Touring on a Sportster
As an owner of the iconic cruiser, you know the joys of taking your Sportster for shorter jaunts.  It’s made for zipping around city streets and cruising through your favorite local twisties. But the Sportster is capable of so much more. With a few additions and modifications, it can be transformed into a competent touring motorcycle.  A bike that can keep up with the bigger, purpose-built Baggers.
Even Harley believes that the Sportster is capable of long miles.  Their Sportster 1200T was introduced to help fill the void as a light touring model. Don’t feel like you need to have the 1200T to go touring on your Sportster, though. Check out the add-ons and modifications listed below.  They can turn any model Sportster into a touring bike capable of big miles on the open highway.
Going for a long haul requires you to pack some necessities to get you through the days of riding that are ahead of you. Unfortunately, most stock Sportsters have minimal storage space, if any. There are, however, plenty of aftermarket luggage options available to provide the storage that you need for long rides. Removable saddlebags mounted on supports provide a good starting point for a luggage option. Not only do they provide ample storage, but they are removable, allowing you to return your Sportster back to its cruiser form. Removable bags also allow you to take them with you once you reach your resting point at the end of a long day of riding. Adding a luggage rack to the rear fender provides even more room for you to strap extra luggage to your bike.
While a windshield may not be that sexy when you are hopping from joint to joint, it is certainly a welcome addition out on the highway. Without one, the wind can become your enemy fast. Fatigue can quickly set in and make the ride miserable. A proper windshield keeps the wind off of you by reducing buffeting to a much more manageable amount. With clean air filtering up and over the shield, it makes breathing easier as well. Also, it will keep pelting rain off of you if you get caught in a downpour.
When you’re putting in some serious seat time, you need a saddle that will support your back and provide excellent cushion. While the stock seat may work great for some riders, it is often not the best choice for touring. An aftermarket seat with back support and ample cushion will allow you to stay in the saddle for far longer. If you like your seat, a seat pad, like ones from Airhawk and Wild Ass, can improve the comfort for longer rides. They can also be removed with ease to return your bike back to its stock setup for shorter cruises.
The primary use for highway bars is to protect your bike in a laydown.  But they can also provide relief for your cramped legs.  Staying on the mid-controls for the entirety of a long ride can cause cramping and discomfort.  Highway bars outfitted with pegs allow for a stretched riding position for the times that you do not need to be on the controls.  Wind/rain protectors can be mounted to the bars to keep your feet warm on cool rides and dry when it starts to rain.
Sportsters aren’t necessarily known for great range.  That’s especially true if you run a chopper-style peanut tank on yours. An extra fuel container provides the added insurance you need when you are miles from the nearest gas station.  Hauling fuel containers on your bike can be a pain or just impractical if you do not have a purpose-built container. MSR fuel bottles are no bigger than a thermos and will fit nicely into your luggage. If you would like to carry a bit more gas with you, the Reda fuel can is designed to be the shape of most H-D style saddlebags. The spill-proof container can be tucked in the back of your bags. With it, you will have a gallon of gas at-the-ready if you happen to run out in the middle of nowhere.
Suspension Adjustments
The added weight from the luggage and accessories will affect your motorcycle’s suspension. Your ride sag will no longer be set properly and the suspension travel and handling of the bike will not be ideal.  To fix this, adjust the preload and damping to compensate for the added weight. If you’re not sure how to adjust the preload, be sure to check out our article on motorcycle suspension tuning.
There’s a lot that can happen on a long ride. A simple tool kit can save you from a long walk or expensive tow truck call when you are hundreds of miles away from home. Most Harley tool kits should have most of what you need to make a roadside repair, but it is good to double-check. Before you leave for your trip, go over the bike and choose the wrenches and tools that fit on the parts that you may need to work on. A tire repair kit can also get you back to town if you get a flat as well.
