Which Sportster for the S.O.?
#1
10-23-2007 | 12:58 PM
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Which Sportster for the S.O.?
Me wifee is 5'9" and we're looking at Sportsters for her. Since she is relatively new to biking, I think the 883 versions would be the best. She'd be way too cramped on the 883 "Low". I like the looks of the XL883C. But, perhaps... for a first bike... does it make any sense at all, to start with the 1200 and she'll have room to grow as they say? She's pretty level headed so I don't see her using the extra power of the 1200 when she's not yet comfortable with it. And the other side is to start with a Dyna or Softtail but I'm really thinking the bigger 1584cc is TOO big for a 'beginner'.
Scott
Scott
#2
10-23-2007 | 01:07 PM
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From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
There's many women who are riding the dyna low riders. AlsoI know of a few who are riding lowered fat boys. The thing that's nice about having the extra power is even though most times you don't need it, when you do actually need it, it's sure nice to have it. So a 1200 is my recommendation in the sportster catagory. But it all depends on what type of riding she is gonna be doing.
First thing firstI recommend the MSF course.Then take a ride to the stealer and have her sit on a few to see how she feels on em. Then a few test drives are in order. You get the drift I'm sure.
First thing firstI recommend the MSF course.Then take a ride to the stealer and have her sit on a few to see how she feels on em. Then a few test drives are in order. You get the drift I'm sure.
#3
10-23-2007 | 01:09 PM
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
Both the 883 and 1200 are neat bikes. I have an 05 1200 C. My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator. My personal opinion is to get the 1200 but of course I would be biased. Another thing to consider is "bling-bling". Does she (or you) like chrome? Check the difference in the appearance of the engineon a 1200 C vs. the engine of an 883C. Personally I prefer the blacked out engine and the chromed covers. I also think you would make up the difference in cost at the time you sold the bike. Good luck.
#4
10-23-2007 | 01:20 PM
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From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
ORIGINAL: whaap
Both the 883 and 1200 are neat bikes. I have an 05 1200 C. My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator. My personal opinion is to get the 1200 but of course I would be biased. Another thing to consider is "bling-bling". Does she (or you) like chrome? Check the difference in the appearance of the engineon a 1200 C vs. the engine of an 883C. Personally I prefer the blacked out engine and the chromed covers. I also think you would make up the difference in cost at the time you sold the bike. Good luck.
Both the 883 and 1200 are neat bikes. I have an 05 1200 C. My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator. My personal opinion is to get the 1200 but of course I would be biased. Another thing to consider is "bling-bling". Does she (or you) like chrome? Check the difference in the appearance of the engineon a 1200 C vs. the engine of an 883C. Personally I prefer the blacked out engine and the chromed covers. I also think you would make up the difference in cost at the time you sold the bike. Good luck.
#5
10-23-2007 | 01:34 PM
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
ORIGINAL: zenwhipper
Me wifee is 5'9" and we're looking at Sportsters for her. Since she is relatively new to biking, I think the 883 versions would be the best. She'd be way too cramped on the 883 "Low". I like the looks of the XL883C. But, perhaps... for a first bike... does it make any sense at all, to start with the 1200 and she'll have room to grow as they say? She's pretty level headed so I don't see her using the extra power of the 1200 when she's not yet comfortable with it. And the other side is to start with a Dyna or Softtail but I'm really thinking the bigger 1584cc is TOO big for a 'beginner'.
Scott
Me wifee is 5'9" and we're looking at Sportsters for her. Since she is relatively new to biking, I think the 883 versions would be the best. She'd be way too cramped on the 883 "Low". I like the looks of the XL883C. But, perhaps... for a first bike... does it make any sense at all, to start with the 1200 and she'll have room to grow as they say? She's pretty level headed so I don't see her using the extra power of the 1200 when she's not yet comfortable with it. And the other side is to start with a Dyna or Softtail but I'm really thinking the bigger 1584cc is TOO big for a 'beginner'.
Scott
#6
10-23-2007 | 02:02 PM
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From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
I recommend that you have her sit on many different bikes: 1200C, Dyna Low, Softail Deluxe, Heritage.... Based on her height, a mid-control set-up (as on the DL) might feel too cramped for her. Unless price is a significant factor, I personally would steer clear of the 883, for the reasons that Whaap stated. Don't get me wrong, the 883 is a great bike for those who have a very clear price cap. Make sure that when she sits on a bike, she uses her standing leverage to help lift it. Most new riders sit on the bike.. then lift... and then think the bike is way too heavy. This is just something I have picked up from observing customers on the show-room floor.
#7
10-23-2007 | 02:03 PM
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From: Upstate NY
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
ORIGINAL: whaap
My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator.
