883 or 1200
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 79
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883 or 1200
Hey,
I am about to buy my first HD, and i am set on a sportster. I have been riding for over a year, on a smaller bike, and am now ready to make the jump to a real bike. Is an 883 enough power, or will I grow out of it and be disappointed? I would like to cruise at higher speeds, for 100+ miles, and possibly with a passenger. I am 6'1", 175lbs, should I go with an 883 or a 1200? What do you think?
I am about to buy my first HD, and i am set on a sportster. I have been riding for over a year, on a smaller bike, and am now ready to make the jump to a real bike. Is an 883 enough power, or will I grow out of it and be disappointed? I would like to cruise at higher speeds, for 100+ miles, and possibly with a passenger. I am 6'1", 175lbs, should I go with an 883 or a 1200? What do you think?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane Australia
What bike???
Mabee to save a lot of money I would get a larger bike..I went & bought a XL883C 2005,spent $$$$$ on cams,carby etc etc & still want to take it up to 88cubes or 90cubes..When you add up all the costs! I now recon i would have been better getting a larger bike with the capacity & probably have spent far less..Compare prices! of bikes plus add on's before going into 883. ( I like the look of Nightster)
How about a Rigid style???
How about a Rigid style???
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
Hey,
I am about to buy my first HD, and i am set on a sportster. I have been riding for over a year, on a smaller bike, and am now ready to make the jump to a real bike. Is an 883 enough power, or will I grow out of it and be disappointed? I would like to cruise at higher speeds, for 100+ miles, and possibly with a passenger. I am 6'1", 175lbs, should I go with an 883 or a 1200? What do you think?
I am about to buy my first HD, and i am set on a sportster. I have been riding for over a year, on a smaller bike, and am now ready to make the jump to a real bike. Is an 883 enough power, or will I grow out of it and be disappointed? I would like to cruise at higher speeds, for 100+ miles, and possibly with a passenger. I am 6'1", 175lbs, should I go with an 883 or a 1200? What do you think?
( cruise at higher speeds, for 100+ miles, and possibly with a passenger).
You might want to shop a little more though since there are more comfortable bikes to do that with.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 602
Likes: 2
From: SE Michigan
I know it wasn't on your list of two bikes but, look at used bikes as with the market like it is you could pick up a big twin that would be much better for what your wanting. Don't be scared that it will be too much bike for you. I had three Sportsters before getting into a big twin, a Softail Heritage Classic and I'm not a big guy and handled that bike easily. You'll have bags and a windshield for starters and a much better ride for two. I have a Street Glide now but that's another story.
if your set on a Sporty, get the 1200.
if your set on a Sporty, get the 1200.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Go with the 1200 don't make the mistake I did. Started out a stock 883 and ended up with 1200 with far more money in it than would ever get for it. Thought was stuck with it forever I happened to luck out and was needing a Truck and the same guy with the truck was wanting a Bike and finally got close to what I had in it ...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
I know it wasn't on your list of two bikes but, look at used bikes as with the market like it is you could pick up a big twin that would be much better for what your wanting. Don't be scared that it will be too much bike for you. I had three Sportsters before getting into a big twin, a Softail Heritage Classic and I'm not a big guy and handled that bike easily. You'll have bags and a windshield for starters and a much better ride for two. I have a Street Glide now but that's another story.
if your set on a Sporty, get the 1200.
if your set on a Sporty, get the 1200.
If you are dead set on a sporty though, I'd say get a 1200 and make sure it's got forward controls. Otherwise, you will most likely feel cramped. 
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
In my opinion (and I'll get booed for this one), powerwise with a passenger, their isn't much difference between a 883 and a 1200.
My 883 hauled us around just fine.
The bigger motor won't make any more room on the seat
My 883 hauled us around just fine.
The bigger motor won't make any more room on the seat
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey FL
well as others have said, sinse yr only option is sporty i say go with the 1200. I love my sporty but it sounds like you really wanna do some trouing with the ol'lady and if yr ol'lady is anything like mine you will be riddin that sporty with a solo seat in no time according to her (i don't ride bcitch) its an uncomfortable ride.
on the plus note, my sporty is the best bike i have ever owned and i have seen ppl turn them into touring bikes, its kinda neet. good luck... 1200 or bust
according to her (i don't ride bcitch) its an uncomfortable ride.on the plus note, my sporty is the best bike i have ever owned and i have seen ppl turn them into touring bikes, its kinda neet. good luck... 1200 or bust
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: OKC, Ok
Well id say the 1200 with forwards as others have stated. This is this first bike i have ever had and i went straight to a 1200 and am doing fine. Now if i were you, being used to a bike already and taller than me id move straight to a bigger bike, i would atleast look at a dyna not a sporty. Not that i don't like mine, but for two up i would like to have a little longer framed bike for more room. The power is great, its the look of it being so small that will sometimes get to you. (and thats the truth)