The best sportster is the sportster you buy and love.

I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles on the original engine. 1999 883.

The best Sportster is one with a carbureted engine, and lots of chrome, tubeless tires, and isn't matte black. Extra points for pre '04s.

A fantastic and informative video on the different models in the sportster range. Great for newcomers to Harley like myself. I was perplexed until I saw this great video. Thank you!

2007 XL1200C. Rubber mount, fuel injected, 4.5 gallon tank. AWESOME!!!!!

I'm sorry, but pre 2003 rigid-mounted carburated Sporters are so different and so much better than the rubber-mounted and injected ones. The vibrations are so good, the sound is amazing, and it all adds up to the feel of a real iron motorcycle thundering on like a hammer. I have a 1997 1200xl. This is my first bike. I bought it because I wanted that feel of a true old motorcycle. Absolutely love it.

As a Sportster guy who spent over 30 years in the motorcycle industry, any Sportster from 91-03. 5 speed, non rubber mount. An individual model, for me, is the Sportster S. I've built several hot rod Sportsters for canyon carving and road racing. My current bike is a 93 frame with an 01 Buell Cyclone engine. 109 hp, 391 pounds wet, upside down forks, Storz rearsets, 17" spoked wheels. It is a Ducati eater. Lots of fun.

Professor Jawn in the house! Takin everyone to school today with that Sportster history. Really fun topic, but I'd have to say the sportster 48 or the 48 special takes it for me. The peanut tank really looks awesome even if it does only hold 2 gallons.

I ride a Nightster, but with the limited quarter mile paintjob which originally was made for the 883 (I guess) and with the Chizzled mini ape. Love it! One can see it on my channel. Great review, dude.

Greetings from the jersey shore, enjoyed the vid. Had a few sportsters, loved every one of them. Bought used, paid cash. Current ride is 2008 xl1200r, gets my bias vote.

Nice list! I have a 2013 Sportster Custom 1200, this list is actually 2007 onwards, with the oldest bike the Nightster 2007 mid-model year launch followed by the XR1200 also a mid model year launch in 2008. I would have made the Nightster first for what it did to the Sportster and Harley starting the Dark Custom line up with blacked out core finishes which integrated the Dyna Street Bob and Fat Bob in its first year. I think the models with the tear drop 4.5 gallon tank are more a complete package if you want to do some highway and weekend touring hop ups. The XR1200 is top for its rarity its extra horse power bump and handling, it was kinda a competitor to the air cooled Ducati Monster of 2008 with iconic Harley design thrown into it. It also handled extremely well, better to the 1200 Roadster launched in 2016 for example as it was also lighter with plastic parts thrown in and had a higher clearance and a better lean angle. As best sellers go the Iron 883 is difficult to beat, followed by the standard 48, I think these would top the list as the most sold Sportster and Harleys of all time considering they lasted ten years in production. The 48 launched the 130 fat tire for the Sportster in 2010, which in 2011 was added to the Custom line up. The tear drop 4.5 us gallon tank was introduced in 2004, the year the rubber mounted frame came in, with fuel injection evo coming in 07. The 48 also had an important updated with the fat 57 inch front forks from 2016 onward, the biggest update to the model.

Bought the first evo 883 in July of 85,still have it bored to 1200,branch heads, supertrap 2 into one ex,dual disc brakes,a four gallon roadster tank and an aftermarket belt drive. Dad had the first sportster in 57(iron head). Had an 78, sweet looking bike he owned the rest of his life. Why no older ones on this list like the cafe racer?

Mine is a 2005 xl1200c, chose it for it's long range and comfort (rubber mounted engine). I ride very challenging mountain roads, not pretending it's a mountain carver but it handles very well. Chrome, well it just makes it a classic.

I have the 2010 XR1200 with the Hammer 1275 CI with the Hammer head work. It does go good, The Screamin Eagle Tuner, tuned by the best dyno guy around western Massachusetts. Stock cams, 45 MPG dynoed at 99 HP. Thinking on selling it, no I am not. Good video

i wanted a nightster but couldn't find one in my price range. found a 72 less than 15 minutes from where i was staying, at a great price, so i snatched it up. love them all!

