I am about to get started with a bike, I'm new to this and am about to take basic rider courses and learn to ride before I get one. But I was recommended an 883, since I am a 5'3 100ib woman. Would that be a good bike for me or would y'all recommend something else or would that be a good fit?

 

Hello and welcome to the forum.


Consider getting the 1200 Sporty superlow, nice to have that extra horse power. Or maybe a Dyna.


General rule of thumb, buy the biggest bike you can afford. The dealership can (should!) help with any fit issues.

 

I'll look into it, how much I have to modify it to fit me do you think?

 

Also consider one of the new Stree 500's or 750's.

 

The Sportsters are overall lighter machines than the other Harley families, but my understanding is they carry their weight high and can be a handful. I like my Dyna, which is very stable, but if it were to tip too far, there would be no holding it up. That's true of just about any street bike, I guess.

I agree that a good dealer will work carefully with you to find a bike that fits.

Where are you taking the basic riding class? Some H-D Riding Academies are teaching on the Street 500s now...the smallest H-D but I believe a heavier bike than what most MSF classes use. If you're buying a Harley, probably not a bad idea to learn on one.

 

Welcome.

If you head over to the QOTR forum where all the ladies are at you might receive better advice over there.

 

I like the look of the 883 better than the Street 500 and 750.

 

QOTR = Queens of the road

 

You're going to get many different answers based on individual experiences. Since I rode dirt bikes and mopeds as a kids I didn't have many issues starting with a Sportster. That doesn't mean you will or won't.

My opinion (for what it's worth) would be to start on a smaller bike like the Street or a used smaller used bike like a Honda. You can learn to ride on one and later sell it when you're ready. Avoid the "gotta have it all now" temptations. Also, a new and heavy Big Twin is not advisable for a new rider that's of smaller stature. The chances of you dropping the bike the first season is more likely than after you gain more experience. An expensive lesson to learn on.

Also, make sure that you take the MSF course.

Good luck.

Like I mentioned, avoid the "gotta have it" pitfalls. Learning to ride first is vastly more important. Patients is a true virtue. For your own sake.

 

I've never been a big advocate of buying a smaller bike to start with because you WILL want something bigger sooner rather than later and it seems like a waste of money buying two bikes in a short time. A 1200 sportster would be great or if you want bigger, go with the Dyna low rider. They make the low rider very versatile with adjustable bars and seat. And coming from a 1200 sportster, I find the ride and handling of my Dyna fat ob very similar to the sportster which is one of the big reasons I bought it. Either way way you'll have yourself a nice bike.