The plus with the 883 is you can convert to the 1200 for $1200 and only pay insurance for the 883 (VIN doesn't change and what the DMV doesn't know...)

 

No comment

(You can say mine is "sick" at the moment and hopefully soon it will be all better)

 

Most people miss the point on this one.... Unless it is strictly a matter of price, you should get her the one that FITS her best and that she is most COMFORTABLE on.

With that said... Yes... Of course the 1200 is more powerful than the 883... But the 1200 is also... In my opinion.... Just as easy to ride

My advice is to have her sit on several different bikes... Depending on her height & weight... Arm length... Leg length...etc, etc... Certain models will fit her better than others (e.g. C model if taller, L model if shorter).

After she has chosen a fit.... Let her go for a test ride...

883 v 1200 doesn't matter nearly as much as what bike she feels most confident on

It's not rocket science... But it is important.... Good luck my friend

 

The 883 is all she would need there very zippy but the 1200 is like a shot in the *** just more power then u ever need in town but fun!

 

I have 883 that I rode in Nebraska all summer. Plenty of power for the road and even the interstate. I just purchased 1200 while in Florida. I can tell it has more power, but honestly, it's more power than needed.. Then engine pokes along riding at 65 to 70. 883 will get better economy and cost of the bike is less, too.

 

I have the 1200C and looked into both the 883 and the 1200. I ride 100 miles round trip to work and 98% of this is on the freeways here in southern California and I was looking into the longevity of the bike. The 883 would have to run at a higher RPM than the 1200 to maintain the same speed and with the 1200 the engine does not have to work as hard to get away from the idiots on the roads around here.

And as some of the earlier posts have said it all depends on the riding comfort of the boss. Mine had been looking at a 1200 sportster for purchase in the near future so we can ride together and maintain the same comfort level.

 

the 883 is a great bike .few years back 1400 miles round trip two up and gear went to sturgis. and it did a great job dont let nobody fool ya they will go where you want to take it.if you want a rocket then go with the 1200.but for a first bike and mostly solo she will be happy. i know a few ladies that own them and are super happy. i know one that was offerd a new bigger bike and she is still rideing her 883.

 

Get a Dyna, I traded my 07, XL1200L, in on a 08 Dyna Fat Bob ! Boy you talk about a difference ! Much more power and a much smoother ride on the large tires. Try it, you just might like it enough to trade !!!!!!!!!

 

I've ridden my wife's 883 on the interstate at up around 90 - no problem and a much smoother ride on her rubber-mounted 05 than on my 1997 1200. the japanese companiees sell bikes set up for touring that are heavier and less powerful than an 883 Sportster - I can't figure out why people keep asking these "is it powerful enough" type questions.

A more realistic concern might be whether it's too much bike for a first bike.

 

Neither,get her a cheap off shore bike to make sure she likes riding first,yeah I've heard all the but she loves riding bs before,buy the first one down and dirty,hurts less when it gets tore up,or she decides she would rather ride behind you after all.