Yes my 2012 custom has the bigger tires, and mag style wheels. Also has the 4.3 gal tank, which gives it the cruiser look. Got it at Brandywine HD.

Was surprised to see the nightster so high up on your list but I’m going to pick mine up this weekend my first road bike and so excited

I’ve just bought a 2005xl1200r it’s got taller shocks longer fork travel,a bigger tank speedo and rev counter. It’s got worked on heads from standard, I think they are buell cyclone heads with bigger fins on barrels and heads, and standard hot cams.I’m 69 and ride a shovelhead bobber,but I wanted something to give me a bit off comfort at times😂 I absolutely love it. We have quite a few X-r 1200 in the uk but a bit out off my price range as I’m only a poor old pensioner😂👍🇬🇧

1998 Sportster 1200S. From the factory it had piggy back rear shocks, dual spark plug heads and a mild cam. Those are really nice upgrades from the factory. Hoping one will pop up for sale in my area

i got a 2000 883 not sure witch type it is but i love it put a 29 tooth sprocket in the primary and rides amazing in the freeway also gets great gas milage i tour with it and have not issues so far

I really like the Iron 883. My bike is an 06 883, last of the carburetors which I like and I like the mag wheels. It has chrome but I have black handle bars and it has the peanut which I also love the look of. The 883 engine is definitely enough power for me. Thanks for your video.

2005 883XLC. Put 10 thousand miles on it in 2 riding seasons, i did exhust, torq cones, s and s csrb, custom nash brothers bars, mag whelel in front, new seat, getting it converted to 1200 right now. Its badass.

XR1200. Wish I had one. Didn’t have the money when they came out. Then they became hard to get. Or was it called xl1200s? The adjustable suspension and slightly hopped up motor one. Inverted forks and dual brakes.

I absolutely love my 2021 883, and will never get rid of it. Will probably install Hammer 1275 kit and cams in the future.

The earlier 1200 Custom looked a lot cooler than the later ones in my opinion. 3.3 gal tank instead of the 4.5, mag rear, spoked 21" front. The stock seat is a little more interesting as well.

I have a 2012 custom with factory windshield and hard bags. I love it. The kids love riding on the back. Has an Amazon sissy bar. 4.5 gallon tank. Take it across florida all the time with no issues. From port richey to ormond beach

Have the 72 but I dig the 48 and the Nightster. Nice review.

When Norton rubber mounted the Atlas it lost 30lbs.When HD rubber mounted the Sportster it gained 80 lbs. What is up with that?

Agree with your selection! Especially the favourite... XR 1200, especially in black and chrome!

Cool video man , I actually want that big 4.5 gallon tank for my iron 1200 , I have the red white and blue stripes.

I've just bought a 2004 Sportster Custom. I had to have the rubber engine mounts, but didn't particularly want EFI. I would have gone for the Sportster R just for the twin front discs but I simply could not live with the peanut tank - it looks like an afterthought perched on top of the engine. The teardrop tank looks 'meant to be'.

My favourite one's the one I ride every day. It's a 2000 Sydney Olympic games limited edition, no.22 of 60. They were used during the games by UPS couriers for carrying TV footage tapes from the venues to Sydney's transmission tower. After the games they were sold off. I'm the third owner. Apart from the logo on the ignition cover, decal on the front mudguard, and the saddlebags, it's a basic black 2000 XLH883 from out of the Kansas City plant. Mine has a carry rack on it as well but I believe one of the previous owners added that. The pre EFI ones were the best. They're still very simple bikes that are easy to work on & maintain. I take the wheels to the tyre bloke for new shoes & a balance, but I do everything else that needs doing myself. The evo Sportster engine unit is pretty much bulletproof. I've been looking after the bike myself for 12 years now & everything is still fine. It's done some miles too. My sister lives about 450 km away, and my daughter about 1000. It does those trips just fine, and I ride to work on it as well. I haven't owned a car for 33 years. The bike's had some age related issues here & there over the past couple of years but I fix those as they manifest themselves, which is something I should be able to continue doing for quite a while yet - as long as HD & the after market guys keeps selling spare parts for the thing. I got no plans to sell it, especially since they stopped building new ones last year.

