It hit me last week just flew all over me and I thought I was over that since I sold the only Harley I ever had was bought for me as a teenager a SS175 (AMF). I now have a delima on choosing which SPortster the 1200 or 883. I will weigh about 200 when the purchase is made 11 months from now and all of the shrubbery is replanted and the house trim is painted as well as loosing the 40 pounds.

I have arthritis knees and just had surgery on the left knee 4 months ago. The bikes are essentially the same size just power and money differences. Will only ride for short cruises (100 Miles) Will more than likely be a used (2007 or newer EFI).

What are your opinions?

 

Evreyone will ahve their own opinions, but I have to vote for the 1200. It has nearly 50% more power than the 883. If you opt for the Custom, the forward controls may be friendlier on your knees also. buying used at this time of year you should be able to find an '06 or '07 1200 with a years warrany remaining for the price of a new 883.
That said, I am sure the 883 would have plenty of scoot as well. You are correct the weight is the same.

 

If I had the chance to do over I would get the 1200 and go with the custom, only reason I got the 883 I could only afford used at the time and it belonged to someone I know that took incredible care of it and there would be no surprises. So if you have the option go 1200 and get more power.

 

I have a post-surgical ACL that still gives me issues from time to time. For me, a *little* bend ( up to 90 degrees or so ) is preferable. I find that a full sport-bike tuck or full straight-out cruiser seating are both bad for me (not to mention horrible legs-out seating is for your lower back and for finer control of the bike in low speeds). But of course, that all changes if you're long legged. Taller folks still have some bend in their knee with the forward controls so that's good. I would suggest you buy one with mid controls but budget in for the possibility of having to buy forward controls. Unless the dealer or PO (if buying used) is willing to throw in the old mid-controls if buying used. Most dealers consider the mid-control stuff almost throw-away and you could probably get it with the bike (if buying new) for hte price of a handshake as they probably 20 sets lying in the back.

For me, the 883 makes for some fine riding. Sure, it would be cool to have the extra oomph of the 1200 now and then, but at the end of the day, I can tear along quite nicely on the 883 and considering I enjoy twisty roads more than the straights, the 883 has more than enough power to let me enjoy what I like to do... it's just fun and isn't that half the reason for doing it?

 

I'm not going to try and tell you which bike to buy - that's your decision and yours alone to make. All I'm doing is providing you with some info from my experiences and hopefully others will do the same and that at least some portion of it will be helpful to you.

I ride an 2005 883 Custom, weigh 170 and it's done good by me. The forward controls are a definate plus with bad knees (experience talking) and the custom sits a bit lower so you can move your legs around more when you're at a stop. The 1200 does most likely have a higher top end and quicker take off if that's what you're looking for. I've carried passengers up 150 lbs and never had problem taking off or hitting cruising speed. I topped out at 100 mph by myself with it once to see what it would do and that was more than enough for me. I regularly run it up to 70 and quite often hit 80 but I usually cruise at about 60 on open road. Other times I'm in stop and go or congested traffic and running at lower speeds. I've had it out for short runs of just a few miles up and also put on 150 miles in one day (not bad for being on an island that's about 62 miles long and 7 or 8 at the widest point).

The bucks you save by getting a 883 can always go towards purchasing other nice to have accessories. But if you go with used, you never know what kind of bargin you might come across with a 1200.

Good luck

 

If you do a search of these forums you will find alot of posts by people who bought the 883 and regretted not buying the 1200. I don't recall ever seeing anyone say that they bought the 1200 and wished they had bought the 883.

Another thing to consider is chrome. Do you want a chrome and black engine or rather the grey of unfinished metal?

Also, how much highway riding will you be doing? The 1200 is more relaxed on the highway than the 883 is.

Admittedly the 1200 costs more than the 883 to buy but also factor into your thinking the amount of return you will get when you sell the bike. I think you'll find that the 1200 isn't going to cost you nearly what you think it might.

 

Buy what you feel comfortable on. The 1200 has better resale. But they are both fine bikes.

 

Suggest you go with the 1200, especially considering the difference in price and what you'll probably be happy with long term. There's plenty of choices out there on pre-owned ones too and you won't feel like you're riding on a budget bike. The performance alone should make the choice easier but to me, the look also helps.

Good hunting!

 

Whaap is correct. Those of us who bought our 883s to get them paid off don't mind the lack of power. Once paid off and the warranty expires there is an enormous aftermarket for all sportsters.

 

Of course 883 owners will usually chime in and recommend the 883 and the 1200 owners will recommend the 1200..
Alot depends on your wants vs needs... If you want a show bike with lots of chrome then you'll want the 1200..... but if you want a goood sound ride-em machine that you can just ride and park at the end of the day the 883 is enough to fill the ticket..

I don't agree that the 883 is considered a budget bike as they are nearly the same as the 1200... Also dispute that the 1200 has nearly 50% more power... They don't..

I've personally owned many Harley sportsters both 1200 and 883 and actually find very little difference in performance overall... You can save some money in the long-run with the 1200 if gleem and glitter is what you want... The resale value between the 1200 and 883 is actually a little more but sometime a little slower to move because most Sportster buyers are younger riders looking for their first Harley and usually don't have cash up front.. therefore, goes for the 883's with a little less $$$.

All that being said, it's really a matter of personal preference.... and your desire of riding styles as there are several Sportster models to choose from... Just ask yourself, Who buys a Hugger these days and why, Who buys a Custom and why... etc. Just style I would say but, if you look for the "glut" of all Harley Sportsters being sold new.... I would have to say the 883's are being purchased by the female riders and the 1200 Customs are being sold to the young men and older over 40 gents...

Used Sportsters like found on ebay are there because of "lost interest" or "financial reasons"... and yes some riders have graduated to a larger bike... There are also lots of trade-in's by dealers on ebay. Careful with the ebay stuff however as many sellers have "tinkered" with bike and experience has tought me to research completely as some things can't be "undone".

Back to your 883 vs the 1200.... In my opnion, the 1200 is nearly the same as an 883 wearing better clothes for show.... and to me that boils down to: Do you buy a bike to ride or to show?! If both, then go with the 1200... If you just want to ride then an 883 will fill the bill. the 15-2000 $$$ difference will go a long way on insurance, maintenance, gas, clothing etc..