883 vs 1200
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
I am 5' 10" and about 225lbs, the 883 works fine for the way I ride. I do not ride 2 up. I ride with the Big Twins and unless you are on the Intersate running 80 miles per hour you will have no problems. It's not the lack of power at 80 that is the problem it is the wind throwing you around on the smaller frame and no windshield. You will find most Harley riders ride two lane roads and around 60mph most of the time. The 883 will do this all day long with no problems.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
Gotta disagree. I'm fine 80+ wind or no (2 up as well). I infact took the bike across the state line to see 38 Special, Styx, and Reo Speedwagon just last night 2-up. Good ride. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is all on you and what you feel comfortable with so try it out!
How was the concert by the way? Bet it was awesome to see those groups again.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 42
From: Pennsylvania
I think owning a harley is 75% looks, 20% bragging rights, and 5% actual performance. I see guys with lots of money on motor work that only go fast for 60 feet at a time, only ride when its above 75degrees out and below 90 degrees, cant ride more than 100 miles in a day without issues, and have no time slips for actual 1/4mile performance. Im just curious for those who have more than a stage one done to their bikes, what kind of mileage are you putting on your bike.
I have a stock engine 883, I like the dependablity and the gas mileage. I can exceed all the posted speed limits on the east coast by 20% without problems.
That being said, if the 883 is whats in your budget (that was my case) you will be happy riding the bike, as long as you dont get caught up in the bigger is better ego trip.
I have a stock engine 883, I like the dependablity and the gas mileage. I can exceed all the posted speed limits on the east coast by 20% without problems.
That being said, if the 883 is whats in your budget (that was my case) you will be happy riding the bike, as long as you dont get caught up in the bigger is better ego trip.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,733
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
My budget allowed for a 05 XL883C and i loved it until i could afford a bigger bike...Got the FLHTC cuz i could afford it period...love the power and 34000 miles later in 24 months i ride the crap out of it as often as i can,,,, if i had to go back to a sporty i would in a second if the budget made me but with my size i might have to settle for a bigger metric for comfort...ONLY if i had too...Harley has the soul of a bike i am looking for...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
There is nothing at all wrong with a 883 and it will take you anywhere you need to go at any legal speed limit.....
But even so, I see many posts about people wanting more 'power' and asking about converting their 883 to a 1200 or 1250...
I see very few (if any) posts from 1200 owners about having too much power and asking about converting their bikes from a 1200 to a 883..
The additional horsepower and torque of the 1200 is controlled by your throttle hand and doesn't need to be used, but it is nice having it available from time to time.
But even so, I see many posts about people wanting more 'power' and asking about converting their 883 to a 1200 or 1250...
I see very few (if any) posts from 1200 owners about having too much power and asking about converting their bikes from a 1200 to a 883..
The additional horsepower and torque of the 1200 is controlled by your throttle hand and doesn't need to be used, but it is nice having it available from time to time.
Well said OFG.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 4
From: fegfsg
there basically the same, if its 5 speed belt drive your never gunna be quick enough to matter, and if its the rubbermount then it weighs so much your better off not worrying about power.
buy it for the looks becuase its never going to get you anywhere quick enough to bother thinking about 900 vs 1200
buy it for the looks becuase its never going to get you anywhere quick enough to bother thinking about 900 vs 1200
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 9
From: la grange, il (near chicago)
i have a 07 ultra, but i am also babysitting my daughters 06 883c. for long rides - 100s of miles, or trips i use the ultra. but for shorter runs, errands, around town etc i hope right on the 883.
i can feel the difference in power, but i don't find that the 883 doesn't have enough. it does just fine for what i am doing.
determine what kind of riding you will be doing. but think of it this way. 60mph is 60mph regardless of which one you are on. its gets there a little differently if using full throttle but if riding normal, there isn't a difference.
i haven't ridden the 1200, but i might think that other than the engine size they are pretty much the same bike and would maybe have the same feel.
another thought might be to pick up one of the used ones that got traded in during that trade in promotional thing.
i can feel the difference in power, but i don't find that the 883 doesn't have enough. it does just fine for what i am doing.
determine what kind of riding you will be doing. but think of it this way. 60mph is 60mph regardless of which one you are on. its gets there a little differently if using full throttle but if riding normal, there isn't a difference.
i haven't ridden the 1200, but i might think that other than the engine size they are pretty much the same bike and would maybe have the same feel.
another thought might be to pick up one of the used ones that got traded in during that trade in promotional thing.
