Taking the plunge.........
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Taking the plunge.........
I'm looking to purchase my first Harley (and cycle for that matter) and have a few questions for the "experts"
I have been looking at a sportser since they are within my budget, and seem to be a good starting point. I'm 6' tall and weigh 240, so my first question is would an 883 be too small for my size?
Secondly, I'm looking to purchase a preowned model since I will be paying cash, and really do not want to spend over $7000 right now. Is there any years, models, issues that I should avoid, or ones that I should be on the look out for?
Overall, the look of the 1200 customs appeal to me as opposed to the 883's. I have found many 1200's within my budget, I just don't know what one to jump at.
Thanks!!
I have been looking at a sportser since they are within my budget, and seem to be a good starting point. I'm 6' tall and weigh 240, so my first question is would an 883 be too small for my size?
Secondly, I'm looking to purchase a preowned model since I will be paying cash, and really do not want to spend over $7000 right now. Is there any years, models, issues that I should avoid, or ones that I should be on the look out for?
Overall, the look of the 1200 customs appeal to me as opposed to the 883's. I have found many 1200's within my budget, I just don't know what one to jump at.
Thanks!!
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,292
Likes: 13
From: Sacramento California!!!
RE: Taking the plunge.........
For under $7k you should be able to find a 1200 Sportster easily within the years 2000 and up. Your height won't be an issue with forwards controls, the weight maybe.
Make sure you sit on a few bikes first before you decides, the Sporty is one of the fastest bikes out there and not alweays the easist to ride for some people.
And spend a few dollars on taking a class on riding or something.
Make sure you sit on a few bikes first before you decides, the Sporty is one of the fastest bikes out there and not alweays the easist to ride for some people.
And spend a few dollars on taking a class on riding or something.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 976
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From:
RE: Taking the plunge.........
Welcome to the forum..... Any 1200 should do ya.... an 883 is the same size bike with a little less HP... 7000.00 fish should land you a nice 1200 Custom. 04's and up have the better motor mounts... If it were me I would look at the 94's and up... to start with.. buy the latest model you can afford..!!
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,292
Likes: 13
From: Sacramento California!!!
RE: Taking the plunge.........
BTW, the 1200C (custom) comes with forward cotrolls, which you will want for your long legs. I am 6'4" and fit fine on mine, however I did trim the stock seat to sit me back 2" more inches. You can also buy seats that sit you back farther.
I do agree that buying used is a great way to go.
I do agree that buying used is a great way to go.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
RE: Taking the plunge.........
Ride an '04 or better to check out the vibration at different speeds. Some folks don't mind, others it makes a difference. Another big issue is pipes and carb or fuel injection modifications. If these have been done already, that is a big performance plus. Other goodies, such as a comfortable seat, backrest, windshield, and chrome items should also be considered in your purchase, although they should not add much to the cost.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 262
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From:
RE: Taking the plunge.........
Go for it! Well, the main thing is sit and ride some. Frankly, I am 6'2" and for some reason, the forward controls on my custom just do not seem to be the ticket, I often use the rear pegs. Just me. Anyway, bought my 05 custom with a few xtras, only 2300 miles for $7100. I am in California where the prices seem just a bit higher than back east (for what reason I do not know), I have not driven a pre 04, but I do love the rubber mounted engine of the 05 (04s and later) I do believe you should avoid an 883 at your weight if you want plenty of power If that is no big deal, the 883s look just as good. In my opinion, the customs look best, but I debated the low also. My thought, the newer the bike, the less likelihood of mechanical trouble. I shopped and could have afforded a Dyna or Softail, but I really liked the Sportster as it was my style. Some people call the sportster a starter bike and think most will trade up, but many do not ever trade up. Even so, it is a good starter if that iswhat you want. You can get one cheap used and wont lose a fortune. The customs come with forward controls, the lows with mid controls but can be modified either way. Good luck and let the forum know if you are lovin it!
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Springfield, Ohio
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Banned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 722
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From: Olathe, KS
RE: Taking the plunge.........
I purchased my used'05 1200 Custom in Oct. 2006. Had 3.600 miles on it, paid $7,200.00.It was a bank repo. For your size I'd go with the 1200. I concur with Kolni, take a riding course. You'll be glad you did. I've been riding for 28 years and retake the MSF advanced course every three years. Saves me 10% on my insurance for the bike.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
From: Gahanna, OH
RE: Taking the plunge.........
You will have several late model -'04+ 1200 Customs to chose from for your <7k target. A good choice fora taller rider. I am 6'4" and after getting a seat to set me back a little and some tweaking of the suspension my '05 1200 Customis a great ride (Really good looking biketoo for me). Find yours, ride it and have a blast.
Welcome to the forum,
Welcome to the forum,
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 2
From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Taking the plunge.........
The only thing I will add to the other posts is that if you don't mind a (in my opinion) minimal amount of extra vibration, the 03 and older bikes will give a little extra leg room with the forward controls than the 04 and up.
I am only 5'7" tall with a 32" inseam and I find the newer sportsters' factory forward controlsfall a bit short compared to my '96.
I am only 5'7" tall with a 32" inseam and I find the newer sportsters' factory forward controlsfall a bit short compared to my '96.