The Sportster XR 750 was CREATED as Harley's first ~racing~ bike.
The Buell is a modified Sporty motor in Buell’s frame that's currently breaking track records.
Harley Davidson statistics clearly show that the Sportster is *the* #1 motorcycle being purchased by women riders, overall.
You can draw whatever conclusion you care to, from that.
Around here, though, I see perhaps a ratio of 2 women on Sportys versus 5 or 6 on Dynas or Softails.
[and my best friend is good friends with Ralph, having become fast friends with him when they were both in the same hospital in adjacent rooms, so there]...:-P
My “ignorance” is not showing...your self-consciousness is.
The “Harley Hugger” is the official name of that particular Sportster ~model~.
Call HD and ask them, smart ass.
By the time she went through all the necessary modifications you listed to make a stock Sporty into a RIDEABLE bike, she could just go get a nice Low Rider and be done with it.
FYI, I hang out with “real bikers”.
Show up on a Sporty and you're gonna get ragged.
Why the hell would I want to hang out with them then? FWIW, I'm not only a "real" biker, but at 45, a second generation biker at that. I grew up with pans and shovels lined up in the front yard on Friday nights. With the exception of a couple of RUB's and HOG types, who I don't consider bikers, I've never once been ragged for riding a Sportster. Nor would I rag anyone else for their choice of ride. Well, that's not entirely true, I'm merciless on the 15K types because I just can't stand them.
For you non-bikers, $15K and 15 miles on your pile of chrome doesn't make you a biker, stop pretending it does, because we laugh at you. While I'm at it, 4 days worth of beard doesn't make you look rugged either. We all know you'll be clean shaven and wearing a tie on Monday.
Around here, though, I see perhaps a ratio of 2 women on Sportys versus 5 or 6 on Dynas or Softails.
I won't argue with that. Most women who I run into, ride Low Riders it seems, and it's a good choice. It's lower, slower and more predictable.
You can go on thinking the Sportster is a chic bike. However, I know a couple of guys who wear patches that ride Sportsters and they wouldn't consider you, me, or your husband real bikers. Still, you have great taste in music, and a killer trike, so you're ok with me.
Forgot to address this part. It's about $200 to change the geometry of a generic Sportster to a Hugger type. It's 30 minutes of work, and dirt cheap. Just simple suspension changes.