I'm looking at buying a bike (my first) and really like the bobber style. I hear the nightster is the better "starter" bike, but that in 3 months i will be ready to upgrade. My question is, if I am going to turn my bike into a true bobber, which is better? Or is there a better option?

 

There is no "better". It's purely subjective.
In my opinion an Ironhead would make the "better" bobber.
In other words, get what you want.

 

if your goin to turn your bike into a "true bobber" (whatever that really is) i would suggest a pre rubber mount model sportster, this way you can rip out the engine and throw it in a rigid frame or chop the stock frame and weld on a hard tail without much hastel

thats my 2 cents.

 

old skool, excuse my ignorance but what exactly is a "pre rubber mount" model? I'm VERY new

 

2003 and back on a Sporty. If your just going for the look ,first bike . I just bought a 09 883L new for $7,334.00 out the door . Now Harley Davidson has a Trade up program going on till the end of August 09 > they will give you full msrp on your new sporty if with in one year you trade up to a new 96ci Model.

 

03 or older sportsters have more aftermarket frames. they are a solidmount motor, where the 04 and newer are rubbermount motors. by the way getting a big twin is not trading up, thats just a marketing scheme from harley to buy the more expensive bike.

 

...word...

 

Sportster.

 

well everyone answered it but i'll will too (i don't know why i put this asian bunny in here but i think its cool)

any sporty that is a 2003 or earlier has an engine that mounts to the frame directly, 04 and later have one that is rubber mounted to the frame...takin more vibration out of your hands and making it a more comfortable ride (that to is subjective)

goingsidways i think said it best, read his post on why.

 

what is the better bike for YOU is the real question. if your a small guy a sporty is way better or if you have alot mor money to spend on parts and work get a big twin.
im 6'0" 240 and i mine is a sporty and i am happy with it. most of the guys who talk $hit about the sporty motor in my experience usually cant ride a bike worth **** anyway thats why they have to compensate with the bigger motor. a good rider on a sporty can dog a big twin on a curvy road anyday, but the highway is a different story.
so go sit on bikes and look at how much money you want to spend. but i dont suggest getting a new bike to make a bobber.
pre rubber mounted 1200 is my vote.