I'm looking to buy my first Harley....a little riding background on me: I've spent lots of time riding sport bikes in the twisties of Germany while in the service,but now i'm now out and back in Illinois. The roads in Illinois are well CRAP, lots of pot holes, straight, and not a whole lot to look at.

I'm looking to get a 2007+ (fuel injected) Harley Sporty and based on looks I love the 2009 Iron. I don't mind not being the fastest guy out there and i'm old enough to be past the GO FAST stage in my life (28 married w/ kids). Riding a HD low rider from a family member and i love the feel of the bike, but its not exactly what i want. SOOOO, my question to you guys is what 883 or 1200 sporty would be a good year to pick up. I'm looking to spend no more than $5,500, i don't want to get the bike that had a "bad year".

I don't go on huge out of state trips, but while in Germany I did multiple country rides on a sport bike. If money was no worry...yes, i would be buying a Dyna. I have a lot of skill on a sportbike, but look like a freakin' noob on a Harley. Although, each ride i'm getting more use to it.

Bikes i've owned:
'11 Kawasaki Ninja 250
'08 Kawasaki Ninja 500
'07 Kawasaki KLX 250
'09 Yamaha R6
'09 (i think it was an '09) Yamaha wr250x

Currently riding a family member's 2002 HD Lowrider (forward controls, apes, exhaust, 2 up seat)

DV
(Dysfunctional Veteran)

 

There were no "bad" years.
Some features only came out on recent years like FI in 07, ABS etc. so that might sway you one way or the other.
Best thing you can do is picture what you want to do with it over time ie; single vs 2 up riding, short trips vs long hauls, heavy cornering/braking vs mellow cruising etc. and choose a model that starts in that direction, that way there is less customizing to get it the way you want it.
One of the best things about a Sportster is it's versatility, it can be anything from a mild crotch rocket to a mini bagger cruiser to a chopper, it's all up to you.

 

If you like the looks of the iron then find a nice and low mile Nightster

 

Welcome to the forum. 2007-2013 Sporties have a lot of parts available and parts are basically interchangeable....so no problem finding parts to mod or repair/maintain. The model of the bike is a personal preference based on looks IMO. Good luck!

 

Appreciate the post. Coming from sport bikes and dual sports there is a big difference and without an unlimited budget I've got to find "the bike" on the first go. Sounds like ill be ok with any FI sporty...I'd like to go 883 FI and have the option to go 1200c.c. later on if I wanted to.

Hate to ask another question, but are you guys buying sportys at book value where you live because Everyone here is listing way over.

 

That was a limited production run bike right? Are parts plentiful like the customs?

 

Coming from a sport bike backgriund you might be happier with a Sportster 1200R (Roadster).

Bike shown is a 2009

 

Bike shown is NOT a Roadster. It's an "X". As in, XR1200X. Only produced a few years.
The XL1200X, is a "48".
A Roadster, would be an XL883R or XL1200R. Out of production about 7 years ago. I would buy an XL883R or XL1200R in a heartbeat, if I was in the market for another Sportster.
I would also buy an XR1200X.
The "48"? Meh. It's an acquired taste.
Also, all my bikes have carburetors. I don't care about fuel infection. Why the love affair with an '07 up? You gonna work on it? Tune it? Re-map it with your lap-top? Do you want to race it? Go camping with it? Tour America with it? Cruise the boulevard with it? Ride it to work? Sunday back roads?
Don't discount an '04-'06. 55 hundred bucks should buy any used Sportster you want, from just about '09 and earlier. On a good day, $4,000 will, easily, get you a gently used (less than 5k miles) 1200 from '05 (rubber mount carb'ed).

 

Nightster's last year was 2012. The evo engine is the same as current production. The body parts are not an issue. It's basically an iron with a bigger bore.

 

I also agree that the nightster would be a good choice. I personally went with the 1200 right off the bat, instead of regretting it and dealing with the upgrade later, but to each their own.

Unfortunately for you, this is the worst time of year to try to get a good deal on a bike. I'd start by looking online (cycletrader, ect). You should still be able to stay within your budget, I'd think.