI. I've ridden it. It's actually really scenic following a nice brook.
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2003VRR is that Route 666 the old dirt road out back ? Is that brook $hit Creek ? Trying to avoid that route on my way to Climax, MI. Thanks !
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Sometimes that's the only route to climax ..................
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Haven't ridden the XR, but I've had several Buells and a VRod. The riding style is completely different of course, but the main thing that stands out to me is the engine in the VRod is sooo much smoother and waaaay more powerful. The best thing about the VRod is the engine!!! I'm mostly a sportbike guy, but the VRod is my favorite bike ever owned (and I've pretty much had every style of motorcycle over the last 20 years.)
I prefer mid controls on my VRod, and an 06D for that very reason.
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ive had 3 firebolt xb9r bikes and they feel closer to the vrod than my sportster ever did. Agreed apples and oranges.
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