I’m bias but love my 883 Custom with the teardrop tank, but would love to have a Iron 1200 it’s so cool 😎

Philly area? This is one of my fav Sportster vids just because of your #1 pic. I'm retired from Harley Davidson...own 4 XR1200's...and they're just wonderful bikes and the power is incredible. Greetings from Lancaster County Amishland

I may be biased but I own a '20 Iron 1200 and would rank it above the Nightster. Mainly because I actually prefer the mag wheels and complete blacked out accents, as well as the mini apes. But the Nightster did have great paint schemes for sure.

I love my 2005 XL1200R, previous was a 2001 XL883C and it was ok, but this 1200R is, just perfect😍

I have an 01 883 hugger and it’s the only things I ever bought new. 24k miles now and I am 300 pounds but I don’t care that I’m too big for it. It still rides amazing and I smile the whole ride

Hi, I think the XR1200 is nice, but still EFI is not right for a sportster! I have own 88 1200, 48, and recently got a 06 carburettor XL1200R. I also have a 88 FXRP, but find the 1200R is another level to enjoy ridding. It's fast and got lot of throttles, even more than the FXR !? It's very easy and fun to ride with! love it.

Being the "most unique" Sportster doesn't make it the "best Sportster"! Come on, man. You put looks above practical use, have weird criteria and then choose something actually pretty cool at #1, so I appreciate you doing this. I bought a '22 Iron 883 when I turned 71 after not riding for 30 years. I love my plain, simple, and at my age how much more do I need after windshield, bags and seat are added? Interesting vid> Thanks.

I own a 2016 roadster, and it is my favorite. Styling in minimalist and suspension is best in class.

Proud owner of a lil 883 iron here . To me the nightster is the best of them all .......one day . Sportster are so much fun to ride on a daily commute , nimble , loud and full of attitude , mine is customised to my taste and like all sportster completely unique ! I have been riding in northern Europe for 30 years now and have had many different motorcycles but my lil Iron is by far my favourite bike , even went for a 3000 mile trip around France a couple of months ago . A bike is what you make it . Ride free, ride safe

Thanks for your video. I own 1200 custom ( Japan spec )

I have a stock 2000 1200S with factory screamin' eagle factory mods. The only downer s that it's Harley orange. But on the plus side, it has only 10 K on the clock. I'm currently getting it tuned, but it has an apparently unattainable Keihin 40mm butterfly carb. I can't find a rebuild kit.

I remember when I was a little guy in the early 70's and a man down the street had a new bike of the month. Rocket 3, Rickman Metisse 8 valve head on a Bonneville 650 engine cafe racer, etc. Then he shows up with a super quality Sportster chopper 1000. Then a relative shows up on another 1000 chopper. Back then they were dangerous. Drum brakes and handled like a log wagon. But, good looking peanut tanks and beautiful engine. Sounded wonderful. But, my dad's new CB750 K1 was my favorite. Good times.

Your number 5 is my number 1. Thanks for the lowdown! Since they don't make it anymore maybe it will be collectable down the road.

The best sportster....is a 95-05 5spd, Carburated, Rigid mounted , Sportster. The cases for 883/1200's have been standardized for years but the imternals have not always been of equal strength and quality. Prior to 95-96 the internals of the bottom ends of the engine were different per displacement (883/1200). After which Harley made the 1200 bottom end the standard for both displacement with slight variations in the heads and obviously in bore.... they're the racers dream machine because of the proliferation of NOS and aftermarket parts and support

I agree with your list although the Buell was probably the sportster😂. Xr1200 is next best. I ride an 03 883H with hammer 1275 kit & suspension. Love it. Wife has 02 1200C. My son's 94 and other sons 89 under the knife atm.

When talking about great paint and color schemes I really like the 100th anniversary edition sportster. Great list though.

