Hey Humper,
My wife has a 1200 sporty and I have an 06 America. I'm also a new rider.
I haven't made any changes from stock yet. Apparently they make a big difference. But I can say with certainty:
--The HD 1200 is much faster if you don't mod the America.
--The America is a much better ride, much better in turns, much more comfortable. And you are not wildly overpaying for a bike.
I'm hoping to learn enough from these other folks to rememdy point number one.
Good luck.
