cool man same here.
alright ride safe

 

Take both for a test ride then decide on what bike you like the best.

 

i've ridden both. i recomend the vtx. thats a damned fine motorcycle for the money. and i've never seen one develop an oil leak in its first 10,000 miles. can't say this for the sportster. search the forums for rocker leaks.

the maintenance will be cheaper. i changed brake pads on my sportster and it cost 90 frikken bucks. repeat: i did the labor and it still cost 90 frikken bucks!

my gal has a vtx. we 2-up on it. rides like a caddy. plenty of umph. water-cooled and doesn't burn you up at a red light.

these are my honest opinions.

 

If your primary concern is not being cramped then go with the bigger bike....the VTX. I wouldn't own one but that is me. My sporty has been very reliable and trouble free.

 

Well that is a 1200R you have there, and from what I hear those are great for the bigger guys. Nice suspension and such. Look at those rear shocks. Forward controls already installed. I think that baby is ready to go!

As for the Honda, I'm sure it runs fine, I just couldn't handle all that plastic. At least I think it is plastic, and if it isn't then it looks like it, and that isn't good either. I wonder how solid it feels anyway. Would have to ride it to find out. Nice looking exhaust, besides the bluing.

At 5'8" I don't think you should feel cramped. I'm 6'4", but everyone is different. The only way for you to decide is to go ride them both. Both being used, you should be able to swing a test ride eh? That would be the best.

 

I see a lot of potential for that roadster. If you have ideas to customize then go with the sporty.

Otherwise go with the sporty.

 

You might want to consider a 1200 Custom (if you can find one for the same price as that Roadster, I paid $600 more for my 06). As for the weight, I've seen bigger people on smaller bikes. Between the 2 choices you've presented, I'd still say go with the Harley.

 

at 5'8" You may have trouble flat footing the 1200R?

 

I rode a Honda Shadow for years and then moved up to a 07 Sporty Custom. I'm 6' 2" and the Sporty fits me much better. I regularly ride 200 to 300 miles per day and the Sporty is comfortable enough for that. But I would advise a seat upgrade. I went with the Sundowner and it made a world of difference

 

Those are two totally different riding mindsets. The Sportster is more of a fast, light, and nimble naked standard. At least, my XL1200R is. The VTX is more of a 'Glide, thumping along at low RPM. By your dimensions, I think you'd be happier on the VTX.