Hey all- First post, please be kind.
Buying a Sportster, first bike ever. Rode a dirtbike occasionally as a kid, 25 yrs ago. Trying to decide between 883 and 1200, is 1200 too much power for a newbie? is 883 enough for a 180 pound guy with an occasional passenger? buy an 883 then overbore it? Help me!
Tim

 

just buy the 1200 and enjoy the ride ,it all depends on how much your willing to spend

 

If money is not the issue, buy a 1200.

 

Its definately a personal preference. I got the 883c and love it. However, I also see a Heritage in my future... I think I can squeeze it into the garage next to the Sporty.

 

If you plan on riding two up, get the 1200.

 

I really like my 883L. It does all that is expected of it. Still, it wouldbe nice to have had a little more umph from time to time. I do enjoy the lesser insurance premiums on it however.

 

That's interesting........

We have both an 883 and a 1200, and the premiums are $34 different yearly.
My opinion is to go ahead and get the 1200. After riding them both frequently, the 1200 is smoother and more comfortable, IMO.

 

I put close to 14,000 miles on my 883C last year. I am a big guy...6'2, 260lbs. I have gone on long trips (not the most comfortable), have ridden two up with my wife with no problem, and use it to commute to work daily. I get about 51mpgallon. It will do at least 90mph with me on it. I cannot see the point of the 1200 for me. My 883 does everything that I would expect it to do. I will be getting a bigger bike when I can afford it, but it will be a street glide or Road King I hope.

The 883 is less expensive, but everyone always talks about how much better the 1200 is....I can't see it...unless you wanna race other sportsters with it.

You won't be able to to take it against a real sports bike, but it will outdo most cruizers from the start.

 

Well said, Seikan. ......................Mr. Hildago,.......insurance is different from place to place. As it is, even 34 dollars is 34 dollars less to pay someone for something. I wouldn't know how much of a difference it would be for me but, I'm pretty sure the 883 is less. Now, if you got a lousy driving record, live in a high theft area, etc., then it wouldn't matter what you drove/ride.

 

Both docile. It depends on how much you want to spend, and how much you like power. Myself, I never get enough torque, so I got the 1200. However: It's fairly easy to replace the cylinders/pistons on the 883 and make a 1200 out of it - that's really the only difference.