6-Speed Overdrive Kit
Cruising at open highway speeds on a stock 4- or 5-speed gear set can leave you searching for a gear that you just don’t have. Running at those higher speeds can lead to increased vibration and a not-so-good fuel economy.  To resolve that issue, companies like Baker Drivetrain have developed a solution.  6-speed overdrive kits give you that extra gear to work as an overdrive. The result is lower RPM at higher speeds, which causes less vibrations and a better fuel economy. You will be able to ride comfortably for longer periods of time without having to stop as much to gas up.
So don’t let all of the big bikes have all of the fun racking up miles. Â With a few changes, you can be out there with them, taking in the countryside on your Sportster.
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16 comments
This article equally applies to Dyna models. Many say the Dyna isn’t suitable for long hauls but i wouldn’t hesitate to take mine across country. My bike is already equipped with all the accessories except the extra gas can but with a 5 gallon tank and getting a little over 200 miles to the tank I’m not too worried. Preplanning is important. My friends all have bigger Harley’s and look down on my riding with them on long trips but I have no problems. One point in this article that causes me concern is the reference to “keeping up” with the bigger bikes. If my friends insist on riding 80 mph then I dont’ bother trying to keep up. To me if getting from point A to point B is a matter of speed then I would ride a crotch rocket. It’s all about the ride and seeing this great country.
I am doing same thing yto my 07 1200 custom. Got short shocks because I got hit head on by a druck driver being chased by police and broke back and both femurs. And legs are almost 3 inches shorter. Went with after market and save 275 on detachinble windsheld, quick release sissybar and rack. And saved 300. Plus back rest pad is wider giving passenger much more comfort. Was going to change handlebars but getting used to them. Then a friend gave me saddle bags, toolbag. A mustang 2 up seat. And know what to bring. Pretty 19 year old( my grand sons girlfriend is really nice add on. Headed toTail of the Dragon but grandson will have to wait until hes experienced. I Road to stugis on my 2000 and expect to be more comfortable with my changes. And I keep up with big boys fine 90 mph across S. Dakota. But Im tired of Sturgis.been to all since 1991. Too crowed now. In a line for everything. I can pack tent, bag, rain gear, food and pans. Tools and carry extra fold down bags for crap you pick up. Its a fine combo racer through tightest turns and cruises great. IDC what others think. I love my bike. Looks like just came off showroom floor. And is exactlybhow I want it. Ride safe!
This is awesome. Thank you for sharing the tips.
I am 69 years old and travel on my Sportster every year on a long trip. Usually 3,000 miles. I try and stay around 350 to 400 miles per day and find it very comfortable. I use a windshield and full face helmet, carry a Tour Bag over the Sissy bar and away I go. I will admit I plan most of my trip. Never ran out of gas have missed a few motels due to weather but by using Booking.com I never get charged a fee for not getting there if I cancel even after 4 pm. I have 125,000 miles on my bike and plan to do a lot more. James was saying his friend don’t want to ride with someone who is riding the smaller bike but I find most of my friends want to stop every 100 miles of so. I do most of my touring by myself as I like to go where and when I please. Don’t let what people say stop you from going on longer trips because you are not ridding a bagger. Happy trails.
I’m a Sportster owner too. I’ve got the 6-speed upgrade, windshield and similar luggage carrier. It works great for long distance trips. I try to go cross country at least one a year.
Looking for prices on 6 speed for 06 sporty.
As well as sissy bar for passenger.
And , if you have a catalogue for my bike would be greatly appreciated
My 2003 Sportster engine is hard-mounted to the frame, so at 70 mph (5-speed), the vibration is enough that mirrors are only for telling if a blurry object is behind you. On long rides, (my longest is 11 hours straight), I wear a a wide leather weightlifting belt to brace my kidneys against the vibration. The 2004 Sportster and on have the engine isolated from the frame, making vibration a non-issue and the bike great for longer rides. So if you are looking to buy an older sportster for touring, go with 2004 and newer. The 2003 and older also only have a 3 gal tank with .3 reserve, the 2004 and newer years have 4.5 gallons.
