Good morning everyone. My name is Pat and I have been a long time Honda/Ninja rider...since 2002 anyways. Oddly, I've only had a bike license for a two years. My first bike was an 80 CM 400 Honda (2002). 2nd was a 94 Ninja 900R (2011). 3rd was a 94 KLR 600(2011). Now I own an 09 CM 250 (2012).

I really love motorcycles...always have. The Ninja I bought off a friend in June 2011. It had a new body kit, no badging, and stage 2 intake/exhaust mods. Then a 2 deer jumped out in front of me, so I laid her down at 30-35 mph. I was physically tore up, bad cuts and bruises and the bike fared the same.

I fixed it and sold it along with the KLR. I finally got my license in 2012, (I just never got around to it before), and bought the 250. It was meant to help me regain my confidence on motorcycles. I have never been down before, so it really shook me.

The 250 is a blast, but I out grew it fast. I am prior military, (8-Yrs), and only 5' 10", so I am small frame and good shape. I have had 2 major back surgeries and I am looking into a bike to get me through for about five to ten years. I am thus torn between an 883 or 1200.

I am a safe rider, no wheelies/stunts and I am at a point in my life where I want to get the Harley I have always wanted. Please provide any advice to what bike I should look towards....Sorry for the long post.

 

Welcome to the forum
You really didn't say what type of riding you are planning to to: long/short distances, highway/back roads, 1 or 2 up.
After you have determined that, then I would demo, demo, demo this will let you know how you fit on the bike and see first hand the different characteristics that will suit your needs.
Than put all of that info together and talk to the dealer to help with your decision making

 

I agree 100% with JCM. Go to a dealership and look, talk to a salesperson and see what fits you best. Demo or if possible, rent the bikes you're interested in. After that, think about money. Bikes aren't cheap.

Good Luck with your choice.

 

If you are deciding between a 883 and 1200 I would go with the 1200. It has more power and torque, better resale value, and can keep up with any stock air cooled Harley.

 

What should my first Harley be?

I prefer the D model made from 29 to 31. It was a 45 CU, the first of the HD flatheads and was
refered to as the 3 cylinder because the generator was mounted vertically. They were replaced
in 32 by the R model when the frame was modified so the generator could be mounted
horizontally and later became the W.




Here's my Granny sitting on one!

 

I think you should get a Road king and strip it down just like I did, because every body should be like me. LOL.... Get the bike that floats your boat, but try them all so that you know what you want. Really I think you should rethink that five to ten year bike because my bike is seven years and forty five thousand miles old, and I'm just now getting the brand spanking new wore off.

 

How very curious!

 

If you are going to actually take trips on the bike and want an 883 then get the
custom because it is geared for the highway. The 883L is geared for running around town and has a foot peg vibration at 60mph - right where you do most of your riding but the lower gears are great for traffic. Used 883's are good bikes and dirt cheap.
A 1200 will blow most other stock Harleys off of the road, with the exception of Vrods and 110"
Screaming Eagles. and you can do some long distance travelling with them. If you liked that Ninja then get your hands on a 1200R.
The next step up would be the Dyna class and you might like the Low Rider. It puts you closer to the ground with a more sit up position, which is easier on the back. and has the power and gearing to do just about anything you want.
You could go to Harley shop and ride them all before making a decision.









eagles

 

I think you should look into the new Harley Street 500 or 750

 

I would put you on a wide glide for your first .