I think you might consider waiting save up a little more money and get a wide glide...

You spoke of torque... they have more torque and little longer wheel base...

I just think in the long run you'd be happier with a little bigger bike... (wish I had)

Charlie D.

 

If a Sporty's what you want, a 1200C will treat you well. The forward controls will help out with your height and there's enough power in there to get you around no problems.

 

Wow...just found out something...

H-D has a Patriot Edition Sportster (both 883 and 1200) available to Active Duty Military, Retired, and Veterans (per the H-D website).

Hmmm - the decision gets even more complicated now. How well do the special edition bikes hold their value as compared to a regular one (if there is such a thing...)???

 

Here is some additional information of the Patriot Edition bikes that Harley is offering.

They have some custom painting and graphics, but they are only available on the 2007 Sportsters (Fuel Injected Models)..



H-D to Offer 2007 Models to Honor Military Service Personnel

MILWAUKEE (August 11, 2006) - American military personnel and veterans know well the extraordinary sacrifice required to serve their country and protect freedom around the world. It is a level of dedication and commitment that cannot be taken for granted and is greatly respected by Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson will provide those who have served their country the chance to customize their motorcycle with details honoring their military service with the 2007 Patriot Special Edition program. These specially-decorated models will be sold only to active U.S. military service men and women, veterans and immediate family members of both those categories.

“Harley-Davidson is proud of the unique bond and heritage we have with the military going as far back as 1916,” said Jim McCaslin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “The Patriot Special Edition is simply a way to help honor those who have served. These are special motorcycles for very special members of the Harley-Davidson family.”

The Patriot Special Edition program will be available on 12 different 2007 Harley-Davidson models (see list below) that can be customized to one of these participating military branches: U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.

Patriot Special Edition Participating Motorcycles:

* FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide
* FLHRC Road King Classic
* FLHX Street Glide
* FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom
* FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide
* FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic
* FLSTF Fat Boy
* FLSTC Softail Custom
* XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom
* XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low
* XL883C Sportster 883 Custom
* VRSCAW V-Rod
* Sidecar

These Vivid Black motorcycles will be accented with red and blue pin striping and the standard U.S. flag, consistent with all military uniform symbols, on the fender. The Patriot Special Edition motorcycles will feature a branch-specific fuel tank badge installed at the dealership. Customers will receive a personal letter of appreciation and special-edition Harley-Davidson Challenge Coin made by the Franklin Mint. Challenge Coins are a unique and time-honored tradition in the military.

Customers will need to provide proof of military service (Veterans1 will need their DD Form 214, active military discharge document) to qualify for purchase. Eligible military service includes active duty personnel (including National Guard and Reserves), veterans and immediate family members of both of those categories.

Harley-Davidson Military Highlights include:

* An estimated 20,000 motorcycles, most of them Harley-Davidsons, took part in World War I. Corporal Roy Holtz of Chippewa Falls, Wisc., was photographed as the first American riding into Germany after the signing of the Armistice in 1918.
* During World War II, Harley-Davidson produced approximately 90,000 WLA military models used on virtually every front, and the Company received the Army-Navy “E” Awards for excellence in wartime production.
* Many Harley-Davidson customers and dealers are military veterans, and it is estimated that about 14 percent of Harley-Davidson U.S. employees are veterans. The Company has supported community events such as the Rolling Thunder Rid

 

sweet...

 

Go with the Sportster 1200.

Would the Sportster 883 work? Sure! But it seems that most people end up wanting a boob job anyway (got that term from another poster... classic)!

I'm thinking about doing the same within a year or so (going up to the 1200). That is, if I haven't found the FXWG I want yet.

 

Yep, he's correct as I have a 2002 Sporty XL1200C as I'm 6'-2" and 300 lbs. Very comfortable ride except that I got a low profile LePera seat that is sometimes not comfty when I endure rough and bumpy roads.

 

Hi,
Jimmy D - 6'-3" 270 lbs or 19.2857 stone.
I have the 06 1200custom. Forward controls.
Bought the spanner wrench and jacked up the rear shocks from the factory setting.
Love it, fit great. Will get a new seat.

I bought the 1200 because I wanted to drive my wife around with me. I was fearful that the 883 would have problems on hills and thinks like that. So instead of doing a conversion, I went with the 1200.

Other guys my size mocked me when I bought a sportster, until they sat on it. Then they thought it was cool.

Then I put a set of drag bars on, with the help of some good folks here. I love the ride, and feel like a bad A$$.

Look at the photos in my picture library.

 

Sweet scooter man.

Love the drag bars.

 

Go with the 1200. It is like a $900 difference. In the end you'll be glad you did. Especically if you're a big guy and want to go two-up. I almost got a 883. And those are great bikes -- NOTHING wrong with them whatsoever. I just knew I'd want the 1200 so I just got her.

I'm 6'2" 190lbs and the 1200R fits me nicely.

Girls bike my ***! It has the highest seat of any Harley that I know of and 1200 cc's is no girlie bike. I actually fit nicer on the sporty frame than I do a lot of the Dynos and Softtails.

Hell, my next bike will probably be a Street Glide. Have the Sporty and a Street Glide. That would be fat to be able to chose one over the other depending on where I am driving and what I am doing! Of course, this is several years off in dreamland.