2014 Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T

Although I didn't make it to Daytona in time for the official unveiling of the latest two additions to the 2014 Harley-Davidson line-up, I did manage to throw a leg over the Sportster SuperLow 1200T in the seventh annual Harley- Davidson MDA Women's charity ride.

Standard Features

Standard on the SuperLow is a removable windshield, lockable leather saddlebags and docking points already in place for adding a luggage rack and passenger back rest as shown on the model I was riding.

I anticipated the SuperLow to be too small for a woman of my height (5'11") but once on, I was pleasantly surprised with the cleverly crafted ergonomics of the latest Harley offering.

The handlebars are nothing less than perfect. The height is perfect, the grip just the right size and for stock bars, the grip angle appears to have changed making the upper body comfortable and able to ride longer.

The single black gauge offers an analogue speedometer paired with a digital tach and gear indicator. Self-cancelling signal lights are easy to reach and clutch and brake levers smooth for smaller hands. An LED lights offer high beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery and an optional security system.

With my feet firmly on the new mid-mount controls accented with mini floor boards, my knees perfectly hugged the 4.5 gl teardrop tank with my legs bent at a comfortable 90 degree angle. The new two-up, one-piece, low bucket seat is at 26" from the ground. With the extra space, I settled in for a fabulous Florida fundraising ride with approximately 100 other ladies.

The only downfall I encountered with the new ergonomic design was when I planted my feet on the ground at the lights, my shins smacked the mini-floor boards each and every time.

SuperLow and SuperLight

Taking off from the lights, the SuperLow (or rather the super-light), has enough pep in its step with 78 ft lbs. of low-end torque to leave everyone in the dust. Aside from the fact that the bike weighs in at a mere 598 pounds all fluids in, the centre of gravity is low allowing for effortless operation in the twists and turns.

74.3 ci of Evolution

The 1200T has the signature air-cooled Evolution 74.3 cubic inch engine that was first introduced by the motor company back in the 80's. Evolving from the Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the fittingly named Evolution proved to be a reliable and powerful advancement in Harley-Davidson history.

As I made my way through the chain driven five-speed transmission it became apparent that the 1200T likes the higher RPMs. If you are city riding and change from first to second any lower than 3500 rpm, you will most likely gear up into neutral as I did several times.

Michelin Scorcher tires are now standard on the 1200T. Gone with the skinny and in with the beefy 120/70 ZR-18 59W on the front and 150/70 ZR-17 69W in the rear. Add the adjustable rear suspension, and I forgot I was riding a Sportster. The motorcycle felt like a bigger tour bike with the agility of a sport model.

All in all, with the introduction to Harley's 1200T SuperLow, I think more riders can explore touring without getting in over their heads and breaking the bank as with the larger touring models.

From Daytona, I'm EatSleep and RIDEing!