Harley Sportster 883 Low--good first bike?
#31
10-15-2009 | 10:59 AM
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
When I started riding again, I picked up an old Marauder 800 that is pretty much the same bike as the M50 you're looking at. In my opinion, it's likely the best smaller metric for someone with long legs. As bad as I wanted a Sporty, it just didn't feel comfortable.
After getting comfortable riding the marauder, I sold it to a friend for what I paid for it. In the time I had it, I had a lot of fun and am glad I went that route. For one thing, after riding the Marauder for a year and a half, I had a much better idea of what Harley I wanted. Also, having a bike let me take my time finding a great deal.
After getting comfortable riding the marauder, I sold it to a friend for what I paid for it. In the time I had it, I had a lot of fun and am glad I went that route. For one thing, after riding the Marauder for a year and a half, I had a much better idea of what Harley I wanted. Also, having a bike let me take my time finding a great deal.
#32
10-15-2009 | 11:35 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 0
From: East TN.
A guy your size a Sportster (any model unless you mod the fire out of it) will fill cramped once you start doign some goo dtrips....Go for a mid sized bike, best way to figure out which one is for you is to GO RIDE THEM!!! RIDE THEM ALL...
I would suggest in this ORDER: HD, VICTORY, Kawi, Honda, Suzuki, and then Yammerhammer....But ride them all and see what fits you the best...
Good luck in your decision!!!
I would suggest in this ORDER: HD, VICTORY, Kawi, Honda, Suzuki, and then Yammerhammer....But ride them all and see what fits you the best...
Good luck in your decision!!!
#33
10-15-2009 | 12:42 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 5
From: Norfolk VA
I was in your shoes around February.
I had never ridden a bike, but I wanted to.
I knew I wanted a Harley and I went with an Iron 883.
I took the MSF course in March and never looked back.
I've never dropped my bike or done any damage to it.
All the sportsters are a little top heavy so maneuvering at slow speeds can take some getting used to.
IMO the only thing that makes a Sporty a beginners bike is the price tag.
I love my bike, I'm 5'8" 190lbs and I haven't outgrown it.
I plan on test driving a dyna and soft tail, but I doubt I'll trade my sporty in (note, I didn't say up).
The sporty has power and handling, but little comfort and no storage.
I did a 1500mi run with a stock seat and throw over saddle bags.
It kicked my butt.
Then I upgraded the seat and got a windshield.
Went on a 600mi run and had NO discomfort.
The windshield helps with wind fatigue and the seat with comfort.
Take the MSF course, then go look at bikes.
Some people outgrow a Sporty quickly but I fell in love and I'm keeping mine.
If you plan on doing long rides you either need to spend some more Harley tax on making it comfortable or buy a bigger bike.
$1000 in mods is cheaper than $18,000 for a softail.
The other way I looked at it is 5 days out of the week I'll only be riding around town. Only on weekends will I be able to make the long trips.
So I stuck with my Iron since it's built for the type of riding I do the most.
I had never ridden a bike, but I wanted to.
I knew I wanted a Harley and I went with an Iron 883.
I took the MSF course in March and never looked back.
I've never dropped my bike or done any damage to it.
All the sportsters are a little top heavy so maneuvering at slow speeds can take some getting used to.
IMO the only thing that makes a Sporty a beginners bike is the price tag.
I love my bike, I'm 5'8" 190lbs and I haven't outgrown it.
I plan on test driving a dyna and soft tail, but I doubt I'll trade my sporty in (note, I didn't say up).
The sporty has power and handling, but little comfort and no storage.
I did a 1500mi run with a stock seat and throw over saddle bags.
It kicked my butt.
Then I upgraded the seat and got a windshield.
Went on a 600mi run and had NO discomfort.
The windshield helps with wind fatigue and the seat with comfort.
Take the MSF course, then go look at bikes.
Some people outgrow a Sporty quickly but I fell in love and I'm keeping mine.
If you plan on doing long rides you either need to spend some more Harley tax on making it comfortable or buy a bigger bike.
$1000 in mods is cheaper than $18,000 for a softail.
The other way I looked at it is 5 days out of the week I'll only be riding around town. Only on weekends will I be able to make the long trips.
So I stuck with my Iron since it's built for the type of riding I do the most.
#34
10-16-2009 | 05:14 PM
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I've had a couple of sportys and liked them. I've also had a couple of FLHs and liked them even more. I ride an 883 Low at work. We replaced our patrol Hondas with the H-Ds earlier this year and I was the first class to go thru training with them.
