Female New Rider
#11
05-31-2017, 08:03 PM
#12
05-31-2017, 08:09 PM
Club Member
I'm looking at getting and 883 as my first bike. I love the look and older used models are within my price range. Friends have concerns about the weight and maneuverability of me on one. I'm 5'7" (all legs so I don't even have to worry about getting a low, I can still get my feet flat)130lbs and in decent shape. I just passed my MSF course on a Suzuki tu250 and did have some issues with slow tight maneuvering but considering I've never grabbed handle bars before I learned quick. Is the 883 a decent first bike to learn on even if I spend some quality time in a parking lot first?
BuzzCap7
#14
05-31-2017, 08:28 PM
I'm looking at getting and 883 as my first bike. I love the look and older used models are within my price range. Friends have concerns about the weight and maneuverability of me on one. I'm 5'7" (all legs so I don't even have to worry about getting a low, I can still get my feet flat)130lbs and in decent shape. I just passed my MSF course on a Suzuki tu250 and did have some issues with slow tight maneuvering but considering I've never grabbed handle bars before I learned quick. Is the 883 a decent first bike to learn on even if I spend some quality time in a parking lot first?
#15
05-31-2017, 08:34 PM
Why? For the extra $5K MSRP and another 100lbs of curb weight? Is there some sort of flaw in the Sportsters that will kill off all the new riders?
#16
05-31-2017, 08:36 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
#18
05-31-2017, 09:15 PM
#19
05-31-2017, 09:36 PM
Road Warrior
#20
05-31-2017, 09:43 PM
Several thoughts on the posts here.
I've had big twins and like the Sportsters much better.
If you want a Sportster, I wouldn't start over again with something like a Rebel.
You want to become familiar with a bike to the point that everything becomes second nature, where it seems natural without even thinking about it.
Developing a relationship with a bike (or a specific line of bike) will do that.
And I agree with JesseDyna - although it's not something you should focus on,
even very experienced riders can drop a bike.
If you buy a used Sportster in very good shape, if you drop it, it will be less trauma
than dropping a new one.
And while I think engine guards look a bit dorky, they can protect your investment while you're learning, and you can always take it off later if you choose to.
I've had big twins and like the Sportsters much better.
If you want a Sportster, I wouldn't start over again with something like a Rebel.
You want to become familiar with a bike to the point that everything becomes second nature, where it seems natural without even thinking about it.
Developing a relationship with a bike (or a specific line of bike) will do that.
And I agree with JesseDyna - although it's not something you should focus on,
even very experienced riders can drop a bike.
If you buy a used Sportster in very good shape, if you drop it, it will be less trauma
than dropping a new one.
And while I think engine guards look a bit dorky, they can protect your investment while you're learning, and you can always take it off later if you choose to.