As crazy as it sounds, I'm having major buyer’s remorse about my Harley.

I'm a new rider, only about 1,000 miles under my belt, and bought a brand new 2017 Iron XL883N. I originally went to the dealer to check out a 1200 custom sporty for 4 grand (had sold it by the time I got there) and I let them talk me into getting a new Iron.... Yeah, I’m that dumb sob. Nice to meet ya.

Don't get me wrong, the bike runs and looks amazing, but after bringing it home, I feel like a basketball player driving a Prius. I'm 6ft and 210 pounds and feel cramped on the thing. I didn’t notice this during the test ride (It was a first bike prospect; the adrenaline of what was happening blocked out all the negative aspects). I hate the mid controls, the handlebars feel too low, and after 15 minutes the stock seat feels like a brick from hell.

I foolishly let my excitement get the better of me: I got a loan for double what I planned on (I can afford the payments however), bought a bike that I feel doesn't fit me, and is impractical for what I wanted (Originally wanted to for commuting and camping trips up to 3 hours away – dealer told me it would be good for that and highway would be no problem – after more research and experience, the opposite seems to be true).

The good side is that I get my full trade in value for a year (minus what I paid in extra fees I assume) toward a new OR used bike (would be reimbursed the difference to my loan) and I have the factory warranty.

I want a motorcycle, but I don’t see myself being happy with the Iron (not as is anyway). I didn’t do my research like I should have done, and now I’m trying to figure out the best way of dealing with my situation.

Another dealership (that seems to be much more trustworthy) suggested I consider trading for an older bike that fits me and has everything I want on it instead of paying for mods for the bike I’m unhappy with (said the value I lose in trade will be roughly what I pay for mods for the bike I have anyway – without guarantee I’ll like it afterward). Does that sound reasonable?

What’s the best way to handle this so I can actually enjoy having a motorcycle?

Am I just being stupid and the bike will fit fine with changes?

Trade for an older bike to avoid the big loan I didn’t want and just eat the cost?

Would the 1200 custom be better for what I want? Consider a different model?

Right now I’m depressed, angry, and unhappy about my situation. The opposite of what I was hoping.

To change to forwards, new seat, sissy bar, luggage rack or bags, windshield (for the camping trips), I figured would cost me about 2 grand.

I await your judgement….

 

I used to be a "Buy it new" guy. But I have had great luck buying used. I think the other dealer gave you some great advise about buying a used bike. Let someone else eat the depreciation. Good luck to you.

 

If you Can get out without to much damage to your wallet then by all means do it. I don't think you'll be happy with the 1200 custom... even though it does have more power, higher bars and all around ergonomics. Go to the dealer and test ride a bunch of different bikes...more than once if necessary but take you from time ...more than cost the bike you pick has to speak to you...make you move and not just physically. It's hard not to get caught up in the emotion of buying something new...bring a friend or someone who'll keep your head in the game...good luck

 

Yeah maybe you didn't read the OP. He will be eating the deprecation and then some. Really no graceful way out of this but to bend over and take it. Get the bike for you, sounds like you are miserable with what you have now. Take your time and figure out what will make you happy.

 

I am 6'3" and 210. I tour Sporters all over the country. Not a single issue.

My favorite one is the 03 883R.

You may not need to change the bike just your attitude. Give it some time. Adapt to the bike. Put tons of miles on it. Before you realize it you just may fall in love with it. Bonding takes time.

$750 will get you a 1250 kit from NHRS and 8 to 10 hour you can have it installed. The sense of accomplishment and the reward of a huge performance increase will have a major impact on your outlook at a fraction of the cost to trade for a 1200.

Besides who cares what you think you look like on it. Are you a metrasexual or a rider?

 

It's really hard to recommend a bike to a new rider. You probably don't have the experience or the mechanical ability to change what you have. I'm an expert rider with decades of experience and if it was me I would change the bars, pegs and seat until it fit me the way I wanted. Harleys are probably the easiest bikes to modify with a ton of factory and aftermarket parts to do what ever you want.

That bike is perfect.

 

trade it in on a new streetglide !

 

Best answer is to keep what you got and get to know it and you'll probably like it. If interested in why - keep reading.

If you try to get out of it the depreciation hit is "good money after bad" because it will be sold for a loss.

I'm taller than you and weigh more and I rode a Sportster for some time. I love the bikes and want another one at some point.

I know a "life lesson" can taint the feel of a bike but now that this bell is rung - why not accept it for all the reasons you liked it - then remedy the things you don't like. Highway pegs and/or forward controls plus mini apes will give you more stretch.

Why not just "trade it in"? Because that too could be a mistake. The best bet is to not tip your hand until you are absolutely sure of what you want.

 

Get some mini apes from HD for $89 and order the cables and brake hose from drag specialist for 1/2 the cost of HD branded set, find a set of forward controls, maybe used, a mustang wide vintage solo seat and a Motherwell fender rake and ride that iron.

 

You said you get full trade in value for a year. Ride it it for the rest of the year. There is only a couple of months. If you start liking it, keep it. If you don't like it trade it in later.

I never had a Sportster, but I would think it is a better first bike than the bigger bike you might want next year.