My opinion of this particular bike is if this is your first bike, you'll be disappointed. The turning radius isn't all that good and really gave us fits thru the cone courses. The instructors and the full size guys both said the big bikes are easier to get thru the course. Biggest reason for this is the turning radius. With the bike so low to the ground it drags... alot. Even on patrol in the city I'm constantly dragging the kickstand. On the right side it's the muffler brackets. If you aren't used to this it can be unnerving. To me, I'm 6'1", the bike is small. I have a hard time getting comfortable on it for very long. Lastly, the bike rides hard. Not much suspension under it. I guess because it's lowered. Otherwise it's not a bad bike, runs well for what it is, good brakes and well it's an H-D!
Try the bike on for size, see what you think. Look at the regular 883 and the 1200's too. They might be a better fit. Used bikes are always a good choice. My main ride is a 2009 FLHTC. My other bike is an 07 Triumph Bonneville T100. Now that's a nice smaller bike. Rides good, not as tight fitting and miles ahead of the 883 in the handling department. Good late model bikes run in the $6,000 range used.
Good luck with your search
Rodger
My opinion of this particular bike is if this is your first bike, you'll be disappointed. The turning radius isn't all that good and really gave us fits thru the cone courses. The instructors and the full size guys both said the big bikes are easier to get thru the course. Biggest reason for this is the turning radius. With the bike so low to the ground it drags... alot. Even on patrol in the city I'm constantly dragging the kickstand. On the right side it's the muffler brackets. If you aren't used to this it can be unnerving. To me, I'm 6'1", the bike is small. I have a hard time getting comfortable on it for very long. Lastly, the bike rides hard. Not much suspension under it. I guess because it's lowered. Otherwise it's not a bad bike, runs well for what it is, good brakes and well it's an H-D!
Try the bike on for size, see what you think. Look at the regular 883 and the 1200's too. They might be a better fit. Used bikes are always a good choice. My main ride is a 2009 FLHTC. My other bike is an 07 Triumph Bonneville T100. Now that's a nice smaller bike. Rides good, not as tight fitting and miles ahead of the 883 in the handling department. Good late model bikes run in the $6,000 range used.
Good luck with your search
Rodger
Which reminds me: I was impressed with the Harleys I sat on yesterday, I think that down the line at least, it will be the bike for me.
#35
10-16-2009 | 05:20 PM
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I was in your shoes around February.
I had never ridden a bike, but I wanted to.
I knew I wanted a Harley and I went with an Iron 883.
I took the MSF course in March and never looked back.
I've never dropped my bike or done any damage to it.
All the sportsters are a little top heavy so maneuvering at slow speeds can take some getting used to.
IMO the only thing that makes a Sporty a beginners bike is the price tag.
I love my bike, I'm 5'8" 190lbs and I haven't outgrown it.
I plan on test driving a dyna and soft tail, but I doubt I'll trade my sporty in (note, I didn't say up).
The sporty has power and handling, but little comfort and no storage.
I did a 1500mi run with a stock seat and throw over saddle bags.
It kicked my butt.
Then I upgraded the seat and got a windshield.
Went on a 600mi run and had NO discomfort.
The windshield helps with wind fatigue and the seat with comfort.
Take the MSF course, then go look at bikes.
Some people outgrow a Sporty quickly but I fell in love and I'm keeping mine.
If you plan on doing long rides you either need to spend some more Harley tax on making it comfortable or buy a bigger bike.
$1000 in mods is cheaper than $18,000 for a softail.
The other way I looked at it is 5 days out of the week I'll only be riding around town. Only on weekends will I be able to make the long trips.
So I stuck with my Iron since it's built for the type of riding I do the most.
I had never ridden a bike, but I wanted to.
I knew I wanted a Harley and I went with an Iron 883.
I took the MSF course in March and never looked back.
I've never dropped my bike or done any damage to it.
All the sportsters are a little top heavy so maneuvering at slow speeds can take some getting used to.
IMO the only thing that makes a Sporty a beginners bike is the price tag.
I love my bike, I'm 5'8" 190lbs and I haven't outgrown it.
I plan on test driving a dyna and soft tail, but I doubt I'll trade my sporty in (note, I didn't say up).
The sporty has power and handling, but little comfort and no storage.
I did a 1500mi run with a stock seat and throw over saddle bags.
It kicked my butt.
Then I upgraded the seat and got a windshield.
Went on a 600mi run and had NO discomfort.
The windshield helps with wind fatigue and the seat with comfort.
Take the MSF course, then go look at bikes.
Some people outgrow a Sporty quickly but I fell in love and I'm keeping mine.
