900 custom or classic

[Daboo311]

So many opinions and preferences.

I have 900 custom. I weigh all the benefits...
economics - gas mileage, large tank 5.3 over 200 range
looks - I like it overall and have no problems with taller thinner tire
power - its got it when I want it even though I'm in the 45-55 mph average on 2-lanes
height - sits tall enough and don't scrape pegs plus both feet on the ground at stops
fun delivery - excellent!

[bosco]

I immediately went to the Classic and the old school look. As you can see I stayed with the school add-ons as well. This pic is about two months old, just put larger saddle bags on & a back rest of my wife. I have never been happier riding a bike, it just fits great. At the end of the day it's personal choice, but Classic or Custom this bike fits the bill.

[whiting57]

but I wonder if anyone has opinions in regards to ride differences between the two models. The obvious differences are thinner front tire but advantage of alloy wheels vs. wire. How does that custom front end effect the ride?

I have both a 09 classic and a '10 custom ..... the classic is my touring bike of choice and for 2 up riding, the custom is my solo day rider ....

Both bikes sport 200 rear tires, hard bags and batwing fairings,, the custom has a 5" shield and the classic a 9".

The classic sports a wider more spread out lower handle bar set up, much more comfortable for the longer ride, i have no issues with hand numbness or wrist cramp. It has floor boards which allow a more versatile foot position and you can move your feet around as needed.

It has a mustang seat which raises you slightly and moves you forward about an inch, I'm 5'10" tall and have no issues with putting both feet on the ground. I find it a more comfortable ride with the wider front tire but is a little slower when putting it into a turn due to the front tire width.




The custom handle bars are raised higher and the grips are closer than the classic. With the bar set up and the skinny front, turning into a corner is "quicker" and less cumbersome than the classic. The larger front rides over "pot holes and seams/cracks" a little easier and smoother than the smaller classic rim. I have a saddle man solo seat on the custom, it drops you about a 1" lower than the stocker but the seating position is the same. Foot positioning is fixed and there is no relief method to moving them (your feet) unless you hang the whole foot over the peg. It is a different riding position than the classic, much more stretched out.



It all comes down to personal choice and wants .... the custom is a little more stylish and the classic has the more traditional feel. Mechanics wise, both bikes sport the same frame and mechanics sans the wheels, handle bars and pegs. Both are very capable rides for the commuter and touring at highway speeds. Both have a ton of available accessories. While the custom feels a little lighter on its feet, the weight difference between both bikes is minimal.

The debate over tubeless vs tubed tires is a personal preference and both have +'s and -'s.

I have come from a 1250 in line 4, water cooled, FI ABS sport tourer, i was worried about the lack of power etc .... i have not been disappointed in my purchases, both are fun, capable rides.

Like i tell everybody, they don't do all things great, they just do most things well.

[fawlty99]

Whiting - your classic looks stunning.

I'm a classic man myself. To me the custom looks like it's trying too hard. At the end of the day you can only tell by sitting on each. Mechanically they are pretty much the same although again I prefer the fatter front tyre. Tubeless on the custom is an advantage but then I've never had a flat.

[whiting57]

Originally Posted by fawlty99

Whiting - your classic looks stunning.
.

Hey thanks ..... where are you down under ... im coming home this sat. For ten days. Driving from hervey bay Qld to goolwa SA.

[Gray Ghost]

I had the T/S 185 when they were building I-20 and we spent the weekend riding up and down the overpasses while they were still fairly lose dirt. Got the Titan 500 afterwards. So it must have been around 1975. Red tank with gold stripes, chrome fenders, spoked wheels. Would blow out a smoke screen if you really got down on it. Kick start, oil injection, carbs and two stroke. It was so simple. No repairs ever.

[silenthill]

Always a fan of the lt/classic....then I seen the tangerine/black custom....well.....lol.
Truth is, personally, I've always found the custom to look a little"smallish"....just my perception....and the lt, when I sat in it...I knew immediately it was the bike for me. Sit on both...ride both if you can, the floorboards on the classic are a deal/maker for me.....then I seen the tangerine/black custom....lmao.

[SMoscrip]

Originally Posted by silenthill

Always a fan of the lt/classic....then I seen the tangerine/black custom....well.....lol.
Truth is, personally, I've always found the custom to look a little"smallish"....just my perception....and the lt, when I sat in it...I knew immediately it was the bike for me. Sit on both...ride both if you can, the floorboards on the classic are a deal/maker for me.....then I seen the tangerine/black custom....lmao.

Tangerine......

Sir, I am insulted!

Officially known as Candy Sparkling Orange, this bike is definitely not tangerine.



And everyone knows that Candy Sparkling Orange is way less gay than tangerine!

[Romans5.8]

Originally Posted by SMoscrip

And everyone knows that Candy Sparkling Orange is way less gay than tangerine!

I think if I owned that bike and didn't wanna sound 'fruity' (hehe, get it?)... I'd just call it orange.

Not candy apple tangello princess off-yellow. Or whatever

Just messing

[WhiteWi]

Hey hey leave our orange bikes alone! They look bad ass what ever haters say.