I need a few opinions here. I started on a Sporty back in '73 and I am seriously considering finishing on a Sporty. I have been thru a ton of Dyna's, a Touring bike and my Softail. Any long time Sporty riders on here that have downsized? What I am looking at is an '05 883 Low cheap. I want to stay on two wheels, have something I can work on and just have fun. Thanks for the replies.

 

I like the 05's last of the carbureted but rubber mounted engine.

 

I'd get a 1200 IMO.

 

That would be 06. Both excellent years.

Can't go wrong with a Sportster. Easy to work on. Cheap to find parts. Pretty damn reliable.

 

I have had two dynas between 3 sportsters since 09. I just find sportsters more fun, quicker, and better handling, and once equipped properly, as comfortable as a dyna. Wife rides her own sporty so I have no interest in a couch on two wheels. I would point out that the gearing of the 1200 is definitely better for cruising above 60 and the passing power is well worth it as well. I did not care for the handling characteristics of the late model, fat tired custom. Compared to my 09Nightster, current 16 Roadster and wife's 11 iron, it seemed to want to go straight in the twisties, unsettling so, for two years and a new different brand of tires.

 

sporty is a bulletproof smile machine

 

id say get a 1200. The 883s are just too gutless in my opinion. Ive gone through a ton of motorcycles in the past 30 years of riding, including an 883 and 1200 sportster now my softail. I just dont think that 883 has enough power to get you out of a bad situation if needed. It is honestly one of the most gutless bikes i have ever ridden. Its worse than any old 70s honda CB550 or 750 i had, i would say its up their with the first bike i ever rode when i was 18...a honda twinstar 250 (and thats pretty sad). In fact the 1200 is kind of sad power wise compared to other makes of motorcycles, this fxstc at least has some get up and go.

 

I purchased a 2006 1200 XLC this summer. It was lowered using 10.5 inch shocks. The handling and ride not good. I replaced them with 12.5 inch Progressive heavy duty shocks. What a difference. It handles perfectly and has a nice plush ride. Combined with perfectly tuned stage 1 the 1200 flies. I can get it up to 170K (106 Mph) effortlessly and it still pulls hard and is rock stable. (just chicken to go any faster). I'm actually getting a little better fuel economy than quoted. 4.8 liters/100 kilometers. (49 mpg). I rarely see my oil temp over 210 degrees with 2 up 80 MPH 90 degrees outside. With normal riding it runs at 190. None on the heat issues as with the big twins. A bit of mechanical noise from the valve train with open face helmet but totally gone with full face. I put 6500 miles on the bike in 10 weeks. It has been flawless. I bought it with 4500 miles on it. My last bike was an 81 Goldwing. With the wind shield and $300.00 suspension upgrade along with the stock forward controls and after market seat I find my Sporty more comfortable. I have ridden with some big twins. One thing I noticed right away. I seem to be able to out accelerate them. It just jumps from a dead start. I doubt the average sport bike could keep up. I also like the simplicity of the Sportster. It's raw motor cycle. No gadgets. no plastic. light and fast. Economical and reliable. Some individuals are getting 200,000 miles out of their bikes before opening the motor.

And finally with the V&H shorts...It sounds amassing...sorry neighbors.

Lovin' it.

 

 

I understand it completely when i get on a sportster or a dyna for that matter it's like moving a bicycle around compared to my pig crossbones.

I think the 883 would be a mistake though unless you just ride in/around town.
I test rode one recently before getting my wife her 1200.
The 883 just didn't have enough power on the highway IMO.



ChromeSporty you guys must have some fubard sportbikes or something is really lost in translation.