I'm thinking about getting back into riding after a quarter century plus. My initial thought was to go with a touring frame bike so that I could do anything and everything. I'm still looking at options but am now looking at all options. Someone suggested not using an 800 pound tourer as my re-entry bike and on some levels that sounds like good advice.

Looking at it from that standpoint, I could start back on something much lighter and less expensive. I could do a lot of the <200 mile rides I expect most of my riding to be anyway. If I really enjoy it and really get back into the skills I could then upgrade in a year or so to a bike on which I could do Daytona/Laconia/Sturgis/whatever.

In the Sportsters I'm liking the looks and the specs on the 883L and 1200C bikes for their better fuel economy and light (comparatively) weight. I really like the looks of the 72 but not with that fill up at every other corner 2.1 gallon tank. If it had a real fuel tank it might surpass the other two. Anyway, thoughts and comments on this path of re-entry?

 

1. motorcyle safety course as a refresher
2,. 1200 is a better choice for someone who has ridden before, imo. you are more likely to keep a 1200 longer
3. 1200 can be tuned for either economy or to fly - 883 is a nice bike but just doesnt have the big road abilities of the 1200. that plus once you get used to it, you would likely just want to move the 883 up to 1200...

 

1200c IMO but word of advice,this is the wrong section to say "upgrading" from a Sportster....some of us feel it's a down grade to go to a heavy lead sled...they are nice bikes and all but some of us bought the bike we wanted in the 1st place

 

You can do whatever you want. The past year I have done various single day trips of 600 miles, on my Sportster. You don't need a Touring bike to tour.

Edit: I guess I should answer your question! I'd say 1200C, but I am biased. I like chrome and the bigger tank is great.

 

We looked at a 1200R first but then my wife saw this green 1200C and that was that and it's still a great choice. I am 5' 9" and currently 201 lbs, the bike is a perfect fit.

 

I had never rode before buying my nightster.....Couldn't imagine if I'd gone with the 883. 1200 is perfect for newbies, vets, or anyone in between. Obviously I'm voting 1200...

 

XLC all the way...

 

You already know how to ride don't be afraid of a bigger bike if that is what you want
get either one just make sure its the one you want not the one 50 people on here say you have to have

 

same here nightster is my first bike and sooo glad it has the 1200.

 

Never read about people converting 1200 to 883. Lots of threads going the other way tho.