A deal this time of year may be a bit more difficult, but do-able. Make sure you demand a black seat and both tires to be included in the purchase price. Those buggers will try anything to make a buck!

LOL ... In all seriousness...Good luck with your purchase and welcome to the HD family!

 

Actually the 883 EVO Sportster (and the 1200 EVO as well) were only introduced in 1986.

When the Sportster was introduced in 1957 it came with the 55 CI (901.3 CC) Ironhead engine.

In 1972 the Ironhead engine was increased in size to 61 CI (which is just over 999 CC).

The factory "rounded" these displacement numbers off to 900 CC and 1000 CC for advertising, and that's the figure most use in reference to the "900 CC and 1000 CC Ironhead engines".

The Ironhead engines have almost nothing in common with the current day EVO engines. Completely different animals, externally and internally.

For what it's worth, the orignal 1952 "K" model had a 45.12 CI engine, which is 739.4 CC.

The "KH" and "KHK"models from 1954 until the "Sportster" was released in 1957 had a 54.2 CI engine, which is 888.2 CC.

About the only thing you can compare when talking about Ironhead and EVO engine's isdisplacement.

It's like comparing apples to radishes. LoL...

 

Both are great bikes but in all fareness if you explore these forums you will read many posts where the person wished they had bought the 1200 instead of the 883. I don't recall ever seeing a post from someone who bought the 1200 and wished they had bought an 883. Also, keep in mind you should recover the difference in purchase price when you sell.

I also second buying a used bike. I bought a one year old 1200 C with 1300 miles on it. Considering all the accessories that were on it the original owner lost close to $4,000.00. I might add that the bike was and still is perfect. Also, when I say to buy used I'm talking about from a private party and not the dealer!!!!!!

 

DITTO [sm=smiley20.gif]

 

My last bike was a new 2001 883 but I bought the 883 to hop up with T-Storm heads etc etc. Ended up with 100rwhp. Otherwise I'd have gotten the 1200 to start; none of Harley's bikes are exactly horsepower monsters stock. Definately take the course; my buddy did before his first bike and I was real impressed with the ability it gave him in so few miles. Lots of used clean low milers out there for cheap...my next would be used as is my present bike (FXDXT...no longer available anyway) Only gotta figure if you want foreward controls (Custom) or mid controls (Roadster, etc). Had more fun solo on the Sporty but needed the FXDXT for two up.

 

I bought my 07 1200r 2 weeks ago 9,020 including first service free, security system and a coupon for that you can use 6 time for 15% off on parts and clothing. Spring times a bad time to deal but if they want to make a sale they will work with you to get a satisfied customer.

 

Very true...

Can't remember the last time I saw a thread asking about what is involved to do a 1200 to 883 conversion. [8D]

 

I just bought a brand new 883 and it's plenty of bike for me. I rode a sportbike for a year and the 883 has plenty of power to keep me happy. You can always convert the 883 to 1200 if you want more power cheaper than buying a 1200. I would buy an 883 and never look back.

 

The "low" models do not have a "lower center of gravity" The bike is just lower in the suspension. The frame is the same. The upper and lower levels of the bike are lower, but the "center" of the weight is the same. Now, if you're a tall person, the 883L or 1200L might feel easier to handle the top heavy nature of the Sportster, but the bike itself has the same center of gravity, just the heavy top part of the bike is a little bit lower.

I bought a low model, just because I preferred the looks. I have to admit, if a Roadster had been in inventory anywhere around when I was buying, I probably would have purchased it.

 

buy which ever bike speaks to you . Im not going to compare apples to oranges here , all I will say is I like to ride hard and fast and for me the 1200r is the right bike. It fits my riding stlye and feels the most comfortable of the sportster line up for my self.
and that is the bottom line ,it is what suits me, for other people it could very well be the biggest pain in the rear they ever had.
good luck I hope you find the bike that is right for you and after you take the msf I hope you get to enjoy some time with your knees in the breese.