Roadster vs Interstate - opinions?

ILLF8ED · Apr 2, 2010

Fullauto said:
Having owned both my observations are, and these are mine alone, that the Roadsters feel more lithe, and, with the Corbin seat can be used most comfortably with the standard footpeg arrangement. A beautiful arrangement. With the Interstate tank, the bike feels much different, more top heavy, which may be the impression you get because of the big wide tank. Also, with the Interstate tank, the footpeg position is a joke and rearsets are a must. Euro bars or flats are the go with the Interstate as well. I use the standard Euro bar (2" rise?) with the Roadster and all is good.

I must say though, that in this big country, the Interstate tank is king for fuel range. The beauty is in the easy interchange if you so desire. The Fastback setup may be the best compromise of all in the standard offerings.

Would agree with this. In the mid 80s I changed by '73 750 roadster to Interstate setup with BMW R90S type Magura bars and rearsets. With a full tank you can feel the weight, but the forward leaning position somewhat compensated. My current '72 roadster is going to remain in that trim. I tried fastback in 2008 and decided I prefer the "American" look of the roadster style. Also helps my back pain in a more upright riding position. There are no long flat expanses that need to be covered in California that necessitate more fuel - at least west to east. We can get from Ocean to 10,000 feet in less than 200 miles and an abundance of twisty roads in between...roadster country. Same could be said for Oregon and Washington, even greener.

Don Tovey · Apr 2, 2010

Hi, im 5' 8" & i find my feet feel to far forward on my Interstate. having said that on some bikes I find if my feet are too far back it puts a lot of weight on my wrists & makes them ache.
On long runs I put my feet on the back pegs although this makes the front end light & twitchy.
The interstate tank does feel substancial & good to grip with your legs, and the large capacity cuts down the worry of running out of juice.
Overall I prefer the large Interstate tank.
cheers Don

montelatici · Apr 2, 2010

The Roadster is prettier.

B+Bogus · Apr 3, 2010

montelatici said:
The Roadster is prettier.

Agree, but maybe not with this Wookie sitting on it!

Thanks for all the responses - I've got some Interstate stuff on its way (time for another 'what's the best colour' discussion :roll: ), I'll see how I get on with the footrest position. I'll be keeping the wide bars on for now.
The bike is going to be used mostly on A roads and back roads - long high speed blasts are when a certain foreign twin takes over

Roadster vs Interstate - opinions?

ILLF8ED

Don Tovey

montelatici

B+Bogus

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