I need opinions from the experts. Within the next few months I'm looking at getting a sportster. Wonderring what the best years for a used one are. Noticed that the'90s sporties are about 100lb lighter. My wife has a 1993 and I love the way it handles. I'm looking for something for short blasts and around town in more of a "barhopper' style. I will want or intall forward controls, chopped rear fender, fat tank, and 1200. Handling and quickness arepriorities.

 

First post but this is the question I came here to ask. What should I look for in a first sportster.

 

I don't know what year will suit you best. Pre-04 were solid mount, while 04 on up are rubber mounted. Personally I have ridden both and not noticed much, if any of a difference. As for the options you want you will be money ahead to get a 1200 custom. It will have forward controls, 4.5gal tank, and obviously the 1200 engine. It seems pre-rubber mounts may be gong for a little less money but it depends on what you find that you like. As for a bobbed rear fender-you can spend a couple hundred bucks and get a Harley boattail, or you can bob your own for free. Which I personally think look better. Good luck on the search. Also if you want a true bar hopper look, throw some 12" inch apes on the sporty.

 

sportys have been around for 50 years so you could get 50 correct answers personally I love my 05

 

yep I believe I would be looking for an 04 and up custom it already has what you are looking for and with stage one done they are pretty peppy. I to have rode both solid mount and rubber mount and to be honest I could be happy with either one

 

Yep, sounds like an '04 up Custom to fit your needs; they also have more engine chrome &heaver frame........

 

I'm partial to the '57 model....






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04 and newer. I have an 05 1200 c and love it.

 

03 was the last of the good sportsters according to mechanics at my local dealer

 

I like the look of that new 1200 Nghtster....Very pretty in the black and orange color...you can check it out on the harleyy website. I have owned a 2003 1200Cbefore my softail but I may have to add a second bike now this has came out.