Harley-davidson Roadster 1200 Review

Used Buyer Review

The Roadster 1200 is Harley's most honest attempt at a proper performance sporster, and used examples represent genuinely decent value if you know what to look for. That 1200cc air-cooled twin delivers real torque low down, the suspension is actually tuned for corners unlike most H-D fare, and those inverted forks feel surprisingly capable on a twisty back road. It's not a sportbike, but it doesn't pretend to be one either. Here's where it gets real though — check the primary chain tensioner obsessively, because neglected examples rattle like a tin of bolts and the repair bill will sting. Vibration at highway speeds is relentless above 70mph, and that seat will punish you past 90 minutes. Look for bikes with stage one air kit and exhaust already done, because stock it breathes like it's wearing a turtleneck. Buy one with documented dealer service history, ideally under 15,000 miles. Skip anything with aftermarket electrical work — Harley wiring gremlins are bad enough from the factory without someone making it worse.