T-Sport: A Drastic Change

Decisions, Decisions

Back at home, I presented all I had just learned to my wife, Caroline. Although I wasn't sure what I should do, the idea of owning a more modern Harley was very enticing. And the more I thought about it, the more reasons for making the trade became evident. For one, this bike would be the most powerful motorcycle that I would have ever owned, and I would not have to spend anything extra on the engine. For another, it came with a full warranty and hopefully a years worth of financial peace of mind. And then another radical idea was born.

Caroline was not impressed with the comparatively Spartan passenger accommodations on the Super Glide, especially after having had all the luxuries of my decker. She suggested that maybe it was time for her to get back in the saddle and have her own bike. Hmmm, I thought; less weight on the T-Sport equals better performance; a back-up bike in an emergency; something else for me to play with. Yes, I could live with that. Things were getting very interesting. I decided it was time to take that test ride.

Two Bikes in Every Garage

The negotiations with Ottawa HD didn't take long. A price was agreed to for both the T-Sport and a 2002 XLH 883. My FLHTC would be taken in trade based on a repaired value. I would pay for the repairs separately. Since the engine would be disassembled anyway, I would have the shop swap out some of the performance upgrades I had done back to the original stock components.

Bringing 'er home on an icy spring day.

The delivery of the T Sport would be April 1st of the following year, while the Sportster would arrive a month later. I now had less than six months to come up with the funds, and another long winter to anticipate all that new horsepower. Life was good!