Looking to get a new Sportster for my wife. She is a new rider, with the MSF course completed. 5' 03", about 130 lbs. Looking at either an 883L (lowered with pull back bars) or a 1200 Custom. The 883 fits her well, but I am concerned she will quickly wish she had more power. She says the Custom feels big for her, but I think she would get used to it. I am a bit leary of the foward controls for a new rider, but the 1200R is way too tall. BTW, she refuses to get a metric bike, even for a short time. It's Harley or nothing.

What do you all think? How is the power of the 883 compared to the 1200?

 

JBBOOKS,

My personal opinion is she will "outgrow" the power of the 883 in rapid fashion. Go for the 1200, even if the learning curve will be a little steeper for her. In the long run, she'll be glad to have the power of the 1200.

Good luck!

Thumper26

 

Howdy! Glad to hear you wife wants her own HD! I ride a 2005 XL1200C. I am 5’ 4” and 125 lbs. I had a problem with the stock bars on the bike. My husband installed the HD Pullback handlebars and they are much better. The forward controls were only a problem for me when the stock bars were on. I had to lean forward to reach the bars and my legs where forward too. I felt like I was in a “V”. It was uncomfortable. Here is a pic of me riding with the stock bars.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/heathcox1/Pic5.jpg

You can see I was leaning forward and had no bend in my arms. Once the pull back bars were installed I could sit more upright and now have some bend in my arms. And now I love the forward controls. I am also looking for a new seat that will move me closer to the bars as I still feel about an inch back to far to be completely comfortable. Hope this helps.

 

Heatherc,

Hope you had a great time in Florida! Now that you're back, can we see your bike with the new bars?

Thumper26

 

I had an alright time in Florida. Most importantly my kids had a great time.

I know...I was just saying last night that I needed to take those pictures. I will take and post them tonight. I know you have heard that before

 

Heatherc,

It's important that the kids had a good time - that gives them the foundation for great memories, and that's a parent's job. So, job well done!

Don't worry about apologizing for the pictures. My check is always "in the mail". Just wanted you to know I'm your "collection agency" for the pics!

Thumper26

 

The 883 has plenty of power. The only time things might come into question is if you're doing a ton of hiway touring at 70+. Otherwise, there is no problems. If you get the stage 1 on the 883 most people say it adds appox 10hp which will help for sure. Plus you could always do the 1200 upgrade on the 883 for cheaper than the cost of a stock 1200.

 

And now there's the 883L (low) model. I don't think she'll outgrow it too soon.

 

Tell her about all the options above and let her have the final decission.

 

Thanks for the input. Does anyone know, off hand, the HP and Torque of the 883 vs 1200?