Question for you guys. Looking to get into a Harley. I like the Sportster 1200 Custom but was thinking maybe an 883 to save some $$$. Has anyone owned both that can give me feedback on the performance differences. I don’t want to settle on an 883 and be disappointed with the power but at this point in time I could use the extra 2+ grand for house projects.

 

ducati: If you are use to "performance", get the 1200. I own both right now. The 883 C is "for sale" and the XL 1200 R is my ride of choice. I am an old desert racer and I am still a hard rider. I had the same thought as you, i.e. save some money. When I added up all that I was going to have to change/modify on the 883 C, I got some smarts and bought the 1200 R. I will only "come out" on the 883 if my wife decides to go ahead with the Trike modification. Of course that would mean going to the 1200 cc conversion.

I should be advising you to fly to Las Vegas and ride my XL 883 C home, but won't unless you really want the smaller engine. Insurance might be slightly less and registration costs will be slightly less even if you punch it out to 1200 ccs. Gas mileage could be greater, but not always so if you push the smaller engine harder. ............ pm me if you want to see a picture ............ BC

 

It has been mentioned already, for proformance go 1200 unless you want to do a conversion later. Ive never owned a 883 but have ridden them. Not quite as much muscle.

 

I have the 1200XL 1989 and I would not go into anything less. I do everything with it from long rides to 2up riding. You will spend the extra beefing up the 883, so why not start with it.

Penny



[IMG]local://upfiles/4130/7714FBD109D3435E9F58F54E293B6043.jpg[/IMG]

 

My last Bike was a ducati and I loved it but getting older now and really not looking for a sport bike at all. My thought is that money is tight now with some ongoing house renovations but say two years down the road I could throw a 1200cc kit on it and some other parts. Its that or possibly put off the new bike an extra year.

 

I would go with the 1200 because my bike is quick but not fast by and means. I have nothing against a 883 but you have had fast bike's and you seem to rode a lot in your life so you will probably want a 1200.BTW you could get a 1200r and save a lot off a 1200 custom and down the road when you get some cash you could change out the tank and put forward contols if you would like that.

 

ducati1212,

Contrary to much of the prevailing wisdom you've been reading, the 883 Sportster is a VERY nice and classy machine. Is the 1200 faster with more torque? Yes. Is the 883 a "slouch"? No way! I've never owned an 883 but I have ridden many of them and they are quite nice bikes with lots of guts. I am an old open-class scrambler, 650cc dirt-tracker and, and 250cc "Duck" road racer and was addicted to speed in my "youth". Things are different now, and what I enjoy is a nice trouble-free bike for a little touring but mostly tearing up the country twisties and cruising around locally. If what I describe comes close to what you're looking for, the 883 is a most suitable machine.

I too am beyond the need or want for a sportbike or superbike but I did buy a 1200R. I believe the basic 883 is a quality bike with plenty of guts and frequently question why I got the 1200. The 883 mileage is slightly better than a 1200, insurance is less expensive, and the 883 can be had for $2K less than any of the 1200's - including the"R". It is also the closest cousin to the old XLCH classic sportster - the superbike of the late 1950's and early 1960's - but with much more punch and reliability today.

Will you "outgrow" an 883? Only you can answer that one. Depends on what you're looking for in a ride. The 883 can always be bumped up at a later time to a 1200 if you feel the need, but even so, it won't bring what a factory 1200 will, if and when you want to sell it.

If you find you want a bigger engine or bigger bike "down the road", sell the 883 and get what you want at that time. If I were you, and it was an 883 now or a 1200 "down the road", I'd get the 883 now. Who knows if they're even going to be here "down the road"? Yesterdays can be looked back on, tomorrows can only be hoped for.

Just my $0.02...

Thumper26

 

Out of the box, Line 'em up on the strip, 1200 beats the 883. Line em up day to day, very little diff. I ride my 883 with all types and sizes of bikes, never have I felt the need for more power. Would I like more? Who wouldn't? Why do you see so many HD's with after market pipes? Bumping the 883 to 1200 is in most cases $600 or so bucks. That is what I was quoted by the best Indy shop in my town. You figure it out. If you are in need of speed you better get a V Rod. Evaluate your riding, then ask yourself if your Ego can be satisfied with the 883. Just my .02. I'm an old Drag Racer and still accept a few redlight challenges, the 883 is fine for me, but this is one of the most individual choices you will ever make.
One other consideration, due to different sprocket sizes and lighter aftermarket pistons etc., a bumped 883 will out run a factory 1200 in all distances. I have seen it happen several times.

 

You sound as if your hoping to get talked into the 883 LOL

Really, go with what you can afford. Your going to be a harley rider now. Don't worry about power & speed, time to go "slow and show" LOL

Take your 883 over time spend a little money hear & there & make it the baddest looking 883 around! And cruise.

 

If you like the look of the 1200 better, than get the 1200. The 1200 has a lot more chrome, different rear wheel, the horn is in a different spot, the tank console, etc...
If you like both looks, then buy the 883 and ride it for a while. If you're not satisfied with the performance, you can dump some of the money you save into the motor and convert it to a 1200. Then, you'll have a bike that'll out perform a stock 1200 and you'll save a bunch of $$$ that you can spend on other mods. Plus, you'll continue to save on insurance since your vin will show 883 ci.
Me, I bought a 883 and am having the dealer do the 1200 conversion before I pick it up. That way, everything is covered by the 2 year warranty.

my .02