Hey guys! Want to thank ya'll for the great input you gave. Alot told me to "go for it" (Sportster 883)...others said to get a used cycle. Well, my husband now thinks I should get a 1200 (hey, I'm not complaining)! Started looking for a used one on ebay in my area just to get an idea... I'm gonna go to drivers trg school, take the second class given by HD, and then look for a cycle. No sense in buying one before I can drive it...even if I did find a great price on ebay! Wow, went to dealer the other day and just sitting on it gave me a thrill! I've decided to go for a used cycle. Not only can I get a good cycle, but it's alot less expensive than buying a new one!

My daughter knows a guy who drives his to/from work everyday and on weekends. He says HDs "rattle" and "are high maintenance". Is this true?

 

Rattle? Sure, they vibrate, and if you don't have the bits tightened properly to begin with, they will rattle... Locktite is your friend.

Legend has it, anything that falls off, you probably didn't need it anyway.

High maintenance? Well, it's more then just put gas in it and drive like the car.
Kinda depends on how -used- of a used bike you get, but you have to pay attention
to it. 883 is plenty for in town and country back roads, but if you plan to hop on the
freeway and do 75 for hours on end, go 1200.

Hogdoctor

 

Some shake and vibrate, rattle, leak oil, are noisy, irritate the neighbors. Just part of being a Harley. I've had cars and trucks that drove me crazy keeping them running. And I've had bikes that just keep on going. The 1200 will have a little more power than the 883 which is always a good thing.

 

The newer models are much better then the older,in both categories.

 

Hi Countrygirl from Spain. The HD's not rattle, the Hd's vibrate a little by it have a great motor, and make a celestian noise for a biker. It is the atractive
and the soul of our machines.

The maintenance like other cycles, The mine only gas, oil, and brush the cromeds
If you want a soft behavior I think you not looking for a HD you look for a Japanese cycle

I recommend a HD, the Sporter 1200 is a great machine and you will not repent.

Regards and Luck

 

The school is a great choice. They all have some vibration.

 

maintenance is ok,abt the rattle,the newer models have the vibration less
and believe me after a few weeks u will not notice it anymore,what made me worry
was some "clunky" noise while shifting,but I hear it's also something that most of the HD have.

 

Used is a great choice. So much bike for your money right now. Maintenance, not an issue usually on newer models. I'm not familiar with the Sportsters but I'd stay in the 2000's with EFI and you shouldn't have much trouble. If you are OK with the size of the 1200, get it. More power and fuel capacity is a good thing. Get the biggest you are comfortable on. As for vibration, hopefully it's just enough....

 

Hey countrygirl, the 1200 is a good bike. Depending on your height, you might want to look at a 1200L, low ride. The stock seat has to go though. It is like sitting on marble. Good luck.

 

90 and up on the year modles,883 is O K for running around town,and short trips on the hiway.but like Hogdoctor said the 1200 is better suited for extended trips. All harleys vibrate,but they don,t rattle. Just beware when buying anything used,which I'am sure you already know. And young lady keep us informed,and remember you control the cycle,it dosen't control you.