Get a bike you like that fits you and is comfortable whether is be a sportster or any other bike you may want. The skills you learned apply to all bikes. I have a 1200 sportster custom and a Fatboy. Big difference in the center of gravity and performing low speed maneuvers. The sportster has a high center of gravity and is not quite as easy to perform low speed maneuvers. It is also one nimble machine and quick as well. Just my .02 cents but I'd go for the 1200 if you have your heart set on a sporty. You may tire of the lesser powered 883 after a short time. Be sure you practice the skills you learned in MSF course to become proficient. Most importantly be safe out there.

 

I learned to ride on a Honda CBR900 a real rocket ship for its day. I have owned a lot of bikes and none of them are as fun to ride as the Sportster.
Practice what you learned in the MSF class, always think safety first, get good gear and enjoy whatever you get.

 

I suggest you go to a dealer and sit on an 883 / 1200 sporty and feel the real weight of the bike. I think your going to be real surprised just what a couple 100 extra pounds feels like when you gradually lean it side to side in the showroom compared to the suzi.
Its a good place to start, you can get a few sales brochures on the bikes ,talk to the people there and try sitting on a couple of the other lighter cheaper models all in the one place And for free. Go home look up vids on YouTube see what other people are thinking before you spend a dime.
Now if I was a betting man I'd say you would be a street 750 gal

Welcome to the group ride safe and keep the rubber side down 🏍

Wiz

 

Welcome to HD Forums, Melissa. You may want to check out the Ladies section too. We have a lot of experienced ladies there that can help you.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-q...kers-only-139/

 

Welcome to the forum. Like others have said, good work on doing the MSF course ahead of time. I think the 883 is the way to go.

 

Consider a 1200 Sportster too.

A current 883 weighs 565, a 1200 about 587, 22 pounds more about 4% more weight.

A street 750 is around 489 lbs.

 

"Flaw in the Sportsters" would be an overstatement. Riders often buy one, learn to ride and in a few months sell/trade the Sportster, take a financial hit and then buy a bike that they can actually go some place on. "I should have bought one of these in the first place" or "this Dyna is easier to ride then that Sportster"

I did not read she wanted a Sportster. She asked for an opinion and we respond. It's what we do.

I don't own a Dyna or a Sportster, although I have. I read all all new posts and respond with an opinion or suggestion based on my experience. I hope this helps the OP to make a sound decision. It's what a forum does.

 

You are still in the wrong forum.

 

This is what she said...

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?

 

Rent one and check it out.