all this talk of power and ability of BT to out run sporties is not the whole truth or for that matter the total truth HP is nothing without TORQUE and this is were the BT have the sporty beat and the reason they can pull away once moving as the sporty has to spin up to get to its TQ were as a properly set up BT has it from the word GO but runs out just as the sporty is making its own mountain.
That said a properly set up 1200/1250 sporty will in the twisties give any BT a good run, i know i currently own a Sporty and i will say this once it hits 3K you gotta hang on and it will run off the clock with ease,mind so did my Dyna but thats another story.
Final note - Remember were the sportsters come from before you decide they are loosely based on the KH/XR dirt track bikes - and are nothing like a BT - 4 cams, near perfect push rod alignment, all in one construction, high CofG for cornering ability - need i say more
Oh yeah i still ride the BT as cant be beat for 2 up comfort