New Rider here... HELP!!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
New Rider here... HELP!!!!
Hello folks! 1st time poster. Tomorrow I start my HD's Rider's Edge riding class. Also I plan to purchase a new Harley. I have 2 in mind... 2010 883N (simply purdy) or 2008 1200N (black with V&H ss and Screaming Eag stage 1 and forward controls already included). I could upgrade the 883N with the same mods.
After shopping around in the Chicagoland area... both deals on the table seem pretty fair. The question is... which of the 2 would be more appropiate for a beginner? Mind you... I am 5'11" 260 (trending downwardly from 290 two mons ago... thank you very much). Also I'm not planning any long trips... nothing longer than 50-75 miles (1 way) fishing holes. Mainly an around towner/ commuter. (even though Chicago is a BIG town)
Lately I've heard cases for both bikes from friends. What's your take?
I hope to ride my new bike home by Saturday morning. Decisions decisions...
After shopping around in the Chicagoland area... both deals on the table seem pretty fair. The question is... which of the 2 would be more appropiate for a beginner? Mind you... I am 5'11" 260 (trending downwardly from 290 two mons ago... thank you very much). Also I'm not planning any long trips... nothing longer than 50-75 miles (1 way) fishing holes. Mainly an around towner/ commuter. (even though Chicago is a BIG town)
Lately I've heard cases for both bikes from friends. What's your take?
I hope to ride my new bike home by Saturday morning. Decisions decisions...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 933
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
Well the Nightster is going to have quit a bit more power especially since it has the stage 1 done already. My Nightster was my first bike and I had no problems handling it. I will say though that any Sportster is not an "ideal" beginner's bike. They are a little too powerful and top heavy for a beginner, especially compared to the bikes used in those beginner rider courses.
All that said, go with the one that you like the looks of best. The difference in the engine displacement can be made up for by doing a 1200 or 1250 swap later down the road if you go with the 883 and decide you want more power.
All that said, go with the one that you like the looks of best. The difference in the engine displacement can be made up for by doing a 1200 or 1250 swap later down the road if you go with the 883 and decide you want more power.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: New Braunfels, TX
I weigh the same as you and have a 2010 883N. The 883N has plenty of power. The insurance should be less. I don't like forward controls, at least not without a windshield. I wouldn't consider either a beginners bike though. Ive only had mine a month, and the only mods I am considering are for the suspension.
I'm 5'8", 260. I got the Iron because I like the color / wheel / engine paint combo more than I liked the Nightster. The difference in power is pretty significant, but a 900 Sporty has plenty for what I've needed in the year I've owned mine. And as for the forward controls, be careful: they tend to allow for inexperienced riders to feel like they're gonna slip off the back of the bike after a decent bump. Good luck, and ride safe.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 239
From: northeast
just be careful when you get out there and if you can find riders with more experience to ride with for a few months they can add a whole lot more to what you learn in the riders edge course.
Advanced
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From: Belleville
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 164
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From: ohio
I have the 1200N, and I would recommend a Dyna, wide glide if going 2 up, or a Street Bob. talk with the salesman I think most are decent to new riders. They want to keep you riding so they can sell you your next bike! Just my 2 cents, I know it wasnt one of your choices. Money was an issue for me and being a new rider!
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 118
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From: Chicago
Wow... thanks for the responses. Keep them coming. Seems the majority are leaning towards the Nightster. I'll admit... I think the Iron looks pretty darn nice blacked out and all. I like the Nightster's 1200 and spoke wheels (classic). I dig the 48 too... a blending of the 2 ($$$).
I don't really care for the othe HD models as much as I am attracted to the Sportsters. But I will do the Rocker later on down the road. Also I am not too concerned about 2 upping. Solo pleasure only. If the Old Lady wants to ride (which I doubt)... we'll purchase another.
signed: Still confused.
I don't really care for the othe HD models as much as I am attracted to the Sportsters. But I will do the Rocker later on down the road. Also I am not too concerned about 2 upping. Solo pleasure only. If the Old Lady wants to ride (which I doubt)... we'll purchase another.
signed: Still confused.
