Hey guys so I'm new to the forums, and I might be posting this in the wrong area, but I wanted to see if someone could give me their opinions on Sportsters. So let me clear things up first by saying this would be far from my FIRST bike, but it would be my first cruiser style bike. Years of doing the crotch rocket side of things and I'm ready to kinda just sit back and enjoy the ride. I've owned anything from a Ninja 250(being my first bike) to a Honda 919 Fireblade, so obviously I know a thing or two about the fast side of things lol but I mean going into it with an open mind I understand that pretty much unless I go ***** out on a Harley and spend a good chunk and go top model, speed isn't going to be anywhere near the same which I'm okay with. BUT so I'm looking for used for starters, I have come down to two bikes for sale in consideration. One is a 1991 XLH 1200 but on the other side there is a 2002 sportster 883. Both similar in mods milage and price, but here's my dilemma, so I'm 5'9 roughly 215lbs and every once in a while maybe a handful of times a month might have a passenger on the back for maybe like 20-40mile rides no more than that really. So being new to the Harley scene I hear that a 883 with the conversion and other mods is not only quite fun that it's quite a little beast compared to a stock 1200. Now my price range is either... Harley Sportster, orrrr... Larger Japanese bike... And I've always thought of the whole philosophy, It's better to have a sore *** on a sportster than it is to buy a big Japanese bike for Cheaper and wishing the whole time it was a Harley. Soooo, could I get some opinions. mainly some opinions on 883, I obviously assume I'll outgrow it at some point, I'm coming from over 100hp on a speed machine to a whole different type of machine. But truth be told I don't know the comfort I'll have on a cruiser considering it's a different style and different sit. But I have rode my buddies 2014 Sportster 1200 and it felt like a pretty nice ride and I didn't seem to feel that whole "awkward center of gravity" people make a fuss about, I was taking corners with ease and it maneuvered well. Not sure the significance in changes from a 2002 883 to a 2014 1200, but none the less a sportster doesn't seem like such a bad bike to get into the Harely scene even tho I hear people say Harelys are chick bikes and that the riders get made fun of... Which idk I think it's dumb cause I thought riding was all about respecting other rides but hey to each their own lol. I just kinda wanna hear some opinions of those who ride sportsters and if they liked them? I know some people who have had them still ride them. If I get the 883, I plan on doing a conversion in about a season or so. I know people will say oh just buy a 1200 then, but like I said price range, I'm getting a pretty good deal for the 883 if I get it, won't be much over $2k which for a Harely I've seen its not a bad price really but yeah. Sorry for the totally long *** post, any help would be appreciated guys

 

This is the 91 1200 which okay cool paint job but that doesn't necessarily sell me on the bike cause I can custom paint any bike lol

 

This is the sportster 883 btw

 

No pics on the 1200, but the 883 looks like it was rode hard & put to bed wet. First off, you'll be investing in new teeth (e.g. no front fender) and the bike will definitely be a tad small for your 215 lb frame (sorry)...add a passenger and you'll look like the clowns exiting a circus act.

You have riding experience so (1) go to dealer and sit on a few to dial-in a particular HD model & (2) save for a bike you'll be 100% happy owning/riding...JMO.

 

The 883 looks like it's been rode hard and put away wet. Look for a 1200 you can pick them up for around $3500. Just and example here in my area. http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/5430157278.html
If you buy one with all the garbage bolted to it you can sell the parts to buy cool things for your bike. As for the part about Harleys being a girls bike well it"s true they really dig Harleys. But then again I am sure there are some that like the day-glo power rangers look.

 

Hmm idk why it wasn't uploading I tried a few times. But I suppose you're right. Idk being I'm not the tallest guy I always kinda figured a sportster would sit just right but I guess I probably should go sit on a few more lol

 

That's actually not half bad for the one in your area. But yeah you have a point too lol. And haha yeah idk I just can't get into the jap bikes. I mean it's probably the more logical and smart route but idk... I just can't bring myself to do it. A jap rocket is one thing but when you get to the cruiser side. Idk lol

 

1200 pic attempt again. App says they're uploaded lol

 

I bought a 97 883 Sportster after a long hiatus of not riding. No issues with size, I am 511 185lbs, and with a stage 1 kit and rejetting carb plenty of power for now. Even with two up on the bike still no issues. I say go for it, the 883 gives you lots of oportunities to modify and do what you want.

 

That 1200 sure is fugly. Id definitely check the 883 first. And I totally agree, the 883 gives you lots of oportunities to modify and do what you want. My '99 will cruise at 75-80mph all day.