Hello everyone I have a question for any and every experienced riders. I am a 61 year old guy and have been a rider back in the day. In the 1980s I had a HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1200 XL sportster AMF that was a pos but rode it all around Los Angeles. I am now trying to get back in riding even if it kills me so here is my question,my son wants me to buy a Iron 883 but I want to buy a HARLEY-DAVIDSON Heritage 114 I don't see the point of buying a 883 and then riding it for a month and then loosing money trading it in on the bike that I want so I need some input on this please any help would be greatly appreciated thx 😊

 

You're 61 and still asking for permission to do what you want?

Seriously, my only concern is how worn your body is and how much strength you have. The bikes are heavy. Go check one out and if you think it's hard to get it from the kickstand to upright, that'll tell you what you need to know.

 

Im 61 & handle my biss *** bagger no problem.
I recently sold a Heritage & that thing was easier to move around than my lawn mower is.
The answer to your question.........ride it like ya stole it!!!

 

Crabchuck I don't need anyone's permission and yes I can get the bike up off the kick stand with no problem what so ever yes my body has a little ware but I'm still in great shape. The problem is my son wants me to start riding on a 883 and I'm trying to tell him that the 883 is way too small for me I am 6'1" and 215 lbs I'm just trying to get other riders opinion on this matter but I'm more than likely going to buy one in January

 

Your son is hoping that when you decide you don't like the Iron 883 that you will bestow it upon him. Get the Heritage if that is the model you want. An Iron 883 is the old style Sportster, and I always felt they were top heavy. The Softail models are well balanced, so even if it is a little heavier, it may be easier to handle. Like Crabchuck said, go sit on one at the dealer and see if you have a problem with it. I'm 71 and I am still riding, I have a 2025 LRST.

 

A Lot depends on your physical health and abilities. When you check the bikes out in person, in addition to lifting it up off the kickstand, push each around like if it was in your garage. Now picture pushing it around on a gravel surface.
Also, imagine a slow tip-over. Could you uprighted by yourself?
Heritage: 728 lbs.
Iron 883 = 546 lbs.

I'm 64 and I'm back on a Sportster from a Road King. I love the King, but 850 lbs was too much for me.

 

A son trying to tell his dad what to do…
funny **** right there lol
Maybe tell him what you’re going to do and then go do it and enjoy the ride!!

 

6'1" and 215 pounds? Get the Heritage, a much better fit for your size.

John

 

Is his concern you need to start small to gain proficiency? If you've owned a bike in the past and are in good health you should have no problem with what you want. You're too big for the 883.

 

I'm 60 and ride a Heritage Classic 114.....get the Heritage, she's a great bike.