how much difference? really
Novice
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
I think that guy needs one of those bikes with the V8 in it
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Birdsboro, PA
That's something you should do before you buy since you seem to have 3 different bikes rolling around in your head and your buddy owns one of the ones you're thinking about.
One other suggestion: Harley demo ride days. You must have your license, boots , gloves, eye wear, and a lid. I'm pretty sure every dealer has them from time to time. That way you can not only sit on a variety of bikes, you can actually ride them to find out which one is right for you. My dealer does a 1/2 hr guided tour through different types of roads: one lane farm roads, twisty mountain roads, and the major highway that runs through the area. It gives you a good idea on how each bike handles and it gives the rider just enough time to figure out if he or she is comfortable on the bike.
I know you want a bike, you probably wanted it yesterday.... but they make them everyday, don't rush into a purchase. YOU have to find out whats right for YOU. I love my Iron, I haven't even considered a 1200/1250 conversion, but that's ME. Do your homework and it will be impossible to make a bad decision.
One other suggestion: Harley demo ride days. You must have your license, boots , gloves, eye wear, and a lid. I'm pretty sure every dealer has them from time to time. That way you can not only sit on a variety of bikes, you can actually ride them to find out which one is right for you. My dealer does a 1/2 hr guided tour through different types of roads: one lane farm roads, twisty mountain roads, and the major highway that runs through the area. It gives you a good idea on how each bike handles and it gives the rider just enough time to figure out if he or she is comfortable on the bike.
I know you want a bike, you probably wanted it yesterday.... but they make them everyday, don't rush into a purchase. YOU have to find out whats right for YOU. I love my Iron, I haven't even considered a 1200/1250 conversion, but that's ME. Do your homework and it will be impossible to make a bad decision.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
well after thinking about it long and hard and talking to my wife....i think i've finally came to the conclusion: i am going to save more and take that time to do more research, get my MSF class done. i believe i am going to try to get a Night Train. after all the input and after weighing my options it just seems to be like that bike would be a better fit for me. it will be larger than a sportster, easily ride 2 up, make my commute much better for me. the only downside is that they are about $4k more useds than a brand new Sportster. but i like the Night Train since it is blacked out, has the chopped fender, etc.
thanks for everyone input,
-John
thanks for everyone input,
-John
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Just keep in mind with which ever way you go that an 883 ( with a 1200 kit installed ) is registered with insurance as a 883 and they don't know any better where as the nite train which is also a great bike is registered as what it is and this may make a big differnce on the insurance cost, well here in Ontario it does anyway.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
The demand for the 48 is why. If you dont pay it someone will, that's the sad reality.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: ENGLAND
the difference in price seems to relate to the harley accessory prices , because the iron 883 has no chrome or extras its the cheapest , as is the nightster 1200 , start adding seats pipes chrome etc and the things jump in price , thats why i thought id get a bog standard bike , and add things i might need as i go a long , i first thought of getting a stage one tune , but my **** has told me i need a new seat and better springs first , im not into chrome , but there are a few bits i like , but even the scull gas cap cost Ł45 in england about $70 so you can see how other models soon end up 2-3 k more , seems dear to me for some shinny metal . the 48,s big front wheel and sprung seat etc knock the price up from the nightster , the night train may be a better bet for casteel aswell , happy hunting , my next harley will be a fatboy or fatbob i think , who knows,
Last edited by MADDOG187; Jun 8, 2010 at 04:53 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 726
Likes: 2
From: Charleston, SC
I love my Sporty, but the Night Train is good too. My riding buddy rides one, he's 6'2" and it fits him. Softails also have the largest aftermarket support. Don't knock us Sporty's if you don't get one though. Ha ha.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: ENGLAND
JUST A NOTE , I rode a 48 today , at my local dealer , i thought my nightster was a hard ride but you would need hospital treatment if you went more than 10 miles on that pig , the standard seat is at best **** and harley should be ashamed they put it on a bike in the first place , im sure a good upholsterer could sort it without to much trouble but you shouldnt need to on a new bike , its a disgrace , i also tried a sprung saddle ,as i thought it would look good on the nightster but that was worse , what are these guys playing at , there stuff is about as dear as it can be without being arrested for theft and its not even fit for purpose , i doubt if ill buy anything from there genuine harley parts catalogue if thats the type of overpriced rubbish they think they can turn out , ...... ON A POSSITIVE NOTE , it made me very happy i bought a nightster , i rode the 55 miles home feeling very smug and a little more comfy than usual , i like the look of most sportsters even the xr,s look nice in the flesh , but whatever bike anyone buys they should get a verylong test ride before they buy .....be bad and have fun
Account Deactivated
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
Get the 1200
I got a buddy,,did the upgrade from 883 to 1200,,has more money in the bike than starting with the 1200.
Then he wanted more,,they made one small mistake inside the motor,,down for 11 weeks.
MY dealer salesman told me If I wanted to run with the big bikes on the hiway the 883 would be wound real tight,,lower gears ya know.
Stock 1200's turn 3,500 RPM at 75 MPH
Stock 883's closer to 4,000,,
So If ya ever wanna run 85 or 90 like alot of RK's do,,well the 883 will be in the vibration zone even if Its a rubber mount.
Besides the 1200 at 75mph is right in the power zone,,need to get away from a big truck, no downshift needed. Just roll on a little throttle,,80-85-90,,,as fast as you can read those numbers..
The 883 should pull away also,,but will be in your rear view mirror.
Then he wanted more,,they made one small mistake inside the motor,,down for 11 weeks.
MY dealer salesman told me If I wanted to run with the big bikes on the hiway the 883 would be wound real tight,,lower gears ya know.
Stock 1200's turn 3,500 RPM at 75 MPH
Stock 883's closer to 4,000,,
So If ya ever wanna run 85 or 90 like alot of RK's do,,well the 883 will be in the vibration zone even if Its a rubber mount.
Besides the 1200 at 75mph is right in the power zone,,need to get away from a big truck, no downshift needed. Just roll on a little throttle,,80-85-90,,,as fast as you can read those numbers..
The 883 should pull away also,,but will be in your rear view mirror.