Hi guys first post. I thinking about trading my 2002 honda cbr on either one of those two bikes. The sportster 1200 or honda vtx 1300. I got the cbr in a trade for a 78 jeep but i really dont care for riding a sportbike. Its not very comfortable. My gf got a honda shadow that i really like riding and feel really comfortable on just want something with a little more grunt and size. Im only 5 '8 but im a little wide 250lbs lol. So i was wondering which do you think of these two bikes make a good first bike. THe only thing that worries me about the vtx is the added weight compared to the shadow or sportster for that matter. If it matters the vtx is a 2006 and the sporty is a 2005.

 

well...posting on a HD sportster forum will probably get you a bias opinion LOL. At any rate, the 1300 isn't a bad bike, but its a metric. Its all up to you and what fits you the best. I will say HD is american made and has a LONG established history. If you decide on the sporty you WON"T be dissapointed.

 

I'm with ASH, if you're posting on a harley website, you would be safe to assume what the majority of people are thinking.

 

+1 - go for the sporty - you won't be dissapointed !

 

i knew the opinions would be biased hence i put this same thread on a honda forum as well. Im just looking for the ups and downs with these bikes. What worries me the most about the sporty is the small size of it. I understand they are supposed to be a little more of sporty type bike but i dont want somehting that im going to feel really cramped on if i ride it more than 30 miles ya know. Comparing my gfs 750 shadow to the sporty it looks like the shadow is alot bigger.

 

The 750 Shadow bigger than a sportster 1200? I may be wrong, but i dont think so.

 

i know the sporty is bigger motor wise but the shadow does feel a little lower and wider than the sporty when i sit on it

 

For your size, you might better fit a Softail Deluxe or Fatboy, (no pun intended). Lower seat height, lower center of gravity.

 

those are going to be out of my price range. I really dont want to spend more than 8k on a bike the sporty i found 6300 from the local honda dealership right beside the vtx im looking at too lol.

 

Haven't been riding for a long time, but my opinion would be:

Honda (I believe) is actually a good bit bigger and heavier than the sporty.

Sporty would be a lot more nimble and quicker off the line.

Honda would be a little more towards a true cruiser down the highway.

As for your weight concerns, there's no need to be concerned. I feel that heavier bikes are easier to actually ride simply due to their weight.

If you're wanting to have some fun and hit some twisties, the sporty for sure. If you're wanting to take some trips... well, I'm still gonna say sporty.