Still searching for the right sporty for the wife. What is the difference between the two of these? The blue book value is about $2000 different. Which would be the best for a new rider in your opinion? Thanks.

 

I think the Hugger is lower to the ground, the custom has more bling on it.

 

The hugger (now called the Low) sits about an inch lower in the seat but it has the more peanut tank so the front is actually IMO higher. The custom has the larger, slightly stretched tank (4.5 gals), forward controls, and an integrated riser/speedo bracket thingy that is pretty cool. I think either would be fine for a new rider. If your wife prefers forward controls then you would have to pick the custom because the low has mid controls. Otherwise they are the same bike. I love my custom but I am ready to move on. I will be trading it in about a week to 10 days but if you are interested, let me know. 2006 XL883C. It has Arlen Ness big sucker, V & H straightshots HS slip ons (sweet) and is correctly rejetted and tuned. It also has custom grips, pegs and quick release W/S (not shown in pic). 1800 miles right now. Sweet bike, looking for 6 3/4 Gs.

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My wife is 4'11" and 95lbs, bought her a 06' 883L then dropped it 2" with shocks from Lickscycles.
Two of are friends bought 1200 customs, no way she could ride that while learning.
Notice the tank dent, been dropped quite a few times (10?). Mostly before I lowered it.

[IMG]local://upfiles/18374/C4C88A4879F14317AFD8537C5C9E772A.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/18374/7F967E0685EF4EA6A6B6BD65DA51F29B.jpg[/IMG]

 

Customs and lows have the same rear shock, but the 21" front on the custom effectively raises the ride height a tad. Also the low's seat is sculpted into the frame, also lowering ride height.
I'm 5'2" and I easily flat foot my low, and now my hubby's custom's seat is well broke in, I could handle it comfortably. To start out on, it was just too far out of my comfort range to ride.
Also, the custom has a 4.5 gal tank and forward controls as opposed to the lows mid controls and 3.3 gal tank.