sporster question...

zoopman · #1 04-27-2008, 12:20 AM

My wife was interested in a sporster we saw at the dealer. Well we are going to wait and do some more looking. It was a 2001--883 for 5250.00. I would like to get her a bike but remembered something about certain model year sporsters to avoid--but can't remember why.

I also think that she should get the 1200 size or is 883 OK? (ya got to know that I'm gonna be takin it for a spin now & then heehee)

I have a Dyna right now so thought I'd get over here and ask those who know. Thanks.

KSCruiser · #2 04-27-2008, 12:31 AM

Has she ridden before or would this be her first bike?

zoopman · #3 04-27-2008, 12:36 AM

It would be her first but I have a friend with a small 4 stroke dirt bike that would let her try so at least she knows something to start and get some what of a feel for riding that is also why I want her to wait.

KSCruiser · #4 04-27-2008, 01:09 AM

I think your wife would be happy with the 883. The price for that one seems a few hundred high.You'll keep reaching for the 6th gear coming from the Dyna. Any demo days coming up where she can test one?

trailey97 · #5 04-27-2008, 01:24 AM

man an 01 883 for 5250.00 to me seems kinda high

mine is an 06 883 and i paid 6000.00 and it only had 2,000 miles on it

just my 2cents hate to see people get stiffed by the stealer ya know

plus i got mine at a local victory and suzuki shop that might be why also

zoopman · #6 04-27-2008, 01:29 AM

I think the price was a little high also but we are going to keep looking. A test ride is a good idea--but she has never ridden a bike so got to make sure she knows the basics. I also read a post here that suggested at least an 04 with rubber mounted engine which sounds good to me. I'm wanting something that will be reliable for her so that is why I'm wondering about if there was a certain year model that would bea little better or not. 883 would be lighter for her too. Just don't know yet.

Guess I worry about her too much.

trmac · #7 04-27-2008, 01:52 AM

Don't count on the 883 being lighter. Don't know about the other years and models but the 05 883 Custom is actually heavier than the 1200 by a bit.

stewy1200c · #8 04-27-2008, 07:57 AM

I have noticed that now that the summer months are almost here the dealers are not dropping there asking price. I bought an 06 1200c with 4200mi on it withSE stage 1 completein Febuary for $6495. they were asking $7900 at first. Needed the room for the 08's comming in. When I picked it up 2 weeks ago, There was a 07 883L with 900 mi onit,my wife is interested in asking $6495 and he won't drop from there (still trying though!) I think your right about the price being high for a 01 but summers here.

trmac is right about the weight, the 08 883 weight 2lbs more running weight then the 1200 at least on the custom models

faber · #9 04-27-2008, 08:51 AM

That price does sound high. You might fare better in a private sale. For example, around here I saw an '04 plain ol' 883 that was lowered and had all the chrome and forwards of an 883C added, plus engine guards, QR windshield, sissy bar.... with 600 miles for $5000. Find a motivated seller. They're out there.

As for the difference between 883 and 1200...weight difference is negligible. The 1200 will have noticeably more git-up-n-go, but not so much that it would be beyond the control of a new rider.

Getting your wife on a dirt bike first is an excellent idea.

Good luck.

zoopman · #10 04-27-2008, 09:42 AM

Thanks fella's--good ideas from you guys! Best bet I think is to wait till near end of riding season and this will give time to getherfamilier with solobike riding. What happened when we were at the dealer --she saw a purple sporster (witch was by btw very sharp lookin bike) that caught her eye and all of a sudden she's wanting a bike!!!(yikes)!

I would rather have her with me riding but I'm not going to hold her back if shes wanting a bike of her own. I think sporsters are kick ass bikes so looks like I'll be learning more about them so when the time comes I'll be more informed about a purchase.