I have a 2021 forty eight and it’s my first Harley and I love it.

Great list, thanks ;-)

Own a 2012 Sportster Nightster dark grey with navy blue pin stripe on tank. 300lb rider and it’s never let me down hauling my butt up highway hills and imo always surprised at how smooth she runs at 75mph on the highway and how happy it is to go even more passing other rides. Only thing I added to it was a sissy bar and a passenger seat.

XL1200S Sportster Sport was my fav.

1998-03 Sportster S with twin plug Buell heads. Fully adjustable front and rear Olins, twin front discs. GREAT machine. Solid mounted and lighter than 04 and newer

I'd go with that 4.5 gallon teardrop shaped tank, every single time. Function, gotta have fuel if you're going to ride. Probably a Sportster 1200 T would interest me the most, followed by a 883 Superlow. I'd put greater travel shocks on the back for a better suspended ride, the roads around here are kind of rough. That said... I currently own a 2018 Softail Sport Glide. The frame is now massively stiff, no flexing in turns like before on the Dyna. It's heavy at near 700#, and 107 cubic inches is overkill, but the 5 gallon fuel tank is handy. 200 mile days are easy...with usually a gallon of fuel to spare, to keep the fuel pump in the tank happy. Love the electric start, cruise control, and fuel injection keeping the fuel mixture spot on, whatever the elevation you're riding at. But it's expensive to maintain, compared to a Sporty. As I get older and need a lighter bike, a Sportster might be in my future again. I don't see them as girly bikes, like some people do. Just will I fit, at 6' 5" and 280#.

Harleys Roadster is my favourite of the Sportster line. But my favourite motorcycle with a “Sportster” engine would be Buells XB12R.

08 1200 custom. Solid chrome rear wheel 21" spoke front 105 anniversary.

The 72 was wicked. I loved that version.

Great video. 👏👏❤

For looks ballance and direct power I'm saying the 883C 100yr anniversary 2003 silver & Black. But for sheer power and ridability the xr 1200. The iconic colour way was also a winner.

Brave call on the number one brother. I’d have placed ours (no.3) in the top spot.

I ride a 115 anniversary Sportster 48!😊

Always thought the sportster custom was the best because it has the biggest gas tank. Mine is the 48. But the most comfortable one I ever drove was the 72

I have a 1996 1200 custom and that's the best imo bc it's my fav everyyeyrrejjr. I got it for a killer deal for $1500. It was pretty much brand new with about 15k miles. So hey, I'm so happy with my motorcycle.

My first Sportster was a 2005 1200R. It was a great bike, the only problem I ever had was a front motor mount bolt fell out. It got about 55 mpg. Ran great. Great bike, but not too comfortable for 2 people.

I miss my 1988 883 Hugger so much. I have the Roadster and it crushed my foot when I went down one day. 570 lbs is a bear to pick up. I'll go back to the older Sporty one day.

Man I pulled up the video excited to see if the XL883 superlow was gonna rank good. Well shit lol. I think the black with simple orange lettering is the best color for it with the two tone wheels. That's what I have with a stage 4 screaming eagle kit. Definitely prefer the teardrop tank personally. But I like all of em.

What do you think about the Sportster Roadster the early model 2006 are the Sportster s

Love my 1200. 48's fat front tire and smaller tank, immediate no. Bikes with a big front tire that is same, or nearly the same as the back tire, just looks dumb. 883 is also nice, but why not just spend the little extra for the 1200, plus the more blacked out.

The Iron 883.......has the most authentic feel in my opinion, looks are to die for and huge capability for mods

Best looking blacked out iconic look for me is the iron 883. Best silhouette for sure. Never liked the fat wheels on the 48. Since I think chrome and bigger tank can look timelessly good on a sportser, I d put a 1200 custom or superlow higher on the list, as long as they come with 19” front wheel, not the later model years fatties. In stead of a xr1200, I’d take a buell s1 or x1 anytime.

Ive got a 72 and love it

The one that you own and are riding? 2005 1200R Roadster.

