Newbie question: what is too much engine?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Hello,
I am beginner with only some dirt bike and ATV experience. I am taking the MSF course thise month.
I am in the market for a bike and I think the Sportster is the right model for me.
I am stuck though on the 883 custom or 1200 custom?
I am afraid the 1200 custom might be too much engine for me -- as a beginner -- and equally worried that the 883 might not be enough.
I am about 6'2", 190lbs and plan on riding solo most of the time -- but would like to ride two up after I am comfortable and have some experience.
Any advice someone could give me would be appreciated.
I am leaning towards the smaller engine, since it is my first bike. I dunno...I am lost in all the options. The only thing I DO know from going to the HD dealer -- is that the forward controls are for me, due to my size/frame.
Thanks ahead of time.
I am beginner with only some dirt bike and ATV experience. I am taking the MSF course thise month.
I am in the market for a bike and I think the Sportster is the right model for me.
I am stuck though on the 883 custom or 1200 custom?
I am afraid the 1200 custom might be too much engine for me -- as a beginner -- and equally worried that the 883 might not be enough.
I am about 6'2", 190lbs and plan on riding solo most of the time -- but would like to ride two up after I am comfortable and have some experience.
Any advice someone could give me would be appreciated.
I am leaning towards the smaller engine, since it is my first bike. I dunno...I am lost in all the options. The only thing I DO know from going to the HD dealer -- is that the forward controls are for me, due to my size/frame.
Thanks ahead of time.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 412
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From:
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
I dont think it so much the engine as how you are on the throttle.If you have any sense at all you could ride any bike out there. I would say you should be more concerned about averall weight of the bike and whether you can handle it .I have been riding several years and ride an 883 because I am not sure I can handle the extra weight of a bigger bike .I am 5 ft 8 and weigh 180.Others may disagree
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Well, I can handle the throttle on dirt bikes....but asphalt is a different beast.
The weight is a HUGE issue in my eyes, which lead me to a Sportster instead of Heritage Softail Classic. Even so, the Sportster is still heavy compared to many bikes. So I know I am going to have to be careful with it at low speeds and starts/stops.
I really liked the 1200C I looked at the other day. But if 883 is enough, I'd just as soon save the cash and put it into other things (chrome, accessories, etc).
The weight is a HUGE issue in my eyes, which lead me to a Sportster instead of Heritage Softail Classic. Even so, the Sportster is still heavy compared to many bikes. So I know I am going to have to be careful with it at low speeds and starts/stops.
I really liked the 1200C I looked at the other day. But if 883 is enough, I'd just as soon save the cash and put it into other things (chrome, accessories, etc).
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
True, the 1200 has more power, but the amount of power is controlled by the throttle.
The extra power does not have to be used.
To me it is better to have the additional power of the 1200 available if and when you want to use it instead of waiting until you are more experienced and comfortable with the bike and then doing the "1200 upgrade".
The 1200C already comes with higher performance heads, different cam's, and more displacement, torque, and horsepower than the 883.
The extra power does not have to be used.
To me it is better to have the additional power of the 1200 available if and when you want to use it instead of waiting until you are more experienced and comfortable with the bike and then doing the "1200 upgrade".
The 1200C already comes with higher performance heads, different cam's, and more displacement, torque, and horsepower than the 883.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Real simple - If money's not a concern than get the 1200. If you're on a budget, or want the best bang for yur buck then get the 883 and convert it if it's not enough. If the 883's not enough... don't make the mistake I made and convert it to a 1200 - go straight for the 1250 conversion and Stage II heads and I'm sure that you'll have PLENTY of power. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Personally, I don't believe you can ever have too much engine. Engine speed is controlled by the rider so it should not be a concern. The only way I can see an engine being too big is by weight. The bigger the engine, the heavier it is which can in turn lead to a harder handling bike. I think what you're really after is what bike will be easier for you to handle. Like yourself, I came from the dirt bike world where the bikes are light and fast, especially out of the hole. Either an 883 or a 1200 will be right for you as far as engine power goes. To be sure what you really want, go to your dealer, sit on the bikes, test ride them if you can and determine what is more comfortable to you and what feels better. Move the bikes back and forth and test the weight factor. Go with your gut feelings and the rest will fall into place. Don't worry solely about the number of cc's under your butt. Good luck.....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
If I were you I would go with the 1200...
