Your kidding right?

 

Night & day difference between the two regarding power. I own both, and would take the 1200 ANYDAY over a 883. We own a 98 1200 and a 97 883.

 

Get the 883, see how she likes it, if she wants more power, take it out to 1200... and still pay 883 insurance.

 

I had/have a 98 883 Sportster. I've ridden 2006 1200's before and vibration wans't an issue and power wasn't either. Powerwise though mine has a 1200 conversion. Mine handled better than the 1200. Nothing wrong with rigid mounted engines.

 

I believe the engine size rate breakdown varies from one insurance company to another.

Couple years ago I was talking with my insurance agent that I have dealt with for years, and he told me the "engine size" breakdown was from bikes with 750cc or less, and 750cc or greater. (Might have been 650cc, not sure, but I know it wasn't higher than 750cc)...

He also said that on some of the higher horsepower 'super sport type bikes', producing well over 100 horsepower, the rates can vary depending on the factory horsepower rating along with the age and experience of the individual requesting insurance. Of course the Harley factory horsepower rating are so low they don't really fall into the high horsepower category of bikes.

Anyway, based on the information the agent gave me the premium cost for the same bike with either 883cc or 1200cc wouldn't be any different (based strictly on engine size).

 

My wife has no trouble keeping up with my bike on her 883. We blast past twinkies all the time out on the road. Her bike is stock internally.

 

My wife just had an 03 with 900 miles on it and she did not like it because it vabrated alot. Sold it to my neighbor and he does not mide the vibration. Just got my wife an 04 and I have to tell you there is a big difference! Much smoother!

 

I think it also varies from state to state. Mine is still insured as an 883 even though my insurance agent knows that it's been punched out to 1200+. She said the title states that it's an 883, so that's what she was going to insure it as becuase there was a cost difference between the 883 & 1200. I think WV has an engine size breakdown with 1000cc being the high/low line.

 

You are lucky she wants to get a bike and ride with you. Keep her happy! I am sure the 883 has plenty of power for her. I think the '03 is about 50 lb lighter than the '04+, which would be a plus. That said, I limited my search to the rubbermounts and am very happy with the ride after a couple mods. - Super smooth at 70 mph. Several older sporty owners I have met have commented they don't like the vibration at the higher speeds and seem to limit their riding to more around town than highway. Maybe let her ride both at highway speeds to see which she likes.

 

Harley bike building is slowly moving into the the "module" world like many of the new cars today. Meaning that electronic modules are taking the place of old style electroniic connections and ignition systems etc. Good or bad in many aspects but it does indicate a little more cost in upkeep and making it hard to DYI the home trouble-shooter unless you have all the gizzmoes and proper tools. Then buying a module that has coupled several functions means one little "bad" internal item could mean buying the whole new module, changing out several good internal items.

Oh I know what they say about relibility of parts and moduel electronics but get stranded on the road somewhere without a pocket full of various modules and you are at a loss.

It's unfortunate to see that many of todays car and bike owners are being forced to rely on the dealers mechanics to make effective repairs (they have all the expensive equipment).

Sorry if I sound a little old fashion, I'm not and I really like all the new improvements but a person has to keep in mind that many of the improvements means more out-of-pocket repair cost as time goes on.. There will come a time when a tune-up on a bike or car becomes beyond our ability as the engines and other components will be welded or rivited together and require the so-called "module exchange" item.. Will even be out of the hands of the local mechanic with the exception of module swaps.

Keep current on this forum with the electronic trouble-shooting issues and watch the frequent item failures, then track the cost of repairs on the newer bikes.

I enjoy reading about all the bike so-called improvements from year to year and wonder if they are improvements or just changes. The high-end Harley like the Ultra, of which I had and 08 for about 6 months, had improvement in the drive system over the 07's and the new cabless throttle. Then this year the frame is larger, exhaust is different and the drive system as become a "module type" system of the rear wheel.... so is this an improvement or change.

If every year things are changed for the better in cars, bikes, computers, tv's, etc. why can't we just jump ahead a few years?? Do the designers hold back on us? and use the carrot and stick to keep us going? I think so.

Is old better then new?? In my opnion "NOT ALWAYS"... new is just different and new is dragging us down the road of ........ Well, just my rant and opnion