Am I too big for a Sportster?
Novice
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I'm 6' 190lbs and I'm comfortable on my '07 sportster 883. I have forward controls installed which helps on long rides. It carries my wife and I without any trouble. My only complaint is the gearing on the 883 is too low. I hit fifth gear at 55mph and by 75 the motor is revving too much and has no power left at that rpm.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
If you are buying a new 2013 Iron its almost the end up the year, if you can hold out I'm sure you could get a new 2013 in 2014 a little cheaper or you could get a new 2014 model. I'm 5'11, 172 and I have no problems started riding on my Iron and I love it. Lacks top end speed if you are looking for that just a heads up. Around town though 0-80 is more than fast enough for me to enjoy. I just ride with a buddy who has an R6 and 2005 Buell so the highway they tend to fly past me if they want.
Also really think about what you are looking to get out of the bike. Do you want to ride twisties or are you looking to just straight cruise solo or with your girl? Do you like the bobber/chopper/cafe etc... styles? Styling isn't terribly important off the bat but it would make sense to have some kind of thought about it because each ride slightly different.
Also really think about what you are looking to get out of the bike. Do you want to ride twisties or are you looking to just straight cruise solo or with your girl? Do you like the bobber/chopper/cafe etc... styles? Styling isn't terribly important off the bat but it would make sense to have some kind of thought about it because each ride slightly different.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 1,202
From: river
You are not to big. If its your first bike, you can pick up used ones for about 3500 to 4500. That kind of money will buy you a decent bike 883 or 1200. Just a thought before you drop a load of money. Good luck! I weigh 220 on my sporty, you are good to go.
i guess i take the cake here 6' 2" 330lbs some say i look stupid others say i look fine... in the end i feel comfortable on it...and to be honest with you i have much more control over the bike since my weight and size help me control it over heavy bumps and turns
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
I'm also thinking, since I'll be a beginner I should get a cheaper sporty since I may dump it? Then once I'm more confident get a newer bike? I mean there are a lot of Sportsters around my area going for $3-4K. And even If I am a good rider, I could always make this bike look the way I want it...just need the $
