2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 1200 Custom

i bought the bike used with 7000 miles, the prior owner hooked it up vance hines, power commander, jet kit, fuel pak, chrome to the bone, drag bars, heel rest etc, i actually picked over a dyna that had 20,000 miles,

the only thing that bothered me was the side battery cover keeps fallin ... off, i went through 2 of them ,u have to zip tie them, also the shocks are mushy and easily botton, the front needs a thicker grade of oil, and the rear needs a better dampening, all in all the motor and handling is sick

I would rate my bike a 9 out of ten. Could use a 6th gear for highway riding. I bought it new, it used oil from day one. At about 14,000 miles during a service it was discovered that I needed new valve guides. It no longer uses oil. I believe it came from the factory with the valve guide problem. ... At 19,500 miles the front pipe flange stud broke off in the head. I found that both bottom pipe mount bolts had fallen out to attribute to that break. Other than those two things it's been a great bike. I would reccomend a touring seat, the stock seat is not so good for long rides. Very good bike for the price.

My 2004 Sportster has had the following problems:

1. Paint falling off rear mudguard.

2. Front fork sliders corroded

3. Paint falling off belt guard

4. Bubling of chrome on mirrors

5. All chrome has fallen off rear wheel

6. Front wheel rim rusty

7. ... Left side panel wont stay on (fixed with cable ties coz the origial HD clips don't work)

8. Exhaust drags on the road in even slow right hand corners.

9. No locking petrol cap as standard. The cheapest chinese bikes have them as standard.

10. Carb icing is a problem in cold weather.

11 The standard rear shocks are of very poor quality

The 2004 1200 sportster is my first bike. I bought it used with 3,000 miles on it and it looks brank new. The bike is light, nimble, powerfull, and responsive. Not what most people think when they hear the name harley. The bike has a certain charicteristic about it that makes people want to look ... at it. A set of pipes, bigger air filter (less restrictive), and new jets will really set this bike off. (vance and hines pipes will make this bike SCREAM).

I highly recomend this bike. Would not recomend a 2003 or lower. Many new changes have been made to 2004 + models.

This bike will put a big smile on your face. Good ride for anyone one built on the smaller side. (not a bike for big dudes)!!!!

My Bike is great plenty of power, kick ass good looking, fun to ride and i get a lot of looks because of sound with screamin eagle mufflers jetted out carb and lots of chrome with a real nice blue in color I bought it used and i am not sorry at all with the investment that i have only 2400 miles ... looks brand new no one can beleive it is a 2004. Very very happy I am the owner of this vehicle.AAAAAA++++++.