My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator.
you need practice to be able to make the right decision in a split second.
this is MUCH harder to do on a more powerful and heavier bike.
example:
let's say she hits a pothole and it surprises her so she grabs a handful of throttle to hold onto the bike...
a 250cc ain't gonna pop a wheelie or buck her off, but my 1200R WILL do that if you redline it.
if i had started on my sporty instead of my (doggish) 750 shadow ace i would've been in trouble quite a few times.
a less powerful and lighter bike is more forgiving of mistakes, which is what a beginner needs.
let's say yourwife had never driven a car and just got her driver's permit...do you run out and buy her a Viper...i mean, it's the right foot that makes the car fast...she can control it and won't make any mistakes, right?
why exactly does every beginner course start on 300-400 lb bikes with low horsepower? it ain't just cause it's cheap...it's because beginners make mistakes and mistakes can be deadly on a bike.
just my .02$
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#8
10-23-2007 | 02:14 PM
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RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
I would really suggest a Deluxe over a Sporty. They are a much easier bike to ride because of the balance. This opinion may pi$$ off the Sporty riders, and that is not my intent. The sporty just rides higher, and to me, just feel top heavy. The wife had one years ago (before we met), because everyone TOLD her that was the bike she needed toupgrade to from a Honda Rebel. Well, that experience ended badly. She was afraid of anything else, because she had one bad experience, and the "big twin was just too much power to handle". Then, she had an eye for a Low Rider. I tried to get her on a Road King, but the extra weight scared her. I had her try a Heritage.. again she was scared. Then, (to my delight), a salesman suggested she try a Deluxe. She sat on it, and her face immediately lit up! She now has an '07 Deluxe.. had it for just over a year now, and couldn't be happier with ANY other bike.
If this is a TRUE first bike for someone with NO experience on 2 wheels, maybe a Honda 750 might be better for a year, and then go HOG wild.
If this is a TRUE first bike for someone with NO experience on 2 wheels, maybe a Honda 750 might be better for a year, and then go HOG wild.
#9
10-23-2007 | 02:18 PM
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From: Londonderry, NH
#10
10-23-2007 | 02:26 PM
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: Which Sportster for the S.O.?
ORIGINAL: celticgent
the problem with this logic is that a beginner doesn't have the instincts to control the bike.
you need practice to be able to make the right decision in a split second.
this is MUCH harder to do on a more powerful and heavier bike.
example:
let's say she hits a pothole and it surprises her so she grabs a handful of throttle to hold onto the bike...
a 250cc ain't gonna pop a wheelie or buck her off, but my 1200R WILL do that if you redline it.
if i had started on my sporty instead of my (doggish) 750 shadow ace i would've been in trouble quite a few times.
a less powerful and lighter bike is more forgiving of mistakes, which is what a beginner needs.
let's say yourwife had never driven a car and just got her driver's permit...do you run out and buy her a Viper...i mean, it's the right foot that makes the car fast...she can control it and won't make any mistakes, right?
why exactly does every beginner course start on 300-400 lb bikes with low horsepower? it ain't just cause it's cheap...it's because beginners make mistakes and mistakes can be deadly on a bike.
just my .02$
ORIGINAL: whaap
My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator.
My response to people that suggest that perhaps a 1200 is "too much power" is that it's all in the right wrist. In other words, I can ride my 1200 as slow and as dogedly as someone else can ride a 250. It's all up to the operator.
you need practice to be able to make the right decision in a split second.
this is MUCH harder to do on a more powerful and heavier bike.
example:
let's say she hits a pothole and it surprises her so she grabs a handful of throttle to hold onto the bike...
a 250cc ain't gonna pop a wheelie or buck her off, but my 1200R WILL do that if you redline it.
if i had started on my sporty instead of my (doggish) 750 shadow ace i would've been in trouble quite a few times.
a less powerful and lighter bike is more forgiving of mistakes, which is what a beginner needs.
let's say yourwife had never driven a car and just got her driver's permit...do you run out and buy her a Viper...i mean, it's the right foot that makes the car fast...she can control it and won't make any mistakes, right?
why exactly does every beginner course start on 300-400 lb bikes with low horsepower? it ain't just cause it's cheap...it's because beginners make mistakes and mistakes can be deadly on a bike.
just my .02$
It's not that there isn't a risk involved. There is in any endeavour you undertake.
When I retired from the real world I got a job selling metrics for awhile. The typical story is a person buys a 250 - 350 or even a 500 cc because they are "beginners" and you'll see them back in the dealership within a month because they've outgrown their beginner bike and now want a real bike. That awkward, clumsy beginner stage is relatively short lived and unless they've got money to throw away they might as well buy the bike they want because, if they don't,in a month they'll be wishing they had.
Is there risk involved? Yes. But, if they're aware of the risk, again I think the average person can handle it for that brief period of time.