Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
80 nAugust 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Kenzo In a parking lot full of demo bikes there was only one Roadster. Just looking at it I knew it was going to be fun to ride. I was informed that Harley-Davidson would appreciate it returned in roughly the same con- dition as when I rode off, which was emphasized when my signature was required on a sheaf of papers that out- lined what would happen if it wasn't. This bike was obviously designed for twisty roads and there's no shortage of such in central New Hampshire. It was fortuitous that these surfaces ranged from freshly paved down to grass growing in the cracks, which gave me a feeling for the unique suspension on this H-D model. The Showa 43mm inverted front forks have 4.5" of travel and are so superior to the old school, 39mm forks on the Forty-Eight (1200X) Sportster that comparisons are point- less. And it doesn't take a genius to understand that the adjustable pre- load rear Showa shocks with 3.2" of travel—an additional 1.6 inches of travel compared to other Sportsters— is easier on the spine. Even that mere 0.6 inches of additional travel in front can make a substantial difference. This certainly was true in one partic- ular corner where the pavement was rippled like an old corduroy jacket. Fitted with dual 300mm fl oat- ing discs gripped by a pair of Nissin two-piston calipers it promises stop- ping power; especially for a bike that weighs only 568 pounds—plus a bit more when I was on it. I never did use the optional ($795) ABS system, but since ABS (on European bikes) has saved my butt three times I advocate it strongly. The 1200X Sportster uses the same 260mm rear disc and Nissin two-piston caliper as the Roadster, but has only a single 300mm disc in front. I'm used to the stopping power of dual front discs, but those who aren't might fi nd that a lighter touch on the brake lever will keep them in the saddle and off the gas tank. This bike is higher than other Harleys with a seat at 30.9". The 883 (XL883N) has a seat height of 28.9" and the 1200X one of 27.3". Combined with the high position of the footpegs the Roadster becomes suitable only for those of medium height. The 19" front wheel and 18" rear increase the ground clearance and yes, it can lean more—three degrees more—than other Sportsters. Put on shorter, custom pegs and I bet another degree or two of lean could be added to the almost 31 degrees of which it is now capable. What initially caught my eye and sparked my desire to test ride this bike was the angle of the front forks and the short wheelbase. Specs state it has a rake of 28.9 degrees and a trail of 5.5 inches with a wheelbase of 59.3 inches. Although this is only 1.1 degrees of less rake and 0.9" more of trail compared to the 883, it looks radical. The change in steering-head angle shortens the wheelbase by only 0.3 inches, but combined with the bobbed rear fender and chopped front one the Roadster gives the appear- ance of an aggressive street bike. In competition this could make a sub- stantial difference in handling, but on the road it would rarely be noticed. The slightly turned-down bend of the handlebars is another unique feature of the Roadster that improves control in the corners and that I found comfortable even on the freeway. In terms of power, the Roadster is nothing like the old dog of a Sportster I once owned. Rated at 76 ft/lbs of torque at 3750 rpm, compared to 70.8 at 3500 on the Forty-Eight and 53.8 at 3750 on the 883, it has plenty of acceleration. I didn't actually reach 3750 rpm until about 85 mph in fi fth gear, and at 4000 rpm and 90 mph the engine was running like a Swiss watch. For more practical riding one will fi nd themselves staying between 2700 and 3200 rpm—but this bike likes to be cranked. I wonder how it would perform when fi tted with the Screamin' Eagle Street Performance Kit ($2,159) and Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather ($349)? HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL1200CX 2016 ROADSTER A FUN LITTLE BRAWLER Stripped down and souped up The instrument cluster is only 4 inches in diameter and the warning lights are integrated into the handlebar clamp—very clean design "For riders who like spending a day canyon carving or zipping down country roads fi lled with curves and elevation changes, this is the bike for them."