2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200R review from United States of America

The front brake master cylinder would stick on occasion when I first got the bike, but that was repaired by the dealer.

The bike was jetted so lean, that it would pop back thru the carb when down shifting and at stop lights upon acceleration. (Cured with a Yost Power Tube and re-jetting).

First off, let me say that if you have not ridden a Sportster since the engine was rubber mounted in 2004, you are in for a treat. The "paint mixer effect", is gone and the bike no longer sheds parts going down the road.

Shortly after delivery, I replaced the stock fork springs and rear shocks with after market parts. The bike is very heavy and will never be a road-racer, however the change was dramatic. I spent a week in the mountains of North Carolina and had a blast (I even managed to show a couple of guys on crotch rockets that torque and decent handling are a great combination). I wish you could have seen their faces when we stopped after a brisk ride! Priceless.

The changes I made include:

Yost power tube and re-jetting. (jets come with kit)

Screamin Eagle high flow air filter, slip on mufflers, ignition module and 8mm plug wires.

To sum it up, the Sportster 1200R with these changes feels and sounds like a mid 60's big block Corvette convertible. Keep the revs between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm to take advantage of the torque, and let the fun begin.