New Harley buyer 883 or 1200?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
From: flyover country
Hey guys. I'm getting ready to purchase a Harley (have been an avid street bike rider for years but have been CBR's 600 to 900rs). I'm looking at two bikes. One is an 883 sportster , 2005, w/ 23k miles... looks pretty clean and rode it today , felt great and has mods. He will let it go for 3,500. The other is a 2004, 1200 sportster, w/ 12k miles and he stands firm at 4k. Which do you guys think is the better deal? I'm so torn and any input is appreciated!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Small money difference. Go with the 1200. Will also be worth more money when you sell it.
Heard lots of 883 owners upgrading to 1200, but never heard of a 1200 owner changing out to a 883. (Both fun bikes though).
Heard lots of 883 owners upgrading to 1200, but never heard of a 1200 owner changing out to a 883. (Both fun bikes though).
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
No question about it, for the less miles and larger engine go with the 1200. If I am not mistaken, they changed in 2004 to rubber mounted engines for less vibration than the 2003 and earlier models had. I used to have a 2003 1200XL several years back.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
The 2004, 1200cc is a big Hell Yes! That's a pretty nice price as well. I had a 2006 1200 Low and it was a blast. One day me and a bud (with an 883) switch bikes while riding into Vegas. We were cruising between 80 to 90 mph. His 883 was screaming being that they're geared lower than the 1200. My 1200 was cruising at the same speed. The 883 also felt gutless in comparison. If you're riding 2 up, the 883 would really suffer compared to the 1200.
The 2004, 1200 is a no brainer bud, you'll be real glad you didn't get the 883. I don't mean to upset any 883 owners out there. The facts are the facts and that 1200, if it checks out good, would be the much better buy IMO.
The 2004, 1200 is a no brainer bud, you'll be real glad you didn't get the 883. I don't mean to upset any 883 owners out there. The facts are the facts and that 1200, if it checks out good, would be the much better buy IMO.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 1,362
From: Aurora, CO
I have a friend that has an 883 and when she ride two up with another girl that sometimes ride with her, she has a very difficult time keeping up. I'd definitely go with the 1200.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Both bikes are carbed with rubber mounted engines. With different pipes the carbs need to be tweaked so they don't run too lean, but the 1200 would hopefully have that done with the Screaming Eagle kit. If the carbs haven't been touched, you'll know it, they'll backfire and miss at low rpm and when shifting, from occasionally to a lot.
Check the tire dates - with their mileage, both bikes could have original tires on at least the front, and they'd be too old to be safe now. The standard tread Dunlops on those Harleys like to chase cracks and tar strips on the road, especially with the skinny 21" on the 1200C. I put Avon Venoms on my 883, and Avon Cobras on my 1200C, and they track straight on about any kind of pavement (little bit of wiggle on steel grated bridges). If the front brake feels weak, Lyndall or EBC brake pads will improve that a lot.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 40
From: Christoval
Go with the street glide
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