Hey Everyone,
I'm new here, just registered.
I have wanted a bike for a long time, after looking at numerous options i have decided a Harley Sportster is the one i want.
Originally i was looking at an 883 Low, but once i sat on this it didn't fit me quite how i had hoped (i am 5'11, 180lbs).
I sat on the Custom next and that made the world of difference, i loved the feel of it.
I had pretty much decided that i was going to get the 883 custom, until the big 883 vs 1200 conversation came up.
Everyone i have talked to has said "its your choice but i would get the 1200" (only spoke to motorcycle riders about this).
The big thing was that it pretty much handles the same as the 883 but has that extra power sitting there when you need it.
I haven't had much recent riding experience (did the motorcycle safety course and thats about it), i used to ride a dirt bike around when i was younger.
So once the option came up for a 1200 i started looking at the different options, Custom or Nightster? I like the look of both of them, but one thing that stood out was the forward controls already on the custom and the dual seat (i don't plan on doing very much 2 up riding, i know the sportster isn't really the bike for that, but having the ability to do it would be nice).
I took a look at the iron, and i love the look of the iron, although it is an 883. There is the option for the 1200 conversion kit, but i was told that with it being roughly $1500+ for the kit and getting it installed, i may as well just go right for a 1200.
I'm a full time student, i work full time at walgreens (so i'm not exactly on the greatest budget possible).
I was looking the possibility of something like a second hand 1200c or n, pref. around 06 or newer, these seem to be around the 6-8 grand mark.
I have not seen any second hand irons (just been looking on craigslist).
One reason i am considering second hand is because i am in the Marine Corps Reserve and i have been told to expect deployment over seas late this year early next year, and i figure that the value drop of having a 09 or 10 sitting in the garage for 12 months is going to be quite significant by the time i come back.
Also the pay is tax free over there, so depending on how much i make and what kind of bike i get now will depend on weather i treat myself to a new bike or some modifying what ever i have.
Any input is well appreciated, from all the bikes i have looked at i have pretty much narrowed it down to those options (i want a sportster).
I am also needing to get this (well at least really wanting to and using many excuses to make this purchase a need ) quite soon, so really as much as i have enough to make a sensible down payment for the thing.
College is around 25 miles away from me, so that is where the majority of my every day commuting will be to, I don't intend to do any really long rides. The farthest i can see my self riding is from here (austin) to college station, which is around 90-100 miles.
Any input or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

Well, since you said that the 883 Low didn't fit you well and the Custom did, I would say that the Nightster is off the list. The only difference really is the forward foot controls on the Custom vs the mid foot controls controls on the Low. The Nightster/Iron has mids so would fit the same as the Low. Unless you really like the looks of the Nightster/Irons and are willing shell out the extra cash to convert to forwards. And there are times that I'd like to move my forwards about two inches farther forward. And I'm 6' and 190 lbs.

I would definitely look at used bikes. You can find much better deals from private parties than from dealerships for the most part.

The 1200 vs 883 debate is a long running one.

 

thanks Veritas.
The seat height was fine on the low, although it's the mid controls that really didn't feel too good.
I went between sitting on the custom and low several times, and each time the custom felt better, although that all seemed to be in the legs, i really liked the forward controls.
I also consider the 1.2 gallon larger gas tank on the custom to be an advantage.

 

I hear ya man. From what you posted, I'd say you can handle the 1200 without issue. I was an 80cc MX'er. That's how i learned. I got a shadow 750 - lasted me less than a year then wanted more. ended up on a nightster. Have similar budget constraints (single income fam). found an 09 used for 9k last august. you should be able to pick up a Nightster for 7-8k, no problem. The waiting is the hardest part. Good luck to ya!

BTW - my used Nightster came with fwd controls, & windshield - you've got a good chance of finding the fwds already on there if ya go used. which i highly recommend.

 

Thanks nighty.
I am thinking that a 1200n with fwd controls or a 1200c is what i ideally would like to go for, so it's prob going to end up being what is available when i'm ready to buy.

 

Would go the used route and maybe look at some Dynas too or even a soft tail used that is. lots of good deals around most of the these weigh about the same but the sports are nice bikes too. Hard to go wrong but the dynas and softies have a little more range and ride a little better but hey you can make any of them ride the way you want them to.

 

i think the 1200c has a little longer wheel base also

 

Thanks for the info guys,
and SeeMeDo i did take a quick look at the dynas and softails.... unfortunately even the second hand ones are a little out of my price range currently.
Although after a deployment with tax free pay?? hey who knows?

 

Welcome to the forum