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Harley Sportster XL 1200

by Christine Aleta
(Buffalo, New York)

I love my Sportster 1200. I learned on a Rebel, passed my MSF test and have been riding my Sporty since then. The MSF instructor told me that a Sportster was the wrong bike for a woman as it is too top heavy but I don't notice it. At any rate, I've learned to ride it and feel comfortable with it and I won't be trading it in anytime soon. I just invested in some $800 saddlebags for it, so that's another reason I will hang on to it. I take it to work during the week and around town on the weekends.

People STILL do double-takes when they see a woman riding...at least around my area. I've gotten used to that and feel proud to BE a woman rider! I hope I am an inspiration to other women who see me riding and want to try it. I know that when I saw other women riding, I was in awe and finally decided to go for it. It was not easy! I got politely asked to leave the first MSF range because I had no idea what I was doing!!! Then, went back and failed the test (went over a cone) but finally passed it the second time! I refused to give up and am glad I didn't.

Moral of this story: IF you REALLY want to ride, you can do it. Just do NOT give up. It takes some people longer to learn, especially if you've never ridden any type of motorized bike. Give yourself the necessary time YOU need to learn. Forget about the others who ace their test the first time around. This is not about them, this is about YOU and YOU want to ride! I am proof that anyone can be a rider if they have a strong desire to learn.

Comments for Harley Sportster XL 1200

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Aug 03, 2012
KUDO'S TO YOU !!!
by: Cheryl

I was soooo glad to read your story and to hear that you didn't give up!! I have a friend who took the class, failed and never went back & I know she could've done it if she would've taken the class over. I too own a Sportster 1200L, she was alittle heavy when I first started out but I'm very comfortable and more importantly confident & happy with my choice.
Ride on Sistah and be safe !!!

Sep 19, 2011
Sporty
by: Stacey

Christine I took the rider course 3 years ago and bought a 1998 883 custom. I too love my sporty! Just sold it and bought a 2003 883. Yes the bike is a little top heavy but easy to handle. My next bike will be a 1200 Sporty! I love when people notice a female rider some of the looks on their faces are priceless! Just makes me sit taller and smile!
Kudos to all the lady riders out there. Have fun and ride safe!

Sep 15, 2011
Double Takes
by: Anonymous

I still get double takes on my bike as well. I ride a sportster 883 and it is really loud. The other day I was coming home from a HOG meeting after dark. My clear goggles are not the best option for night riding, but I don't have a face shied. I was at a stop light with my goggle strap sliding down and my goggles looking completey GOOFY on me (I could still see just fine) and some lady pulls up next to me giving me the thumbs up sign. Makes me smile every time that happens.

Sep 15, 2011
Thanks Wanda
by: Anonymous

Thanks Wanda! I just got my permit, bought a HD Sporster superlow and take the safe rider course next weekend. I'm very excited, my boyfriend is teaching me now but I can't wait to take the course. I have been riding with my boyfriend for years and finally decided to take this on myself... you and all the other women riders are truly an inspiration. Thanks!

Sep 15, 2011
Thanks!
by: Wanda

Well said.

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