I am 5’10 and go about 275. I am losing weight but that’s another topic...anyway, I am hopefully taking my MSF course in July and once I get my endorsement, I plan on getting a Harley. I really like the 883 and want to buy new, but my friend who rides and is about the same size as me says I need at least a 1200cc. He recommended a used Dyna. I like the 883 because even though it may be a little low on the power, after I get used to it, I can just get the upgrade to 1100 for a couple grand more.

Would the 883 be OK for my size, or is my friend right to go with the bigger bike?

Darryl

 

It may be a little small looking for you. If you do want a 883 then look for a used one for about 1/3 of the price.

 

You a new rider? If so, 883 will be fine.

 

IDK...does an elephant look good riding a turtle?

JK, seriously, try something a little larger to accommodate your frame.

 

agree.....and you wont look any different on a 1200, get some riding in and then decide on something bigger

 

Guy this isn't personal but you on a sporty would look like a circus bear riding a mini bike, to anybody watching you'd look like you are running down the street with a tail light stuck in you ***. Buy a full size bike and man up to it, you'll outgrow the piglet much faster than you think.

 

Yeah bud, go with a 1200 and consider buying used. You can pick up something cheap (under 5k with low miles) and sell a year later for the same price. I bought my 2007 sportster 1200low with 4k miles for $4 grand cash and I plan to keep it forever. My buddies 883 iron looks badass, but the drop in power is apparent when we swap bikes. I weigh in at 225 an the power is definitely noticeable, especially when my wife hops on. 2 up on my 1200 is no problem, and we come in just under 400lbs.

Wont lie to you, the suspension will be a little soft with your size. My springs and shocks bottom out all the time, but you can upgrade both to accommodate the weight. I just got a set of road king air shocks that I plan to install this weekend.

If you are a brand new rider it may be intimidating choosing a big engine (or a bigger bike). Thats how I felt when I went shopping even before I took the msf course. Put your mind at ease and work on the fundamentals. Once you become a competent rider, the 883, 1200cc ,103, 107, 114ci engines will all be the same. I went from a 1200cc to a 103ci full dresser electra glide after 3 years.

A used Dyna would be cool, but give your *** a treat and try a road king or fat boy. Those bikes are designed for the full size American.

Best of luck, get that msf class out of the way!!!

 

In process of getting a gal pal up and running on a Sportster. I’ve never been on one. I’m pretty hefty and I was surprised by how twitchy and squirrelly they are. My EG is so much more refined. But they are a blast!!

Yeah, I’d look at a used 1200 but about as soon as you’re comfortable on it, you’ll want a touring model or a Heritage ST.

 

Get a used Wide Glide to start with. They are awesome bikes and wont seem so small for you.

 

Not to insult, but if I were you, I would look at a used 883 and then move up to a road king or similar, I say that because the 883 gearing will be more conducive to learning than the 1200. I don't think I would buy new, for reasons stated above, and the road king with its air shocks will allow you to adjust the ride to suit you.

You can add those to a sportster, but your physical size will demand more bike soon, I believe. You will be like many folks are riding 2 up. Get an 883, learn, then move up, unless you fall in love with the sporty.

Use the 883 to get the slow speed handling down pat and you can carry that skill to any bike. Personally, the 1200 is geard too high in first. It should be 6 speed with first lower than stock 1200, and 6th higher than current 5th.

A high first gear makes slow speed work awkward and challenging, more than any other bike I have ever ridden.