2011 883 Iron vs 2011 883 Superlow for first bike?
Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
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Superlow
I'm 20. I started riding a 250 last may, then made the jump to an Iron as my first 'real' bike. I thought i was going to ride it everyday and everywhere. And I did. But now that it is winter, and I'm off the bike, I have been thinking about how dangerous it seemed being on the Iron ALL THE TIME. It has terrible suspension, and I have been nearly bucked off a few times, being 5'10, and weighing only 130. Not only am I worried for my safety, but also the condition of the bike, hitting big bumps at high speeds. I am hesitant to take the bike anywhere I haven't been before.
I have decided to fix it up like a classic Sportster and NOT use it as a primary summer vehicle. It will be a recreational vehicle. One day, when I have the money, I would like to buy something more practical. But, to me, the Iron is all about the looks, not the comfort. The bumps don't hurt me, being young, (they hurt my dad though) they scare me. If the Superlow has better suspension, I would say go with that, since you will be riding frequently, and you are a new rider.
I have decided to fix it up like a classic Sportster and NOT use it as a primary summer vehicle. It will be a recreational vehicle. One day, when I have the money, I would like to buy something more practical. But, to me, the Iron is all about the looks, not the comfort. The bumps don't hurt me, being young, (they hurt my dad though) they scare me. If the Superlow has better suspension, I would say go with that, since you will be riding frequently, and you are a new rider.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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I have been thinking about how dangerous it seemed being on the Iron ALL THE TIME. It has terrible suspension, and I have been nearly bucked off a few times, being 5'10, and weighing only 130. Not only am I worried for my safety, but also the condition of the bike, hitting big bumps at high speeds. I am hesitant to take the bike anywhere I haven't been before.
that's cool that you feel that way, but in 16000 miles, I never felt like I was going to be bucked off. I'm 50 lbs heavier than you are though.
You guys do realize that some people ride around on hardtails, right? Often?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
Can't offer any advice? Just come on here to be a douche?
I stand by my statement. If the OP wants the ride of the SuperLow, but the looks of the Iron, it would be much easier to buy the SL and change the cosmetics. A lot harder than changing springs, forks, triple trees, wheels, tires, and oh yeah, steering head geometry. That's why I say that Harley should do the ride upgrade to the entire Sportster line.
I stand by my statement. If the OP wants the ride of the SuperLow, but the looks of the Iron, it would be much easier to buy the SL and change the cosmetics. A lot harder than changing springs, forks, triple trees, wheels, tires, and oh yeah, steering head geometry. That's why I say that Harley should do the ride upgrade to the entire Sportster line.
Last edited by veritas.archangel; Jan 19, 2011 at 03:36 PM.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Bama
Can't offer any advice? Just come on here to be a douche?
I stand by my statement. If the OP wants the ride of the SuperLow, but the looks of the Iron, it would be much easier to buy the SL and change the cosmetics. A lot harder than changing springs, forks, triple trees, wheels, tires, and oh yeah, steering head geometry. That's why I say that Harley should do the ride upgrade to the entire Sportster line.
I stand by my statement. If the OP wants the ride of the SuperLow, but the looks of the Iron, it would be much easier to buy the SL and change the cosmetics. A lot harder than changing springs, forks, triple trees, wheels, tires, and oh yeah, steering head geometry. That's why I say that Harley should do the ride upgrade to the entire Sportster line.
)) 
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
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From: Leesburg FL
Wow this thread got nasty quick. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I am going to test drive as many bikes I can around here before making the purchase. I know that for my first bike I want something smaller and both bikes fall into that category. For the guys who said I should not get a Harley for my first bike I have been to other dealers, I spent about an hour today at a Honda/Kawasaki dealer and I did like the look of the blacked out Vulcan, it just didn't appeal to me as much as a Harley.
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As important as the other considerations are, it is even more important to like your bike. When testing them, one will "pull" at you, and that is probably the right one to get. If you get something because you think you "should," you will never love it, and may never love riding...
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 158
Likes: 2
I did the classic noob move, I'd ridden (lifetime on a bike) maybe six miles on my brothers katana 600, hated it. I got a bug in my *** one day and went down the HD dealer looking for an Iron. They were out, but had a Superlow. I sat on it, everything felt like it was in the right place. Bought it right then. That was Oct 4th. Being in Buffalo, I only got about 700 miles on it before the snow flew.
I realize that was quite possibly the dumbest and least educated way to buy a motorcycle. And If given the chance to do it over again, I'd do the same thing. The Superlow has been a joy to ride. As a new rider, the bike has felt very good to me. I can't compare it to the Iron.... But I can tell you I like it.
I realize that was quite possibly the dumbest and least educated way to buy a motorcycle. And If given the chance to do it over again, I'd do the same thing. The Superlow has been a joy to ride. As a new rider, the bike has felt very good to me. I can't compare it to the Iron.... But I can tell you I like it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 567
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern KY.
I did the classic noob move, I'd ridden (lifetime on a bike) maybe six miles on my brothers katana 600, hated it. I got a bug in my *** one day and went down the HD dealer looking for an Iron. They were out, but had a Superlow. I sat on it, everything felt like it was in the right place. Bought it right then. That was Oct 4th. Being in Buffalo, I only got about 700 miles on it before the snow flew.
I realize that was quite possibly the dumbest and least educated way to buy a motorcycle. And If given the chance to do it over again, I'd do the same thing. The Superlow has been a joy to ride. As a new rider, the bike has felt very good to me. I can't compare it to the Iron.... But I can tell you I like it.
I realize that was quite possibly the dumbest and least educated way to buy a motorcycle. And If given the chance to do it over again, I'd do the same thing. The Superlow has been a joy to ride. As a new rider, the bike has felt very good to me. I can't compare it to the Iron.... But I can tell you I like it.