Harley Davidson 883
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 13
From: Ontario
My wife has a 2007 Sportster 883 xl. She is 5'2" tall. With the shocks lowered and an aftermarket seat (LePara bare bones) she is able to have her feet flat on the ground when stopped. As mentioned in an earlier post, the Sportster does have a high centre of gravity. The 883 has plenty of power, she is happy with her bike.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
i think the 883 iron or the 1200 low/nightster would be great for the size of the OP depending on what type of riding she plans on doing. if she plans on riding all around the world and back a softail deluxe would probably fit... maybe with additional lowering which is cheap. or even a seat change helps. not trying to push a bigger bike but if there are alot of miles to ride than maybe the bigger bike with storage for her lady goods would be a better fit.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
No way I would advise a Sportster for a beginner. Get something much smaller and lighter and have fun learning on something like a used Honda Nighthawk 250. Then sell it (for about what you paid for it) and go to a heavier bike if you want. If it's a Sportster skip the 883 and go for a 1200, they're the same bike, size, weight, etc. so the 883 offers no advantage except it's a little cheaper. On a bike that heavy you'll soon want more power than the 883 delivers. Just my opinion.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 287
From: Texas
Go and look at the Sportsters, sit on them, see how they feel.
Once you take your riders class, you'll get a better idea of how you might do on a larger/heavier bike than what they use in class.
If you struggle in class, or are scared or hesitant, or drop the bike a lot, do yourself a favor and hold off on the sportster and get a used smaller 250 sized Japanese bike for a while to build up your confidence. You'll be able to resell it for what you pay for it most likely and the experience is invaluable.
If you take your rider class and you ace it, feel confident, and have that feeling in your gut that it's for you and you can handle it, go get the Sportster. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.
I'm in the minority but I don't agree with everyone that says you'll outgrow the sportster right away or want something bigger. I love mine. 12,500 miles and I have no desire for anything else. 883 power keeps me rocking along at 75-80 easily between Austin and Dallas all the time. Plenty of power for the city. I ride two up a fair amount, and plenty of power.
Get what you really want. If it turns out it's not for you, lesson learned, change it up and move on.
Once you take your riders class, you'll get a better idea of how you might do on a larger/heavier bike than what they use in class.
If you struggle in class, or are scared or hesitant, or drop the bike a lot, do yourself a favor and hold off on the sportster and get a used smaller 250 sized Japanese bike for a while to build up your confidence. You'll be able to resell it for what you pay for it most likely and the experience is invaluable.
If you take your rider class and you ace it, feel confident, and have that feeling in your gut that it's for you and you can handle it, go get the Sportster. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.
I'm in the minority but I don't agree with everyone that says you'll outgrow the sportster right away or want something bigger. I love mine. 12,500 miles and I have no desire for anything else. 883 power keeps me rocking along at 75-80 easily between Austin and Dallas all the time. Plenty of power for the city. I ride two up a fair amount, and plenty of power.
Get what you really want. If it turns out it's not for you, lesson learned, change it up and move on.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
I am about to get started with a bike, I'm new to this and am about to take basic rider courses and learn to ride before I get one. But I was recommended an 883, since I am a 5'3 100ib woman. Would that be a good bike for me or would y'all recommend something else or would that be a good fit?
I went with a metric to learn on, something I wouldn't be upset if I dropped it or it got a scratch. I rode the heck out of that bike and then looked at either the Indian Scout or, what I ended up buying, the Softail Slim. Almost every woman I've talked to who went out and bought a sportster for their first bike wishes they had not and almost every woman I know who goes on long runs quickly wanted to upgrade from the sportster to at least something in the softail line, even if they had the 1200.
Good luck! My best advice would be to echo what people have said and at least take your safety course before making a final decision.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,557
Likes: 6
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Whose rule of thumb is that? The town's idiot boy?
Who says you have to start on a Harley? Buy the bike that will help you learn to be the best you can be in the shortest amount of time. It's dangerous out there, learn well and be prepared.
People who learn to ride sportbikes or motocross bikes first are the best riders out there.
You can buy a small light sport bike on Craigslist for 1,000 bucks. Learn how to ride, drop it a dozen times, who cares. Treat it like a jet ski or snow mobile...beat the **** out of it and have fun.
Last edited by Thumper09; Jan 21, 2015 at 01:36 PM.
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