883 or 1200
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Stage I
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
883 or 1200
I am looking into buying an HD Sportster. I was planning to go with an 883, but my dad and brother say go with the 1200. I'm not a really experienced rider. I've been riding a Honda Shadow 600, which is a great size for my short legs. However, it can barerly get out of its own way. I can't keep up with other riders in a group. So, I need something that fits well, but won't prevent me from group riding.<br />Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 386
Likes: 117
From: Beaver Falls PA
I'am 200 lbs and 5"8 and my 883 Iron is fast enough . No you are not going to keep up with the metric sport bikes , however that 883 will smoke any of the Harley baggers / road couches/retirement bikes . The sporster is Harley's performance cycle . You can upgrade to the 1200 kit later on for less money than buying the 1200 new .
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 194
Likes: 21
From: Vancouver,B.C.
Insurance price is the reason a lot of people go 883, I assume most people have a cage insured as well and that 2nd vehicle could hurt grocery purchases. You control the speed of your cycle, so if you want to go slow on your future 1200 you will. Im glad my friends told me to get the 1200 after learning to ride on a 84 Yamaha Virago 500, seems easier to start big then to worry about upgrading later on, but if its listed as 883 and you forget to mention it to your ins agent if you upgrade your engine, you may enjoy that lower rate for awhile longer.
Dave 04 XL1200C
Dave 04 XL1200C
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
I love the 883 but going from a Honda 600 (39 hp) to an 883 (47 hp?) - I don't think that's enough of a difference for you to get away from that feeling of it not being able to get out of its own way. An 883 with stage one would improve, and you could also upgrade the jugs in the future - but that's the long way around the horn to get what you want.
Sounds like you "did your time" on the Shadow so make the next upgrade a true step up rather than lateral.
You do need to do some test rides!
Sounds like you "did your time" on the Shadow so make the next upgrade a true step up rather than lateral.
You do need to do some test rides!
Grab the 883, its actually a bit over 50 Horsepower, about 54 I think and 54 to 55 torque, more than plenty to keep up on a ride. The important thing is not to look at the size of the engine as a measuring stick for your purchase, do YOU like the 883? Have you ridden one and compared it against the 1200?
I suggest before you commit to visit a harley shop and test drive one then the other, then YOU can make an informed decision. Asking us here is like asking your neighbors' neighbors if they think, you should get the V6 or V8 mustang.... It is all subjective in the long run, BUT, your insurance is going to be WAY cheaper on the 883, and once you get settled with how it handles etcetera, you can convert the 883 to the 1200.
This way you get the best of both worlds, learning how the Sporty handles, then later if you wish, upgrade to the bigger engine. There is more to riding than the numbers suggest, horsepower and torque only account to a part of the total experience. You see gearing also comes into play as does weight, etcetra. Save some cash, now and later and go try out both the 883 SuperLow/Iron and the 1200 SuperLow/48/1200T and judge for yourself. Best of luck with your decision and let us know what YOU decided to get
I suggest before you commit to visit a harley shop and test drive one then the other, then YOU can make an informed decision. Asking us here is like asking your neighbors' neighbors if they think, you should get the V6 or V8 mustang.... It is all subjective in the long run, BUT, your insurance is going to be WAY cheaper on the 883, and once you get settled with how it handles etcetera, you can convert the 883 to the 1200.
This way you get the best of both worlds, learning how the Sporty handles, then later if you wish, upgrade to the bigger engine. There is more to riding than the numbers suggest, horsepower and torque only account to a part of the total experience. You see gearing also comes into play as does weight, etcetra. Save some cash, now and later and go try out both the 883 SuperLow/Iron and the 1200 SuperLow/48/1200T and judge for yourself. Best of luck with your decision and let us know what YOU decided to get
Last edited by RubenAlonzo; Aug 6, 2017 at 04:45 PM.
buy a 1200. don't be a "i like the looks of the iron" guy. get a 1200 and dont look back. if going used, the prices will be nearly the same between the two. avoid converted 1200s with no paperwork.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,733
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From: Snow Hill, NC
My system in law has a sweet 06 with custom paint, 23000 miles... not sure where where you live....I am near Kinston.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
We have an 883 SuperLow, which both my wife and I ride. We have a qd windshield on it and it is perfectly capable of cruising at up to 90mph. The Iron doesn't appeal at all! The 883 versus 1200 debate is ongoing and inconclusive, as this thread will undoubtedly uncover in due course - many of us are happy with whichever one we have - no surprise there then! Choose whichever one appeals most.
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As @grbrown stated, the topic will tend to get off the beaten path, BUT, one thing to note is that an 883 Sportster having been upgraded to a 1200 will absolutely, positively wipe the floor with a stock 1200 Sportster because of the lower gearing. Something to consider, and should you opt for the HAMMER or NRHS 1250cc kits......Well you can can imagine.