Recently a newer member commented that there isn't much traffic in the Sportster section. I agree, and I don't really know why. They are great bikes.

I have always considered myyself a 'Sportster guy.' Now granted, I've owned a lot more big-twins than Sportsters. To date, I've only owned four Sporties.

However, with ownership of the 48 I've come to the conclusion that I could easily get by with just the smaller bike. With the better seat and the Progressive rear shocks I can easily ride all day. If longer trips with friends and old bloods are scheduled for a season, anyone can get one of those 4.5 gallon fuel tanks. A tad pricey, but what part with "HD" stamped on it is cheap?

Most of the times I rode Black Betty last year was out of plain guilt. It's a beautiful bike. However, when my bikes were tuned last week my mechanic told me the tire on Betty needs to be replaced, too. I ride enough to wear her tire out, too, and that's her second replacement.

My plight is, am I enjoying her, or just burning up premium fuel for status?

Last year I just wondered. Now I'm seriously thinking. I even asked about 'pickling' her engine and putting her into long term storage. Now, BI63 might come to my area next season and I might need a highway bike for day trips. Then again, he'll be on vacation, and technically I'll still be working.

But the odds are that if I put on my riding crap and head for the garage to ride for fun, I drive out with the Sportster.

I'm with you Tourist - I can't justify keeping another bike around myself. With the 4.5 gallon tank I added to mine I forsee no problems riding with my bagger buddies as far as gas stops go. No plans in my future anyway making longer rides beyond weekend stints.

I don't know if you've seen her in the archives, but below is my big bike, Black Betty.

She was built for one reason--I wanted to finally build the bike I wanted in 1971, but was too broke to complete. I would have killed (entire villages) to have Betty as a younger man.

But beyond gentle teasing from my friends ("Hey, Chico, how come you're riding your wife's bike?"), many seriously wonder why they always see me on the Sportster (she's called 'Spinner') when a great bike like Betty just sits around. And I wonder the same thing.

Most of my riding is in the 50 to 150 mile per day range. Figure three fuel stops, and I have to pee anyway. You can go +300 miles on Betty, get off for gas and just yawn. I fixed her suspension years ago.

More and more of my goal is 'fun' not distance. I have +200K on bikes, and my ego as an iron butt is secure. I just have always loved those Sportsters.

https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb23 ... 002-48.jpg

'76 FXE I just parted with...it's on the way to it's new home, Japan.

Black and chrome big twin. I see we have similar taste.

Oh, I enjoy riding Betty, don't get me wrong, but look at what we are discussing. Lots of guys would love to drive the Sportsters we own, and I know it. In fact, compared to the 1973 Sportster I rode in the choir we are riding bikes we could only dream about then.

And it's not the money, per se. I admit, jamming 16 bucks of premium fuel into a big bore, cammy bike with the manners of a scorned redhead for just an afternoon ride is a bit of a waste. I must be going through that "maturity thing" everybody is always lecturing me about!

With this new oil cooler on the Sportster I know that I'll be able to trot along forever, even on the slab, with my buddies. Even now, it's the stopping and refueling that's the only drawback. And that little bike always makes me smile.