Sportsters are a gateway drug.

 

Agree with everyone else. Get what you want. If you want to tour obviously a touring bike would be better suited but I have both and I live my sportster. I take it out more than my ultra classic. But then again I'd love a soft tail too lol

 

1 post, no info on riding experience or proportions.

Is this a first bike? How long riding? What is height/weight? For some people, a Sportster is a Clydesdale.

 

There's one scenario where the dealer could be right. If you want a sportster as a first bike because you are scared of a bigger bike. Then you shouldnt buy new but an old bike so you wont lose thousands when you trade it in. Because you will trade it in.

If you really want a sportster, know that they're some mighty fine machines with a bulletproof engine that is race tested. You can always add a touring kit if you like longer rides. They also do 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, stock. Sounds awesome with straight pipes, looks great, are nimble and fast.

 

Lol, this is crazy talk. OP, the best advice is to go test ride a few different bikes from the various lineups and choose what suits you best.

 

My first bike was an 883 with a 4 speed tranny, I bored it over to a 1200, stretched the frame and lowered it after stretched comfortable to sit on Yes, bar hopping, yes, that ride to Daytona from Georgia, No... Fast and quick Yes...
But now I'm on a low rider, I actually like it a little bit more. Much better on longer rides and still has a sporty feeling a little bit.

But as stated, buy what you are comfortable with, if you buy new, if when you trade it in you'll get next to nothing. Or buy used and customize the crap out of it...
Be safe

 

I had a sportster for sbout 3 monthes. . For me it was about a ten minute ride, couldn't stand it any longer .they are cool to look at and that's about it!!!!

 

+1. This would help a lot

I can tell you I absolutely love my 1200C. I'm 6'2" 215 lbs 34 inseam and mostly cruise around locally. I'm sure the bike could make the long hauls, but I dont know if I would really want to on this bike, especially if it involved a lot of freeway/ interstates. I've had a mess of fun customizing it to my taste, and there is no end to the mods that are available for this platform. I would always buy used, but thats just me. You can get some smokin deals on used harleys, especially sportsters.

as others have stated, you are the only one that can truly make the decision, but it never hurts to hear the pros & cons from folks who have been there already

 

Nice...... what gallon tank is on your bike? I had a 4.5 peanut on mine

 

Get the bike that speaks to you.

I love Sportsters and have done multi-thousand mile trips on them. Properly set up it can do whatever you want it to.

If you've never ridden before I highly recommend taking the MSF training course. I'm also a fan of getting a smaller beater bike while becoming proficient at riding. You can sell it afterwards.