I want to get a small motorcycle and like the Sportster but have notice that a lot of people say buy a 1200 do not get a 883. I know there is a difference in cc but other than that. Why the 883 is now not good for some people.
Any advice will be apreciated

 

Its not that 1200 is a small bike, its a small HD. Its not that the 883 is a bad bike either. For the small diff in dollars, the 883 could be expensive next to the 1200 and a lot of people outgrow a Sportster in general. Not saying everyone, not saying you will. I rode a xl1200c for years and loved it.. Once I got the taste of big HD, well... The you have the price diff btwn a Dyna and a Sportie...

 

Advices you'll find in here:
1-Get a 883 and when you outgrow the power, upgrade the pistons to 1200cc or even 1275.
2-Ride both and choose.
3-Get a bigger bike. Sportsters are girls bike.

My take on those:
1-Keep in mind that there is much more to a 1200 than just de CCs. A xl1200 custom is one mighty fine and beautiful bike. And you will outgrow the power in weeks. Those are heavy bikes for their size. Plus unless you get it new, the upgrade will cost more than the diff between a used 883 and 1200.
2-Easier said than done.
3-Sportsters are ****ing awesome.

 

I ride a 1200. I haven't ridden an 883 but I would imagine it would be even more strained at highway speed. once I hit 5th gear, my 1200 is definitely straining to keep up. Other than the lack of a 6th gear and the horsies to go with it, I have no complaints with my 1200 sporty, its fun as hell and didn't break the bank. if your just looking for the smallest HD you can get your hands on, check out the Street. not my cup of tea but may be a viable option for you

 

Buy the 1200 then in two months when you want more it will be easier to sell

 

I've owned both. The bikes are almost identical except for displacement and gearing.

I've also traveled on both. Solo the 883 isn't a bad bike. I've done multi-thousand mile trips on 883s. The 1200 had significantly better passing power on the highway. It is also better equipped for 2-up riding. That said, they're both more than quite competent motorcycles.

 

Have you riden either one? If not that is the best thing you can do. Hey you may not like either one and lean more toward the Dyna or Softail families.

From my experience the 883's lose valve quicker than any.

Good luck with the shopping.

 

The Sportster must have gained a lot of weight and/or lost a lot of power since I had my 883 Deluxe 25 years ago. I don't recall the motor being "strained" in top gear (4 speed in those days), and I don't recall having trouble keeping up with the "big boys", either. Maybe the fact that I weighed about 145 back then helped.

I rode that that bike for five years and 41,000 miles. Loved every minute of it.

 

Nothing wrong with an 883!

I say buy what you want. If you are just looking for a smaller bike, and want a Harley, go try an 883! You may really love them!

Not everyone is obsessed with more power or pushing the limits. I like to just putt, I try not ever to be in a hurry on my bikes. Although I've owned Big Twins all my life, I picked up a Sportster for my wife last year. A 48, which is a 1200. In all honesty, that bike can almost be scary at times! LOL It's super quick and zippy. It's fun to ride, but if you are looking for less sporty, I can see an 883 being a great fit. In all honesty, the 1200 is probably too much for my wife currently... Which makes me sad that she's not enjoying it... But, at the same time it lets me enjoy it more often (Shhh, don't tell her!). But, I also have 35 years of riding experience. She has very, very little experience.

 

contrary to what the guys with the 'big' engines tell you, a 1200 sporty has a higher hp to weight ratio and will embarrass a lot of big twin riders. it will run out of steam quicker though, but if you don't want to cruise for a long while up near 100, you shouldn't have any problem.