Any advice
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
Ease of handling has less to do with engine size than COG. Like others have said "try em", but don't omit other models based solely on engine size. You can actually get a feel for what I'm talking about just sitting on a few of these models in the showroom and gently leaning them side to side. You may well be surprised.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Go to a dealership and see which one looks good to you, that fits you the best and buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,418
From: Idaho Panhandle
Started with a 900, then 1000, then 1300, then 883. I am happy with the 883. We travel two up on a different bike, I use the 883 to play, run errands, attend motorcycle events, and commute. I get near 55 mpg and have plenty of power at 70, not much at 80, but without a windscreen I hanging on pretty good anyway.
Some people need more power, or faster acceleration as they grow confident. If you are in this category, get a 1200. If you are happy just rocketing around in your own world, the 883 can do it all. The 883 is not less safe or less fun than the 1200, just different. My 883 runs as well as my buddies 1200, but that is his issue. If it were my bike I would have fixed the jets years ago. You can't ask someone who has one to recommend the other. I suspect from the comments I read here, more prefer moving from 883 to 1200. But things like forwards or standard pegs, type of handlebar, etc matter so much more once you are over the which cc thing is better. Ride them both. My friend was going to buy a XL1200C. I loaned him my XL883 for 6 months, he ended up with a Dyna Superglide. Now he tells me the XL883 was a better in town (Seattle) bike, while the Dyna shines when we take trips.
Some people need more power, or faster acceleration as they grow confident. If you are in this category, get a 1200. If you are happy just rocketing around in your own world, the 883 can do it all. The 883 is not less safe or less fun than the 1200, just different. My 883 runs as well as my buddies 1200, but that is his issue. If it were my bike I would have fixed the jets years ago. You can't ask someone who has one to recommend the other. I suspect from the comments I read here, more prefer moving from 883 to 1200. But things like forwards or standard pegs, type of handlebar, etc matter so much more once you are over the which cc thing is better. Ride them both. My friend was going to buy a XL1200C. I loaned him my XL883 for 6 months, he ended up with a Dyna Superglide. Now he tells me the XL883 was a better in town (Seattle) bike, while the Dyna shines when we take trips.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 249
Likes: 34
From: Huntington Beach, Calif.
First of all, it's pronounced "Skirtster". Falls into the same category as a Porsche Boxter, a Lexus convertible, a Mazda Miata, all girls rides. Nuff said.
Last edited by Surfcitydude; Apr 21, 2017 at 08:14 PM.
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