The 1200T was definitely one of my favorites

in my opinion the best sportster is the 72 xl1200v, it represents the 70's style, looks like a real chopper from the movie Easy rider. i like a lot of chrome, big thin front spoke wheel, low stance, big handlebars, it's narrow, awesome 70's style colors, great bike, i'm in love with it. Also just like me, counts the market as it's more expensive than all other sportsters

I really like my 2000 sportster custom. 883 w 1200 conversion.

1998 XL1200S is definitely the best Sportster, from the Sporty tank graphics to the fully adjustable suspension, higher compression with longer duration cams. But wait, there's more...

I LOVE the 48 with the teal blue tank! And the blacked out 883. Sexiest looking machines on Earth

The 48 got it's name because of that little tank. That style was first used in 1948 on the Harley Hummer.

I'm 67 years old and I rode mostly sportbikes. My pick for the best Sportster XL1200CX Roadster, why dual disc brakes 50mm inverted fork, radial ply tires, 18" rear wheel more ground clearance and better handling. Trash the OEM H-D Dunlops and get a set if Pirelli scorpions and you have sportbikes handling. In my opinion this Roadster 2016 - 2020 is a Sportster back to its original roots as a sportbike, hence the na.e Sportster.

Been riding crouch rockets for almost 20 years and then I finally bought my first Harley last week, 16 sportster xl1200c, I purchased to flip, idk with I’ve been thinking but I’ve been misled for years I don’t think I’m going to sell it anymore.

XR1200 has always been the only Sportster Id love to have in the garage.

I'm partial to the 1200 custom with the fat 5 spoke mag wheels 🤷‍♂️

The 2006 1200R had the most torque and HP of any sportster to that date and is a beast. With the blacked out casings dual disk brakes in the front it was the first darked out Sportster not the Nightster. The Nightster is a wimp next to the 06' 1200R, 54hp vs 70hp, ninja please! I do agree with the number one pick though, I'd have the 1200R right next to it though. My R was sick after sending a bunch of parts to the powder coaters and it got respect from the old school bikers after I blew their doors off with it, LOL!

2004 sportster, saddleman seat, Memphis shades detachable windshield, Harley saddle bags, stage 2 tune, Vance and Hines shorts. I've had many bikes over the years, i was a big time adrenaline junkie. This is my favorite bike! I sold a goldwing aspencade and bought it. I will never sell this bike!

I've had quite a few sportsters and TBH they all kinda feel the same. My current XR1200X is pretty fun to ride.

Maybe I missed something, but afaik, the "peanut" tank only ever came as the 2 gal, if you want more capacity, the "teardrop" tank is the only factory option. Unless you go with custom aftermarket, of course.

Oh man, you left out the old boat tail sporty?

The the narrow frames are the ones the build to drag race preferably 97 to 2003 that should tell you something for people who like the split frame.You can have them!

Thank you ! For me, I hate the look of a front fat tire.

so disappointed in this video. from the title I expected you to discuss performance, suspension, braking, reliability, frame mount vs rubber mount, carb vs efi, so many great discussion points. alas you might as well had your wife do this video, oooo I love this paint scheme ! oh the chrome vs black! smmfh

I have a '97 883 that I bought new. Still have it. 3.3 gallon tank.

no mention of mid or forward controls ?

Got a 2000 XL 883 What do you think of that year

1200t. Best all around bike I've ever owned. My 72' was super sexy but wasn't a very practical bike.

I have a new Sportster S 1250. It’s kinda quick.

My favourite is the superlow as i have one haha

The 48 should be number 11 because of that big front tire, they tried to turn it into a mini fat boy. My favorite is the 72 1200, I have a 2016 72 grey denim, beautiful bike, and a 2010 Iron, 883. Love the looks and ride of both of them. The peanut tank is great if you never leave town but if you go on the road, especially riding hard, 2.1 gallons ain't enough. even with the teardrop, 3 gallons ain't enough.

The best for sure is the one you customize to your own personal taste

Loved my 81 XLS ironhead Roadster

What year is this from?