If you plan on doing long rides you either need to spend some more Harley tax on making it comfortable or buy a bigger bike.
$1000 in mods is cheaper than $18,000 for a softail.
The other way I looked at it is 5 days out of the week I'll only be riding around town. Only on weekends will I be able to make the long trips.
So I stuck with my Iron since it's built for the type of riding I do the most.
#36
10-16-2009 | 05:24 PM
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
A guy your size a Sportster (any model unless you mod the fire out of it) will fill cramped once you start doign some goo dtrips....Go for a mid sized bike, best way to figure out which one is for you is to GO RIDE THEM!!! RIDE THEM ALL...
I would suggest in this ORDER: HD, VICTORY, Kawi, Honda, Suzuki, and then Yammerhammer....But ride them all and see what fits you the best...
Good luck in your decision!!!
I would suggest in this ORDER: HD, VICTORY, Kawi, Honda, Suzuki, and then Yammerhammer....But ride them all and see what fits you the best...
Good luck in your decision!!!
#37
10-16-2009 | 05:31 PM
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
When I started riding again, I picked up an old Marauder 800 that is pretty much the same bike as the M50 you're looking at. In my opinion, it's likely the best smaller metric for someone with long legs. As bad as I wanted a Sporty, it just didn't feel comfortable.
After getting comfortable riding the marauder, I sold it to a friend for what I paid for it. In the time I had it, I had a lot of fun and am glad I went that route. For one thing, after riding the Marauder for a year and a half, I had a much better idea of what Harley I wanted. Also, having a bike let me take my time finding a great deal.
After getting comfortable riding the marauder, I sold it to a friend for what I paid for it. In the time I had it, I had a lot of fun and am glad I went that route. For one thing, after riding the Marauder for a year and a half, I had a much better idea of what Harley I wanted. Also, having a bike let me take my time finding a great deal.
Yes, I too was hell bent on the Harley Sportster, but found them slightly uncomfortable. The sales staff at the store felt I would be better off starting with a metric, as you guys call them, for a first bike. After this, if I still wanted a sportster, they said, go for the 1200. But they were especially keen on the Kawasaki 900 and the Suzuki M50. Their advice: pick the one which would be more comfortable on longer rides. They said that many people wind up feeling that the Kawasaki is a very nice rider for newbies like myself. I am happy I sat on the Harleys, because it cemented my feeling that I need to own one after I am used to riding. Thanks for telling me your experience.
#38
10-16-2009 | 05:33 PM
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I started riding a Ninja250 after completing MSF last year. I pick up my Sportster 1200 this past June and now have a choice of two bikes to ride. I am glad of the experience that I gained by ridding the little Ninja when I rode the Sportster home. At 6 foot and 145 pounds, I found it easier to get traffic experience on the light bike then the heavyer bike. YMMV
Some posters have stated that they were fine starting on bigger bike. My boss started on a Fat Boy. Test several bike and find one that works for you.
Some posters have stated that they were fine starting on bigger bike. My boss started on a Fat Boy. Test several bike and find one that works for you.
#39
10-16-2009 | 05:38 PM
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Aspire to a Harley. Drop a Yamaha. Spend a couple hundred on a used dirt/street combo that can take a beating. Take the dirt courses and learn to control your bike in conditions that try your skills.
Miz Roo has an 883 that she dearly loves, and she has a couple of years' under her belt with enduros and a Honda XL250. On our way to Sturgis South this year, she hit a patch of grass clippings that the county left on the road...right in a curve. She drifted and fishtailed enough to scare the rider behind her (who swore that she was gonna lay the 883 down). But her reflexes kept her upright and under control. Dirt training gave her those reflexes.
When you're ready to move up, get some instruction 1-on-1 on heavy bikes. They handle differently, especially when going slow. The msf class is essential as well, because it will teach you to control your machine in a sea of other drivers to whom you are completely invisible.
And your first Harley will be the one you can't stop thinking about. Ditto the second and third.
Miz Roo has an 883 that she dearly loves, and she has a couple of years' under her belt with enduros and a Honda XL250. On our way to Sturgis South this year, she hit a patch of grass clippings that the county left on the road...right in a curve. She drifted and fishtailed enough to scare the rider behind her (who swore that she was gonna lay the 883 down). But her reflexes kept her upright and under control. Dirt training gave her those reflexes.
When you're ready to move up, get some instruction 1-on-1 on heavy bikes. They handle differently, especially when going slow. The msf class is essential as well, because it will teach you to control your machine in a sea of other drivers to whom you are completely invisible.
And your first Harley will be the one you can't stop thinking about. Ditto the second and third.
