I posted last week about trading my Kawa KLR 650 for a Sportster. Thanks for the responses. I test rode a 1200 Custom last Friday. I liked the engine but felt awkward on the bike, like I was just too big for it. I'm 5'11" and 195# which isn't that big but the Custom just felt too small. The only 883's he had were Lows. I felt like I was on a kids bike and didn't even bother riding one. I know I'm coming off of a very tall bike and it will take some getting used to but is the Sportser really aimed at shorter riders? I'm looking for an 883R but with none around, it would have to be ordered in. I hate to do that if I'm not going to feel comfortable on the bike. Thanks again and nice site.

 

It's obviously an individual thing, but I'm 6'1" 195 and ride an 883L. I'm quite comfortable while on the bike. I logged 15,000 miles on her the first year.

 

All I can tell you is that I'm 6'1" and I ride my 1200C. I have couple of mods. Changed factory bars to drag bars, Vance and Hines pipes, and fabricated my own brackets to move the forward controls forward 5". Before I moved the controls 5" I felt cramped, moving the controls made all the difference in the world. Sportster is a great bike, just have to make it your own....

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You can always get taller shocks but in reality the sportster custom is even taller than many of the other cruisers. I think you were just used to your previous bike. A change of the shocks, seat, bars and such are all that most folks do to suit their needs and size.

 

We are the exact same height/weight and I found the Custom to feel small. I went with the Roadster and forward controls. It feels like it should.

 

I'm 6'2" and I feel cramped at times. An engine guard and some highway pegs mounted on it fixed that for longer rides.

 

I am also 6'2" and ride an 883C I do have drag bars which seems to help me "stretch" out and the forward controls help. I have not felt cramped on the machine yet but I usually do about 100 miles then stop and walk a bit or just stand and take a short break before getting back on.

 

5'10, 180 and my 1200 C and I are a good match.

 

I am 6'3" and ride an 883C w/ forward controls. I can usually get about 200 miles before I start needing to stop and stretch at each fill up. I think the forward controls and the drag bars make a big difference.

 

6' even here 220 1200 low. Kinda cramped, but going forward controls helped alittle, I am gonna put on highway pegs and a drag bar and that should really help me out quite a bit.