Finally rode an HD
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 1
From: NY
Finally rode an HD
Stopped at my buds house over the weekend after work and he let me take his '06 Sporty out. I cannot believe how much of a better ride it was than my '03 Shadow. If it wasn't 40 degrees or I was dressed properly I would still be out on it. I loved my old Honda and had a blast on it, but I don't think I will ever get a metric again now that I know how the HD rides. I knew I was getting an HD, but now it's confirmed. Now to decide between the 883 or the 1200. His was a 1200 and the power suprised me a little, but I loved it. Might want to get the 883 and keep the lower insurance though. A few people told me that the 883 will not keep the resale value like a 1200, but quite frankly I'm not getting it to sell down the line. Now if I can only get that settlement from my accident. Dying to replace my bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 678
Likes: 2
From: Illinois_non-chicago
RE: Finally rode an HD
My insurance is $198/yr and can be scaled down in the winter to just storage insurance and will save you a little bit dont let that stop
you from getting the one you really wont
[IMG]local://upfiles/19408/EF6B6910077E4B40BC3208B9A69EEDA1.jpg[/IMG]
you from getting the one you really wont
[IMG]local://upfiles/19408/EF6B6910077E4B40BC3208B9A69EEDA1.jpg[/IMG]
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Umatilla,Fl.
RE: Finally rode an HD
Although I have never had an 883 I cant imagine that the insurance is that much lower then on a 1200.And if you liked the power of the 1200 then I suggest thats what you go with.Sure you can upgrade the 883 but why have to do that when you can have the 1200 allready.I rode my father in laws 2001 883 when he was here and there is a lot of differnce between the stock 883 and the 1200.
This is just my opinion which others may not agree with.But either way its your bike so as long as your happy get the one you want
This is just my opinion which others may not agree with.But either way its your bike so as long as your happy get the one you want
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: Finally rode an HD
My advice would be to go with the 1200 unless you have plans of doing a 1200 conversion to an 883 motor. Personally, to me that's too much bother and expense. I'm happy with the 1200 out of the box, plus a few bolt on mods, exhaust, A/C, etc. Good luck and glad you fell in love with the Harley.....
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 4
RE: Finally rode an HD
I had a Honda shadow before I bought my Sporty. Honda makes some nice bikes but the Shadow line (and Honda motorcycles in general) now seem to be a secondary focus for this large company.
I finally decided to move on after seeing their lackluster offerings in 2006 - all Harleys are Fuel Injected now - at least I know they are putting the RD dollars in their bikes and continually updating the technology. The shadow line remains carbed with all of about 4 colors per model and at most a handful of mfg. options. Walk into a Honda dealership these days and to be honest - it's almost depressing.
I'd recommend the 1200 - and personally I like the FI.
Just my .02..
I finally decided to move on after seeing their lackluster offerings in 2006 - all Harleys are Fuel Injected now - at least I know they are putting the RD dollars in their bikes and continually updating the technology. The shadow line remains carbed with all of about 4 colors per model and at most a handful of mfg. options. Walk into a Honda dealership these days and to be honest - it's almost depressing.
I'd recommend the 1200 - and personally I like the FI.
Just my .02..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 11
From:
RE: Finally rode an HD
I have the 1200R and pay $200 per year for insurance. Get the 1200. It is geared a little higher and has a good bit more power. If you get the 883 on the way home from the dealer you will start second guessing if you should have got the 1200.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
RE: Finally rode an HD
Do not make the mistake of buying a bike to slow for you.Without getting into specifics I can tell you from experiance it can be a frustrating, depressing,expensive mistake that you will regret for a long time.If you can afford it get the 1200 if you can't save your money till you can.Unless you're one of those gear heads that wants to build your own hot rod 1200 out of an 883 in that case never mind.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: White Rock BC
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Finally rode an HD
Go with the 1200, as it already comes with all the extra engine goodies.
More cubic inches, lighter pistons to increase the usable power band, high flow heads from the Buell XB line, hotter cams from the 1200 Sport, and the list goes on and on..
The 'factory horsepower ratings' are 53 for the 883, and 70 for the 2004+ 1200.
You aren't required to use the additional horsepower built into the 1200, but once you get your feet wet and become familiar with the bike you'll find yourself tapping into those additional ponies more and more often..
Besides that, I've never heard anyone with a 2004+ 1200 say that they wished they had gotten a 883 instead.
More cubic inches, lighter pistons to increase the usable power band, high flow heads from the Buell XB line, hotter cams from the 1200 Sport, and the list goes on and on..
The 'factory horsepower ratings' are 53 for the 883, and 70 for the 2004+ 1200.
You aren't required to use the additional horsepower built into the 1200, but once you get your feet wet and become familiar with the bike you'll find yourself tapping into those additional ponies more and more often..
Besides that, I've never heard anyone with a 2004+ 1200 say that they wished they had gotten a 883 instead.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,082
Likes: 8
RE: Finally rode an HD
From the sound of you jerks, 
it seems I must be stooooopid for enjoying the power I have in my 883. As a matter of fact, I never have any problems staying with anything short of a Crotch Rocket when riding the twisties. The lower gear in the 883 allows me to pull hard out of the corners and not be left behind. The only draw back I see of the 883 is the higher RPM's at Interstate Speeds. Go ahead Bro and feed yer Ego, thats all the 1200 will do for ya. Oh by the way, I know of 3 converted 883's, they will out run any factory 1200, due to lighter rotating mass, and lower gear ratio, and for 6-800 bucks it's done. And ya pay lower premiums for life. Keep it a few years and the Conversion pays for itself in saved insurance Premiums. Oh one other thing, Gas, the 883 runs on Regular, not a big deal but if ya talkin saving money, every penny saved is a penny earned. I have logged 20k miles on my 05 883 and never regret not having a 1200, and have no desire to convert. Like I said, feed the Ego with the 1200. It's a Piglet, Half a Harley or a Girls Bike, don't stoop so low as to actually Ride a 883! And be Proud of it to boot!!!!!!!
it seems I must be stooooopid for enjoying the power I have in my 883. As a matter of fact, I never have any problems staying with anything short of a Crotch Rocket when riding the twisties. The lower gear in the 883 allows me to pull hard out of the corners and not be left behind. The only draw back I see of the 883 is the higher RPM's at Interstate Speeds. Go ahead Bro and feed yer Ego, thats all the 1200 will do for ya. Oh by the way, I know of 3 converted 883's, they will out run any factory 1200, due to lighter rotating mass, and lower gear ratio, and for 6-800 bucks it's done. And ya pay lower premiums for life. Keep it a few years and the Conversion pays for itself in saved insurance Premiums. Oh one other thing, Gas, the 883 runs on Regular, not a big deal but if ya talkin saving money, every penny saved is a penny earned. I have logged 20k miles on my 05 883 and never regret not having a 1200, and have no desire to convert. Like I said, feed the Ego with the 1200. It's a Piglet, Half a Harley or a Girls Bike, don't stoop so low as to actually Ride a 883! And be Proud of it to boot!!!!!!!