Check out Mustangs or H-D’s 2-up quick detach touring seat for Sportsters (Mustang also has a driver back rest that inserts on some of their seats) and HD- quick detachable sissy bar/rack. You can go from street/city bike to touring bike in 15 minutes. I also have a HD (or maybe aftermarket) full size windshield with quick-detach brackets, saddle bags (also quick detach), a rear touring bag that slips over the rider back rest (I screwed plywood inside bottom of bag so the edges don’t fold over the small rack: I have an engine bar with pegs on them so I can change my seating angle and stretch my legs while touring. I also put on a velcro throttle paddle to reduce right hand fatigue, and later put on a throttle hold device. You can also use a screwdriver to adjust the throttle cable tension to keep the bike at a certain speed, but would have to de-screw it to slow down.
I will also strap a full Military Duffel bag to the passenger seat and sissy bar, if I need extra storage. Sometimes I will also strap a 2.5 gallon gas can on the back, especially when gas stations on Turnpikes don’t line up with you gas capacity. The difference from filling up after 1.5 gallons and waiting until you have used 5 gallons. I just pull over to the side of the road when my bike starts to sputter or my trip meter shows a certain mileage so I know when I am almost dry.
I have an 06, 883 custom and I ride all over South Africa with it. Once a year we go on a 5 day trip across the country and she hasn’t let me down.
I did a trip from San Antonio Texas to Argentina not in a Harley was in a BMW 500 and was enaught and whiteout problems!! Now I have my sportster 1200 and is better!!!!
Seems pretty good so far
What about extended commands? Do they make it any better in a long trip?
A great way to reduce vibration, reduce engine heat and possibly get better gas mileage at 70+ mph is taller final gearing. Stock pulleys for USA are 28 or 29 tooth with rear 68 tooth. Front pulleys are available in 30, 31 and 32 tooth. Rear pulley of 66 tooth is also available.
I love my 2013 XL1200C. For touring, I have Harley saddlebags, forward controls, Progressive 412 13″ shocks (a must) on the rear, Russel Day-Long seat with back rest, highway bars with pegs, LED headlight, gas guage, sissy bar with rear rack. I put a touring bag on the rack, and place a waterproof bag (with my clothes and personal gear) across the passenger seat. I am good for 500 mile+ days. By the way I am 77 years old and have owned many many bikes in my 64 years of riding. Love my Sportster.
Hi Bob
I am 77 years old and its great to find another 77 year old rider most are much younger.
I also have a sportster which is up graded to a tourer, it is an xlh883c 2001 with :-
Final drive from 27 to 29
Stubby mirrors with no vibrations
Thick soft hand grips
Pull back handle bars
Full screen with deflector
Cruising Seat and backrest
Engine Bars
Mid and forward pegs
Rear rack
Slash cuts and air intake mods
Pannier supports and bags
Plus untold changes and extras
It is my passion, keeps me out of the wifes way and switched on.
I have owned it 15 years and do around 3000 miles a year, never use it on a daily bases but just for ride outs on my own.
Keep riding
Have fun
Dennis
Hi. I’m 85 and still ride all the time. I’ve got a 2004 883, made into a 1200 with Andrews N3 camshafts, high compression pistons, bigger carb jets, better air filter, and drilled out muffler. I also have rear boxes, highway pegs, a windshield, and back rest. I also geared it up by changing the front sprocket up 2 teeth. I carry a gallon can of gas on trips and basic tools. This bike is a joy to ride. I’ve owned 88 bikes, (currently I have 8) The Sportster is a good travelling bike if set up right. Must be 2004 or later for rubber mount engine. Can’t wait for the snow to melt to get out on the road again. Jon Page. Qualicum Beach BC Canada.
I’m impressed! I’m 69 and have been on bikes since the early 60’s. I’ve had touring bikes. My present bike is a 2012 Harley Ultra Glide. I’m thinking of selling it and turning a Harley1200 into my new touring bike. Quite frankly I don’t enjoy going 600-800 miles in a day. 250-400 miles is much better now🤠!