What's up guys I'm a newbie here. Started riding in June. Bought a 2016 883 iron and was ready to trade it in after 2 wks. Experienced Harley lovers Help !!! Will a 1200 custom give me the extra little bit of power I'm looking for ? Here's the kicker.... I'm 5'-3" and 135 lbs. test rode the softail slim and fell in love but I'm just worried that it might be too big in the long run. But I owned her on that 30 mile ride. I felt good on that 700lb beauty. Or do I buy a new 1200 custom ? Which I was also very comfortable on.

 

Your going to get killed on a trade, if you want to softtail slim get it now because there is no point in getting the 1200 and then getting killed on a second trade when you eventually upgrade to the slim anyway

 

Stoney's right... you're eventually going to want the Slim. Might as well only take the bath once as they say.

 

I know. It sucks. 10,400 out the door and 6,000 on the trade in. It's the one time mistake my wife is gonna let me get a get out of jail free card on. Good thing is that it's just about paid off. I honestly didn't realize just how much I would enjoy being on a bike. That slim was a blast to ride though. I think I felt more comfortable on the slim because it made me respect it. I get a little carried away on the sporty.

I appreciate the help from experienced riders !

 

It's better to take the hit once and only be under water once. If you trade to a 1200 you'll be underwater, if you then trade to a slim you'll be in a monsoon. Best bet is to get the slim now. There's a good chance the M8 motor will be in the softail line next year so it may be better to wait till then for the latest motor.

If you're worried about fit, don't be. There are so many ways to mod it to fit you better, all it takes is money lol

 

Believe it or not I'm actually flat footed on the slim. Im just glad my wife is so understanding in my time of crisis lol. All she said to me is " this is the last one for the next 10 yrs so make the right decision". Did I mention I've also got $2500 into her ? Beginners mistake. Didn't realize I'd need more power until I rode with 2 fat boys that made me work extremely hard to keep pace on a 60 mile ride. I was exhausted afterwards

 

I don't know that there's that much difference between an 883 and a 1200, it's still a Sportster. Before you go for the Slim check out the Fat Boy Lo, the Heritage and the Deluxe.

 

It's a no brainer, softail is calling your name. Accessories don't add any value to the trade

 

If the "883" doesn't have enough "oomph" for you, how about a 1200cc big bore kit for your bike?

 

I've been at Harley multiple times checking on different upgrades for the bike. New cams, 1200 kit, mini ape handlebars for comfort, forward controls ( and yes even with a 28" inseam the forward controls are extremely comfortable to me). The bottom line price with engine mods puts me in the 5-6 grand price. I can't justify putting that kind of money into it with the possibility that I still won't be happy. My wife would kill me lol