Sportster Purchase, 883 or 1200?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Notts, UK
Sportster Purchase, 883 or 1200?
Hi All,
I am just trying to weigh up the pros and cons of my first ever HD. Budget says I need to stick with a used, but fairly new sportster. What should I go for, for 883 or 1200? As it will be a used one, is there anything I should be on the look out for in particular, such as a model year when things get better?
All advice gratefully recived from the assembled experts on the forum
Thanks in anticipation
I am just trying to weigh up the pros and cons of my first ever HD. Budget says I need to stick with a used, but fairly new sportster. What should I go for, for 883 or 1200? As it will be a used one, is there anything I should be on the look out for in particular, such as a model year when things get better?
All advice gratefully recived from the assembled experts on the forum
Thanks in anticipation
Last edited by Woody34; Sep 20, 2010 at 07:55 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
When I got my ex her 1200 Custom, I looked at both the 883 and 1200s.
They were pretty much the same, seat height, length, and weight.
I love chrome and the 1200 already had the engine done, so it was an easy choice for me.
Alot of 883 Sportster owners get the 1200 kit. If you find a good deal on a 883, it can always be done once you have the needed cash.
Good luck on your purchase.
They were pretty much the same, seat height, length, and weight.
I love chrome and the 1200 already had the engine done, so it was an easy choice for me.
Alot of 883 Sportster owners get the 1200 kit. If you find a good deal on a 883, it can always be done once you have the needed cash.
Good luck on your purchase.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
Engine size would be considered because of a few things. Like will your bike be used for cruising the main drag on the weekend or will you be putting on some real miles. Do you weigh 100 pounds or 250. Have you ever rode a bike before.
Not loads of difference in the 2 but I would look for the larger engine so you have power when you want it!
Good luck.
Hatch.
Not loads of difference in the 2 but I would look for the larger engine so you have power when you want it!
Good luck.
Hatch.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 913
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Lots of 883 owners upgrade the motor after a year or so - may as well go for the 1200 cause you`re gonna upgrade anyways and the final bill will be about the same in the end. Plus a 1200 used will be worth more than an 883 upgrade.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
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From: So California
Since women ride pretty much every model Harley makes, which is the girlie bike?
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: USA
I had an 05 883...too slow but a fun bike to ride. I would recommend the 1200C which is a nice bike.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 64
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From: Birmingham, AL
If you moved it over to the Sportster section you would prob get a lot more replies.
I'd go with the 1200 just because you are going to want it later and the resale value on original 1200's is higher.
2004 and up bikes are equipped with the rubber mounted engine so a much smoother ride. 2007 the were finally switched to fuel injection.
I'd go with the 1200 just because you are going to want it later and the resale value on original 1200's is higher.
2004 and up bikes are equipped with the rubber mounted engine so a much smoother ride. 2007 the were finally switched to fuel injection.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
get a dyna superglide, not much more expensive than a sportster and you won't outgrow it in a year.
but if you're going sporty i would get an 883 real cheap, you can get one with like 2000 miles on it, maybe 3 years old, for a few thousands dollars. Then put a top end 1200 kit on it, you can do it yourself in an afternoon (it is a 12 pack job though). it will be much cheaper and an 883 with a 1200 kit is faster than a stock 1200.
but if you're going sporty i would get an 883 real cheap, you can get one with like 2000 miles on it, maybe 3 years old, for a few thousands dollars. Then put a top end 1200 kit on it, you can do it yourself in an afternoon (it is a 12 pack job though). it will be much cheaper and an 883 with a 1200 kit is faster than a stock 1200.