You were talking about upgrades... it's not cheap... the engine side covers and valve covers alone are better a grand...
In the long run it would be better to start with the custom...
You will be surprised at how fast you will get use to the weight of the bike and it won't be long until you're saying, " Dang I wish I would have went with the 1200..."
If you're better than six foot.... forward controls are a must... in fact.... forward forward controls is even better....(2 inch extention of the forward controls)
Getting use to the balance of the bike takes time... get in a empty parking lot and weave through the painted parking places... soon you will be able to make tighter and tighter turns... it just takes getting use to how the bike feels when turning... practice....
Of course... this is just my humble opinion... with that and about a grand you can go buy some Harley Chrome....
Charlie D.
You were talking about upgrades... it's not cheap... the engine side covers and valve covers alone are better a grand...
In the long run it would be better to start with the custom...
You will be surprised at how fast you will get use to the weight of the bike and it won't be long until you're saying, " Dang I wish I would have went with the 1200..."
If you're better than six foot.... forward controls are a must... in fact.... forward forward controls is even better....(2 inch extention of the forward controls)
Getting use to the balance of the bike takes time... get in a empty parking lot and weave through the painted parking places... soon you will be able to make tighter and tighter turns... it just takes getting use to how the bike feels when turning... practice....
Of course... this is just my humble opinion... with that and about a grand you can go buy some Harley Chrome....
Charlie D.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 166
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From: Umatilla,Fl.
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Ok some here may not agree with me but here goes.Although the 883 and the 1200 are lighter then the other Harleys I have set on a wide glide and they are actually easier to lift up from the kickstand and easier to hold upright at a light.Not saying they are better and certainly not cheaper by any means.As far as forward controls you definalty will want them.I am 6 foot and 200lbs and I have forward controls and wish they were even a little farther forward.The 1200C is a faster bike with more power then the 883 but as said earlier you dont have to use all the power all the time.Its just nice to know you have it.So whatever you decide I hope you enjoy it and ride safe
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Just to throw in a new rider perspective, I went to the MSF course the first weekend in June and got a 1200C not long afterward. I looked at the 883 initially (and to his credit, the Harley sales guy showed that to me off the bat), and it was actually reading these forums that sold me on the 1200, not the hard sell at the dealership. As folks in here have said, extra power is only a problem if choose to use it, but it's nice to have it there when you so choose to use it, or downright need the power. On the weight side, I wasn't sure if you were thinking that the 1200 is a heavier bike than the 883. The dry weight on the 1200 is actually lighter than the 883 by about 5lbs, so extra weight with the larger engine on the Sportster is not a concern.
I'll admit that a part of me wanted a Fatboy or VRod, I didn't want to spend quite that much for my first motorcycle, and after seeing the Sportster at the dealership, I really liked the look and figured it was a nice compromise of price, style and weight so that it's been a very comfortable and fun ride that I plan to keep for a while. I have not felt like acceleration has been hard to control, but I've liked the fact that when I want to start going, this bike is very responsive.
Oh, and I'm about 5' 11" and 180 lbs so I'm not too far off your dimensions.
I'll admit that a part of me wanted a Fatboy or VRod, I didn't want to spend quite that much for my first motorcycle, and after seeing the Sportster at the dealership, I really liked the look and figured it was a nice compromise of price, style and weight so that it's been a very comfortable and fun ride that I plan to keep for a while. I have not felt like acceleration has been hard to control, but I've liked the fact that when I want to start going, this bike is very responsive.
Oh, and I'm about 5' 11" and 180 lbs so I'm not too far off your dimensions.