I currently have a 1998 sportster 883

I have some time before I decide. But what are your opinions.

Modify the sportster...1250
Kit. Better suspension. Exhaust. Etc.

Or save up and get something bigger next summer.

Was at my dealer today and they had a used 2003 dyna low rider for $6K and I can't stop thinking about that bike.

If I put the money into the sportster I'd do the motor kit over winter. Or I'd just save the money and get something else hopefully next summer.

 

Buy a Dyna

 

I went from a '97 1200 Sportster to a '09 Low Rider. Big difference and enjoyed the power and looks of the LR, although I did love the Sporty.

If you're dreaming of the LR, that tells you a lot right there. The $1,250 is a 20% downpayment on the LR or similar-priced bike, plus what you get for selling the Sporty, you'd be in a good position to get a bigger bike.

Also, you probably will spend a bunch more on the Sporty after the $1250 motor work because now you're invested in this bike and need to keep it longer, so you'll do more mods.

I'd say ride the Sporty, resist more mods to it, and save the cash for a new bike.

Good luck with your decision!

 

50/50.... I like the sporty... Yet the dyna is nice too.
My first bike was a sporty, I bored it over to 1200, put a mid glide triple trees and a 21 inch front wheel chrome spokes, stretched the frame 6 inches shorty shocks on the rear with a solid disc rear, chromed and painted the motor and had a four gallon peanut tank with pearl two tone matching paint. Loved that bike.
Now my dyna, bought already chromed! Learned from last bike, too much chrome takes too much time to clean. Wanted black out motor�� changed cams, carburetor work, LED lights all the way around, 14 inch bars, comfortable seat, and rims.
Now which one is my favorite?
My dyna. The solid rear and thunder star rim set it off.

 

Personally, I'd love to have a Sportster that I could hot rod up and slam around town. In fact, I'm working up the details on just such a build for next winter.

Wouldn't be a good "only bike you have" bike, but lots of fun.

No telling what's the right answer for you here. My only thought is that if you've had a bike for a few years and are still thinking of selling it, or hasn't hooked you. It's not a forever bike.

 

Don't get me wrong. I love my sportster. I'd love to chop it up and make it a bar hopper. I'd just like something a little bigger that I can take on longer trips too.

In a perfect world I'd have both.

 

6k sounds a bit high for a 2003 LR, especially these days. My dealer has been sending out some serious deals on 14,15 and 16 models

 

Same here. I loved my Sportster and I'd love some day to get another one and do a bunch of mods to it. But I am glad I traded in and got my wide glide. It is a different experience. Worse case scenario if you decide you don't like the Dyna then you can always get another sporty.

 

Sticker price was $5995. Dealer told me he'd let it go for $5k

It's the anniversary model with 20k miles. Had saddlebags. Windshield. 2 into 1 exhaust. Etc

 

I just did 2K on a Dyna last month. It's not the best, "trip" bike. At least for me, I find it much better suited for a two lane US highway than the Interstate. If you want to travel, I'd go bigger.