I've been wanting to a bike for as long as I can remember... but I really only can afford something in the sportster family price range. I may finance but would like to pay it off cash ($6000-$8000)

I really like the forty eight but hate the small 2gal. gas tank... and the iron883 & nightster are really nice too.

My questions, I've heard that on bikes with mid mounted footpegs that they vibrate pretty bad.... Im 6'4, I havent set on a 883 yet but feel like the bike will be a tad too small for me... Anyone else around my size and ride one of these sporters?

Is the 883 lacking in power compared to the 1200? Does anyone know if Harley will cut deals for Military?

Ill post more questions when I think of them, Thanks!

 

If it was me, I'd be looking for an older Evo in good condition for that kind of money. I'd rather have something with sufficient power that fit me, rather than something new, underpowered and uncomfortable. It also depends on the kind of riding you'll be doing. I wouldn't mind having a Sporty if all I did was around-town and local riding. I do a lot of both short and long-distance riding, so I went with a Softail. I wouldn't compromise for lack of $$. Now is a good time to buy a good used bike for less. It's a buyers market, for sure.

 

Most riding will be within 5-40 miles one way.... Im sure since my dad rides too, We'll take a long trip every once in a while.

He has an 07 heritage softail classic and It's nice.. but I dont really want a bike that heavy, right now anyways.

Ive heard the irons have "decent" power... and Ive seen some really good deals on them, 07-09 iron's for $5-6K with less than 8K miles... but like you said, I dont think they'd be very comfortable for distance.. From their looks, it seems you'd have to lean forward to hold the bars.

 

If you are 6'4" you might want to consider looking in the Dyna family for starters, not the sportster. My dad is a pretty short dude, about 5'3" and has ridden sportsters since their beginning long long ago. I am not really "tall" at 5'11" but I felt the sporty was a little too cramped for me. Just my $.02. Good luck, but wanting advice for "what bike is right for me" is almost as difficult to answer as which woman is right for me.... I hope you find one you like, but I feel you might "out grow" the sporty quickly, especially with your height. Thanks for your service... Be safe.

 

Yeah, I understand it's a hard topic.. I was more or less wanting to know if they're as cramped as they look! haha.

My favorite harley is a wide glide! I'd take a street bob though! my only problem is getting financed without a job since im in school 10 hours a day.. come tax time, I'll have enough for a street bob but dont want to spend every penny I have for a bike.

 

My two cents, ride your dads heritage. Make sure what ever bike you spend your 6-8 grand is the one you love. I have seen way to many guys buy a bike to start on and wish the had gone bigger. You are a tall guy, look for a bike with forward controls. Please spend your money on the bike you really want, sporster,dyna or whatever,WR.

 

bottom line you will look silly on any sportser

 

Like this?

 

I'm 6'4" tall and bought a Dyna Wide Glide with forward controls, then extended them 3" to be comfortable.

If you walk into a Harley dealer with a military ID, I doubt it will make a difference. The military does have a motorcycle purchase program, but I don't know if that is only for those that are overseas.

 

I'm 6'0 and I'm very comfortable on my Sportster w/ forward controls. At 6'4 though I think maybe you should look for a used Dyna. Should be a much better fit w/o being a HUGE bike and could probably be had for your budget. If you MUST have a Harley that will probably be the way to go. There are Metrics available for the price you want to spend that have larger frames and more room than a Sporty for the same $$$ but seeing as how you're on a Harley forum I don't think you'll get very many recommendations for one on here. Personally, I LOVED the Suzuki M50. The Yamaha V-Star 950 is a great looking bike too but I haven't checked one out yet in person.

W/ the newer rubber mounted bikes vibration really isn't an issue at all so I wouldn't worry too much about that. That's more of a leftover stereotype from when Harleys would shake themselves to death just pulling out of the drive. things have changed.

Is the 883 underpowered? An 883 will run a 14 second 1/4 mile which is probably quicker than most of the cars/truck we all drive when we're not on our bikes. It will easily do in excess of 100mph as well. So is it under powered, No.
Is it underpowered compared to a 1200, absolutely.

The best advice I can give is to go to the showroom (it's the place in the Harley dealer past all of the coffee mugs, t-shirts, jackets, patches, toilet seats and other crap) and sit on a few bikes and see what feels right. Even if you have to buy used sit on a new Dyna or Softail or whatever. They really haven't changed much in size so you'll know what a used one will feel like. If you want to broaden your horizons, look into other dealers as well. There are a lot of great bikes out there that don't carry a Harley badge.